Pattern, Characterization and Quantification of Unauthorized Waste Dump Sites: A Case Study of Bangalore

Abstract

Developing country municipal solid waste management is complex, managed by multiple institutions, prone to socio-political disruptions and often requires frequent and rapid estimates of good functioning. Estimating the quantity, composition and status of municipal solid waste found at unauthorized dump sites helps in diagnosis and in improving solid waste management system. The objective of this study was to find occurrences of unauthorized dump sites and to determine quantity, area, height of dumps, waste density and waste composition at these sites. A total of 452 locations were identified and quantification of solid wastes was carried out at 268 locations by determining waste spread area, measuring dump height and density by multiple techniques. Mixed dumped wastes at site was physically segregated into twelve waste categories (organic fraction, plastic, construction debris, paper, cloth, glass, leather, metal, rubber, biomedical waste, burnt waste and industrial wastes). It was estimated about 213310 Mg of wastes were dumped in 452 unauthorized dump sites. The composition of waste dumped in unauthorized sites have 41.3% of construction debris followed by 28.9% of organic waste and other fractions constituted the remaining. The waste composition at dump site suggests less efficient recycling systems and the possible direction for the system improvements.