Waste Collection Research Articles

Comparison of Mixed and Door-to-Door Systems for Urban Waste Collection in Terms of Effectiveness and Greenhouse Gas Emissions: A Case Study from Two Mountainous Italian Valleys

Collecting urban solid waste (USW) is a critical and essential phase for proper waste management and valorization. To date, many data are available for large cities, but few studies have focused on low-density areas, such as mountainous regions. Considering this lack in the literature, this study aimed to compare two separate waste collection systems in two mountainous valleys in terms of effectiveness and GHG emissions. In the first scenario, a mixed collection system (door-to-door + centers) was used, while in the other, waste was separately collected by a full door-to-door system. The results suggested that the full door-to-door system achieved better performance than the mixed collection system (door-to-door + centers), with a fraction of separate waste collection compared to the unit equals (0.84 ± 0.01 vs. 0.79 ± 0.02). Moreover, the full door-to-door system represented the best option for collecting separate waste in mountainous areas in terms of GHG emissions, with 11.21 kgCO2, eq twaste−1 emitted vs. 15.62 kgCO2, eq twaste−1 in the case of the mixed system. Despite utilities emitting a higher amount of GHGs in the door-to-door scenario (4.66 kgCO2, eq inh−1 y−1), they were fully compensated for by the low GHG emissions from citizens in the mixed scenario (1.77 kgCO2, eq inh−1 y−1 vs. 6.65 kgCO2, eq inh−1 y−1). Given the low amount of data on this topic, this work could be considered as a pioneer study of waste management in mountainous areas by comparing the results of two systems regarding effectiveness and GHG emissions. The outcomes of this study could be helpful for waste utilities, institutional agencies, and local communities and also serve as a tool for decision-making in the case of comparing the different options for USW collection systems.

Assessment of waste workers occupational risk to microbial agents and cytotoxic effects of mixed contaminants present in the air of waste truck cabin and ventilation filters

ABSTRACT Workers in the waste-processing industry are potentially exposed to high concentrations of biological contaminants, leading to respiratory and digestive problems and skin irritations. However, few data on the exposure of waste collection truck (WCT) drivers are available. The goal was to document the microbial risk of the waste collection truck (WCT) workers while in the vehicle cab. Long-period sampling using the truck air filters (CAF) and short time ambient air sampling in the cab were used. The potential release of microbial particles from CAFs was also investigated since it could contribute to the microbial load of the cabin air. A combination of analytical methods also helped assess the complex mixture of the biological agents. Aspergillus sections Fumigati and Flavi, E. coli, Enterobacter spp. and Legionella spp. were detected in the CAF of trucks collecting three types of waste. The highest levels of bacteria and fungi were found in the CAF from organic WCT. The highest endotoxin concentrations in CAF were 300 EU/cm2. Most of the CAF showed cytotoxic effects on both lung cells and hepatocytes. Only one mycotoxin was detected in a CAF. The maximal concentrations in the ambient WCT air varied according to the type of waste collected. The highest proportion (84%) of the air samples without cytotoxic effects on the lungs cells was for the recyclable material WCTs. The results revealed the potential microbial risk to workers from a complex mixture of bio-contaminants in the cabs of vehicles collecting all types of waste. The sustained cytotoxic effect indicates the potential adverse health-related impact of mixed contaminants (biological and non-biological) for the workers. Overall, this study highlights the benefits of using complementary sampling strategy and combined analytical methods for a the assessment of the microbial risk in work environments and the need to implement protective measures for the workers. Implications: Exposure to microbial agents is a well-known occupational hazard in the waste management sector. No previous study had evaluated the cytotoxicity of ambient air and ventilation filters to document worker exposure to a combination of contaminants during waste collection. This research confirms the usefulness of ventilation filters for long-term characterization of exposure to infectious agents, azole-resistant fungi, coliform bacteria and mycotoxin. Overall, this study highlights the importance of using several sampling and analysis methods for a comprehensive assessment of microbial risk in work environments, as well as the need to implement appropriate protective measures for collection workers.

