Post-War waste composition: Household waste management in Misrata City, Libya

Abstract

Waste generation and its composition reflect activities of a society, due to the fact that it is driven by socio-economic interactions, political structure, and social security. However, changes to waste composition may go unnoticed, except where a database on household solid waste (HSW) is available. Libyan cities were devastated by the scourge of war due to the Arab spring. This necessitates planning and development to tackle waste management. This study aims to determine the composition of household solid waste in Misrata, Libya, to generate waste stream data that eludes most post-war cities in North Africa and Middle East, which can be used to plan and subsequently manage waste collection services, treatment options, and disposal methods. Discrete classification and direct measurement of HSW from selected families (30) in Misrata were utilized to assess waste composition and changes across households. 400 questionnaires were distributed to residents to determine public perception and its correlation to waste composition. The results confirmed that the highest amount of HSW generated was organic waste, which accounts for 52 %, followed by 20.7%, 16% and 5.9% generated from miscellaneous waste, plastics, and paper wastes, respectively. Metals and glass reported the lowest HSW components, at 3.9% and 1.5%, respectively. The survey component of the study indicated that more than 70% of the respondents claimed that recyclable items are increasing, especially plastics, due to changes in life style and income.