Abstract
This study aimed to elaborate a mathematical model to estimate the amount of residential solid waste (RSW) generated and thus, to propose an alternative methodology for calculating the waste collection tax (WCT) for the city of João Pessoa, in Northeast region of Brazil, based on the estimated amount of RSW generated rather than on the constructed area of the residence, as is the case for this city. The methodological procedures consisted of daily weighing of the RSW along with readings of water and electricity consumption in three multi-family buildings and two single-family houses in the city of João Pessoa. Results have shown that the RSW generation rate was 0.526 kg capita-1 day-1 in apartments (multi-family buildings) and 0.794 kg capita-1 day-1 in houses (single-family residence). Results also indicated that water consumption was highly correlated with RSW generation and that it is possible to estimate the amount of RSW generated in a residence considering its population and water consumption. Based on this model, a new methodology for the WCT calculation was proposed: an alternative which relies on the estimated amount of RSW rather than on the constructed area.
Highlights
This study deals with a matter in evidence in present days: solid waste
Food leftovers, deteriorating products, packing, magazines and bottles are a few examples of residential solid waste (RSW)
This paper aims at proposing a mathematical model for the estimation of the amount of waste generated at household level, so that the estimated amount can be used for calculating the waste collection tax (WCT) instead of the constructed area of the house, for example, as is the case in João Pessoa, Paraíba State, Brazil
Summary
Domestic or residential solid waste (RSW) corresponds to a considerable part of urban solid waste (USW) from daily activities at household level. Governmental data (SNSA, 2012a) reports a generation rate of USW of 0.93 kg capita-1 day-1 as the mean value for Brazilian cities in the year 2010. Technology hold level (RSW), making available data for such type of waste scarcer than those for USW. Still according to these authors, the household approach allows for consideration of socio-economic conditions, level of waste generation, geography and demography. In the city of Morelia, Mexico, according to Buenrostro et al (2001), the generation rate for residential source (RSW) was reported to be 0.629 kg capita-1 day-1 and represented 87% of USW generation
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