Pengelolaan Sampah Pada Pondok Pesantren Al-Muhajirin, Jayamukti, Bekasi, Provinsi Jawa Barat

Community service activities carried out at the Al-Muhajirin Islamic boarding school, Bekasi Regency are a form of concern for the environment in the Islamic boarding school area. The waste produced by the Al-Muhajirin Islamic boarding school has not yet been processed, but is immediately collected and thrown away. In the waste collection process, comfort problems often occur, especially from waste pollution which produces unpleasant odors. This is potentially due to a lack of concern/awareness among students regarding waste processing in the Islamic boarding school environment. To overcome this problem, service activities are carried out through training for students regarding environmental concern/awareness based on a waste management system. The training is carried out inside and outside the classroom, in the form of sorting the waste produced and then continuing with waste processing and its economic potential. Waste processing practices that have economic value are carried out to foster insight and develop an entrepreneurial spirit. This activity process also creates comfort and produces a cleaner environment because there is no accumulation of rubbish in the Islamic boarding school environment.a

Electric waste collection vehicles in Poland: A challenge or burden for local communities?

One of the categories of heavy-duty vehicles is waste collection trucks. This study investigates the use of electric waste collection trucks for mixed and selectively collected waste in Poland. Three types of common communities were selected including densely populated city, town and rural settlements. The locations of the case studies represent typical communities and urban development in Poland. It was a real-world test of the collections in urban and rural communities. The results indicated that the most important factors for planning and routing for an electric vehicle are the range of the vehicle and the state of charge of the battery. In most waste collections in this study, it was possible to drive on one battery charge. Some additional factors are necessary to consider for the planning of the route and collection area. The number of waste compacting cycles, the distance from the waste collection company base, and the battery charging time require real-world tests by the electric waste collection truck. The cost analysis for the use of electric waste collection trucks in a rural community indicates high purchase costs of electric waste collection trucks and technical challenges with the infrastructure, service, and maintenance of the vehicles. Sensitivity analysis indicates a long repayment time for electric truck purchase, ranging from 16 to 33 years. The cost of charging electric heavy duty trucks is lower than that of combustion engine trucks, but the high purchase cost discourages the local community from using electric trucks for waste collection.

Transformasi Pemasaran Di Era Digital: Optimalisasi Landing Page Untuk Meningkatkan Brand Awareness Pada Jasa Pengepul Sampah-Karung Sampah

Business transformation in the digital era requires an innovative marketing approach. One way is by utilizing the potential of the internet and information technology. This research focuses on the important role of landing pages in designing online experiences for consumers. The theoretical basis involves the concept of marketing transformation, landing page optimization, and the importance of brand awareness for waste collection services. The methodology used adopts a qualitative approach with a case study in Karung Sampah. Data is collected through observation and analysis using third parties, namely Google Search Console and Google Analytics. It was found that responsive design, relevant content, and social media integration played an important role in the success of the campaign (brand awareness)

A sustainable modelling for solid waste management using analytical hierarchy process, Monte Carlo simulation and NSGA-III

The issue of solid waste management is one of the greatest challenges of any society. Instead of leveraging solid waste's potential to produce energy using waste-to-energy (WTE) technologies, different countries especially developing countries stick to their ineffective and inferior methods to dispose of solid wastes. To fill this gap between energy production and waste management, this paper develops a novel methodology that integrates three efficacious tools, including Monte Carlo simulation, multi-attribute decision-making, and mathematical optimisation modelling to solve the problem from the perspective of economy, energy recovery, environment (3E), and social sustainability. In this paper, a multi-attribute decision-making method, namely AHP, is investigated to select the most suitable emerging WTE technological options as well as the optimal waste collection routes, to capture solid waste as a potential renewable energy source. Monte Carlo simulation and beta-PERT distribution are also applied to reduce the uncertainty intrinsic to decision-making. After validating the proposed methodology in a real-world case study of Tehran city, we apply a novel meta-heuristic algorithm namely NSGA-III to solve the problem on large scales with a reasonable computational time. The performance of this algorithm in solving waste location-routing problems is explored by conducting several trials. Highlights Addressing an integrated waste-to-energy and transportation network for solid waste management. Developing a novel methodology for finding the best waste-to-energy technological alternatives with respect to the sustainable criteria. Finding the high-quality set of waste collection routes, in addition to the location of facilities with the consideration of waste collection in a separated manner and vehicle's fuel consumption and emission in the MIP model. Monte Carlo simulation and beta-PERT distribution are proposed to stochastically model the absence of accurate data. Application of NSGA-III algorithm to handle the solid waste location routing problem.

A threshold model of plastic waste fragmentation: New insights into the distribution of microplastics in the ocean and its evolution over time

Plastic pollution in the aquatic environment has been assessed for many years by ocean waste collection expeditions around the globe or by river sampling. While the total amount of plastic produced worldwide is well documented, the amount of plastic found in the ocean, the distribution of particles on its surface and its evolution over time are still the subject of much debate. In this article, we propose a general fragmentation model, postulating the existence of a critical size below which particle fragmentation becomes extremely unlikely. In the frame of this model, an abundance peak appears for sizes around 1 mm, in agreement with real environmental data. Using, in addition, a realistic exponential waste feed to the ocean, we discuss the relative impact of fragmentation and feed rates, and the temporal evolution of microplastics (MP) distribution. New conclusions on the temporal trend of MP pollution are drawn.

Optimizing routes of municipal waste collection: an application algorithm

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to formulate an algorithm designed to discern the optimal routes for efficient municipal solid waste (MSW) collection.Design/methodology/approachThe research method is simulation. The proposed algorithm combines heuristics derived from the constructive genetic algorithm (CGA) and tabu search (TS). The algorithm is applied in a municipality located at Southern Brazil, with 40,000 inhabitants, circa.FindingsThe implementation achieved a remarkable 25.44% reduction in daily mileage of the vehicles, resulting in savings of 150.80 km/month and 1,809.60 km/year. Additionally, it reduced greenhouse gas emissions (including fossil CO2, CH4, N2O, total CO2e and biogenic CO2) by an average of 26.15%. Moreover, it saved 39 min of daily working time.Research limitations/implicationsFurther research should thoroughly analyze the feasibility of decision-making regarding planning, scheduling and scaling municipal services using digital technology.Practical implicationsThe municipality now has a tool to improve public management, mainly related with municipal solid waste. The municipality reduced the cost of public management of municipal solid waste, redirecting funds to other priorities, such as public health and education.Originality/valueThe study integrates MSW collection service with an online platform based on Google MapsTM. The advantages of employing geographical information systems are agility, low cost, adaptation to changes and accuracy.

Analyzing the territorial dimensions of work through a comparative study of waste recovery facilities in France and Brazil.

Waste production and management from residents and collection for sorting are systems heavily dependent on territorial dimensions. Ergonomic research needs to better integrate such territorial determinants to improve work conditions and design sustainable work systems. Through studies in France and Brazil, this paper analyzes the territorial relations that raise work systems' sustainability challenges for materials recovery facilities (MRFs) and waste management in both countries and examines the links between work activity and territory in MRFs. Both studies were based on the principles of activity-oriented ergonomics and used analyses of work activity and sociotechnical systems. The French study focused on interventions conducted over a 42-month period in five MRFs. The Brazilian study was based on a 20-month longitudinal qualitative and quantitative study. In this paper, we argue that territory is a key determining factor in waste production and work. Notably, the consumption patterns of residents and the economic flows within a geographic space determine the waste composition; and the territorially specified public policies, which define technical and social dimensions of waste collection and sorting. However, the territorial dimensions of waste are poorly considered in facility design. Workers' health and sorting system performance are thus affected and negatively compromising plant performance. The territory appears as a blind spot in the design of work systems. One of the challenges is to create interfaces and devices that could help to integrate better human activity and waste territorialized anchorage, in a multilevel organization, from local communities to the global recycling chains.

Optimization of municipal solid waste collection sites by an integrated spatial analysis approach in Semarang City

Optimization of municipal solid waste collection sites by an integrated spatial analysis approach in Semarang City

Health challenges and facilitators of arbaeen pilgrimage: a scoping review

BackgroundThe Arbaeen Pilgrimage, a momentous religious journey drawing millions of participants annually, presents a profound spiritual experience. However, amidst its significance lie various health challenges that pilgrims encounter along the way. Addressing these challenges is vital to ensure the well-being of participants and the success of this extraordinary event. In light of this, the aim of this study is to examine the health challenges of the Arbaeen Pilgrimage, identify facilitators for solving these challenges, and propose effective solutions to enhance the overall pilgrimage experience for all involved.MethodsThe scoping review was performed by searching databases such as Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar search engine with a focus on the keywords “Arbaeen”, “Arbaeen walk” and “Arbaeen pilgrimage”. The search was not constrained by a specific time limitation in the databases. Data from studies were extracted using a data extraction form consisting of 9 fields. The selection of articles and data extraction were carried out by two researchers, adhering to predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Any disagreements were resolved through consultation with a third researcher. The study was reported following the PRISMA checklist.ResultsOut of 1619 retrieved articles, 9 were finally included in this study. All these studies were published since 2017 and conducted in Iraq and Iran. In total, 101 health challenges and facilitators were identified, comprising 61 challenges and 40 facilitators. The challenges with the highest frequency included “infectious disease outbreaks” (n = 7), “Poor management of Iraq’s health system in waste collection and disposal” (n = 4), “Rising incidence of walking injuries among pilgrims (e.g., burns, fractures, lacerations, wounds, and blisters)” (n = 4), and “Insufficient knowledge about personal and public health“(n = 4). The most important facilitators to solving the challenges were: “Customized pilgrim training and addressing their issues, with a focus on vital practices” (n = 6), “Coordinating mass gathering stakeholders, including health ministries and organizations” (n = 4), and “Implementing an agile syndromic system for rapid surveillance and identification of contagious illnesses” (n = 4).ConclusionThe article discusses health challenges faced during the Arbaeen Pilgrimage and proposes facilitative measures for participants’ well-being. It emphasizes the significance of addressing health risks in large gatherings and suggests incorporating measures for a safer and enjoyable pilgrimage experience. Overall, understanding and managing these health factors can lead to a successful execution of the Arbaeen Pilgrimage, benefiting the physical and spiritual well-being of all involved.

Ammonia emissions from livestock facilities around an international airport, Tehran, Iran: An experimental and mathematical study

AbstractAmmonia emissions from livestock farms are a major problem for staff and residents near these centers. Anaerobic decomposition of livestock waste and the collection and stacking of waste are the main sources of ammonia gas on livestock farms. This article examined ammonia emissions from livestock facilities near Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport. First, field measurements were made in the summer (30°C), and collected samples were examined using the indophenol technique. AERMOD, based on Gaussian fluctuating plume theory, was constructed to model ammonia emissions. According to AERMOD, the maximum periodic‐seasonal 2‐hourly and 8‐hourly ammonia concentrations were 15.9, 229, and 63.7 OU (odor unit per unit volume)/m3, respectively. The hourly ammonia emission rate from livestock sources is also 0.0168 gm−2 h−1. AERMOD results mathematical model indicated reasonable agreement with the field measurement, which the coefficient of determination (R2), index of agreement (d), and efficiency coefficient (E) were 0.95, 0.97, and 0.91, respectively. Moreover, Statistical indices, including geometric mean bias (MG), geometric variance (VG), fraction of predictions within a factor of two of observations (FAC2), and normalized mean square error (NMSE), the root mean square error (RMSE) and mean absolute error (MAE) are also indicated by 1.36 and 0.67, respectively, were used to assess the reliability of the model results showed that AERMOD had a good agreement with the field measurement.

Analysis of barriers that affect the success of the “Zero Waste North Lombok” program

Waste management is a cross-cutting issue that is closely related to various global challenges. At the local government level, waste management services carried out demonstrate the sustainability of a city so that local governments are responsible for finding affordable waste management solutions with the least impact on the environment. North Lombok Regency has a waste management problem that results in the realization of its handling not reaching the target. To overcome the waste management problem, the local government initiated a priority development program "Zero Waste North Lombok" which is expected to address the existing problems. In the process, the implementation of the program has not run significantly. To support the achievement of the program, a study of the barriers to zero waste was conducted using the fuzzy DEMATEL method. This method is able to facilitate the identification of causal relationships between criteria assessed in complex systems so as to provide information on various perceptions for stakeholders. The 12 barriers identified were divided into two groups: influential barriers and receptive barriers. The influential barriers consist of lack of policies and regulations on waste, lack of cooperation among stakeholders, uncertainty about circular economy targets and strategies, and inadequate sanctions and fines. While the influential group of barriers consists of the barriers of lack of environmental awareness, inadequate recycling techniques, inadequate methods for sorting, transporting and recycling waste, lack of financial and economic assistance, lack of advertising and media coverage for waste management, lack of adequate areas for waste collection and sorting, lack of awareness about environmental protection and lack of temporary shelters. This group of influential barriers needs to be considered and addressed by the local government so that the goals of the "Zero Waste North Lombok" program can be achieved.

Heated fibre-optic cable installed in compacted bentonite layers: numerical evaluation of influences of the compaction-induced variability on thermal conductivity estimation

Active heating of fibre-optic (FO) cable combined with distributed temperature sensing has been applied as a quality control tool for emplacing granulated bentonite buffer. For calibrating the tool, the FO cable is installed in specimens with known dry densities. Layer-by-layer compaction is often employed to prepare the specimens. Although the average dry density is guaranteed, some studies report possible variations in the dry density within a layer. In this study, heat transfer from a heated FO cable installed in granulated bentonite with different compaction-induced variabilities was numerically simulated. The reference case used homogeneous bentonite with an average dry density of 1.5 g cm −3 . For three other cases the granulated bentonite was filled in two, three and four layers, respectively, each of which had a distinct dry density gradient ranging from 1.3 to 1.7 g cm −3 . For each case, the FO cable placed at the centre of the container was numerically heated, and the thermal conductivity was calculated using temperature changes. In the cases where the FO cable was placed on the layer interface at which the dry density was discontinuous, the calculated apparent thermal conductivity was found to have been underestimated with an error of as much as 4%. In the other two cases, the thermal conductivities obtained were nearly identical to those corresponding to the average dry density. The influence of the compaction-induced variability in the dry density was found to be insignificant and the estimated thermal conductivity was essentially that of the bentonite represented by its average dry density. Thematic collection: This article is part of the Sustainable geological disposal and containment of radioactive waste collection available at: https://www.lyellcollection.org/topic/collections/radioactive

Assessment of Solid Waste Disposal Practices and Management Strategies in Eke Okigwe Market, Imo State, Nigeria

Effective solid waste management is necessary to safeguard environmental and public health in communities. However, inadequate disposal practices and facilities pose sustainability challenges in many locales. This study assesses waste management strategies and practices in Eke Okigwe Market, Nigeria. A mixed-methods approach was employed using survey of 220 participants found the most common primary disposal methods were burning (41.5%) and waste collection services (36.9%). Major challenges included inadequate infrastructure (42.2%), lack of storage facilities (22.5%), and insufficient collection (9.2%). Awareness of regulations was high (74.4%) but compliance varied from full (23.2%) to partial (46.4%). Vendors/owners (53.6%) and administrators (27.7%) were the main stakeholders, displaying moderate (50%) to limited (17.7%) collaboration. Air pollution (40.9%), health hazards (36.4%), and soil contamination (13.6%) were top environmental concerns. Semi-structured interviews revealed a mandatory biweekly collection program organized through unsanitary open dumps. An informal fee-based system operated via waste pickers. Governance required upgrade, as sub-administrators reported to an executive committee. Key findings were triangulated. Collection frequency significantly predicted disposal methods (R2=47.5%), with less improper disposal associated with higher frequency. Awareness positively correlated with compliance (r=.750). Disposal methods also correlated negatively with challenges faced (r=-.673) and collection frequency (r=-.689). This mixed methods case study characterized multifaceted waste management challenges. Upgrades to infrastructure, stakeholder integration, and education programs are needed for optimized, sustainable practices aligned with regulations through coordinated multi-level reforms.
 
 Received: 16 November 2023 / Accepted: 28 December 2023 / Published: 5 January 2024

Windows of opportunity: The power dynamics in the disposable nappy regime and opportunities for niche innovations

This paper studies niche-regime dynamics in sustainability transitions in the disposable nappy industry in Australia. Disposable nappies generate a disproportionate amount of plastic waste relative to the per capita usage of the product. In the 60 years since disposable nappies were introduced into the market, niche innovators attempting to offer more sustainable solutions have been unable to challenge the dominant market position of disposable nappies. Little attention has been paid to the dynamics of this industry despite the growing plastic waste crisis and the emergence of new niche innovations.In this study, we apply the Multi-Level Perspective (MLP) to the disposable nappy category for the first time. We adopt the “windows of opportunity” framework that sits within MLP to understand niche-regime dynamics in the nappy industry. The findings of this study revealed several significant barriers that niche nappy innovators need to overcome to destabilise regime-level actors and become mainstream. Achieving price parity and matching performance and convenience are the most significant factors. A new policy intervention in the Australian state of New South Wales banning the inclusion of compostable biofilms in household Food Organics Garden Organics (FOGO) waste collections also poses an immediate regulatory barrier.

Assessment of Solid Waste Management Practices in Higher Educational Institutions in Makurdi Metropolis Benue State, Nigeria

This study examined solid waste management practices in higher educational institutions within the Makurdi Metropolis, Benue State, Nigeria. The study was conducted in three higher institutions, namely: Joseph Saawuan Tarkaa University, Makurdi; Benue State University, Makurdi; and Alfred Akawe Torkula Polytechnic, Makurdi. The study sampled 395 respondents covering all the solid waste generators (students, staff and school mini-market operators) using simple random and purposive sampling procedures. Descriptive statistical method such as frequency count, percentage, mean, standard deviation, skewness and kurtosis were employed in data analysis. The result revealed that the majority of respondents were male (69.9%), falling predominantly within the 18-40 age bracket (82.0%), and unmarried (70.7%). A substantial portion of respondents had educational backgrounds of NCE/ND or secondary school certificates (39.4% and 31.5% respectively), with 70.7% still actively pursuing their education and 71.0% earning less than or equal to N30,000.00 per month on average. Solid waste generating entities were identified, with school mini-markets (labour markets) being the primary contributors (37.7%), followed by offices/lecture halls (34.7%), students’ hostels (28.6%), and general school premises (26.8%). The dominant types of solid waste generated included organic waste such as food remnants (81.2%), papers (67.1%), and plastic waste (64.6%). The municipal waste management authority, BENSESA, was found to be directly responsible for managing 58.5% of the solid waste in the study area, while 20.07% and 17.1% indicated that solid waste was managed by contractors hired by the selected institutions and institutions’ waste management departments/units respectively. Regarding waste storage and collection facilities, 46.0% of respondents reported that their institutions lacked such facilities, and 61.0% mentioned waste being dumped at open temporary dumpsites. Waste collection and disposal services were also found to be lacking, with 35.1% indicating that their institutions did not have these services. The most prevalent methods of solid waste disposal were open dumping (75.3%) and burning (61.3%), indicating suboptimal waste management practices. Inadequate service coverage from BENSESA was identified as a major challenge with a mean score of 4.30. In conclusion, this study highlights the inadequate solid waste management practices in higher educational institutions in Makurdi Metropolis, resulting in uncollected and improperly disposed waste. This poses significant health and environmental risks to residents of these campuses. The study recommends several measures to address these issues, including the establishment and enforcement of waste segregation programmes, improving waste collection and disposal services, conducting awareness campaigns, enforcing waste management policies, and investing in waste disposal infrastructure.

Smart Waste Collection Based on Vehicle Routing Optimization: Case of Casablanca City

Morocco has implemented circular economy principles in their waste management program to close or rehabilitate all existing landfills. However, the waste collection and transportation process remain highly inefficient and costly, contributing to a substantial environmental footprint for waste collection operations. The inefficiencies in the current waste management system highlight the need for innovative solutions to optimize collection processes and minimize environmental impact. This study responds to this imperative by proposing the use of smart bin technology combined with a vehicle routing problem tool. The integration of these technologies aims to develop an intelligent solution for appropriate waste collection, limiting container pickup only when necessary, and optimizing waste collection routes. Our approach considers several factors, including the fill level of each container, time windows, vehicle capacity, and tour completion constraints. By addressing these key factors, the system seeks to revolutionize waste management practices, improving the efficiency and effectiveness of waste collection.

A mathematical model of optimal pricing for the equilibrium budget balance of a company specializing in solid household waste collection

This paper proposes a pricing model to ensure the budget balance of a company responsible for collecting and treating solid household waste in a city. The model used is of the Principal-Agent type which considers two actors at play, namely the leader (the service provider company) and the follower (the households and establishments that are the beneficiaries of the waste collection service). The model is a constrained bi-level optimization program. The model was applied in the case of Benin to the Grand Nokoué waste management and healthiness Company (SGDS-GN) whose intervention area, in the beginning, covers five communes in the southern part of the country. The solving of the optimization program was made with three (03) scenarios: the company spends two (02) times a week for waste collection (scenario 1), the company spends three (03) times a week for waste collection (scenario 2) and the company spends four (04) times a week for waste collection (scenario 3). The simulation results show that scenario 2 with three (03) passages per week appears more optimal for both the company (the operating result is higher) and the beneficiaries of waste collection services (the rate to be paid is lower).

Assessment of Solid Waste Management Practices in High-Density Residential Townships: A Case Study of Mtendere Township in Lusaka, Zambia.

Solid waste management is critical to a country’s economic and social growth, affecting public health, environmental stability, and economic advancement. The rising amount and complexity of trash generated by the contemporary economy endangers ecosystems and human health. This study was set out to assess the current state of Solid Waste Management practices in the densely populated residential areas of Mtendere Township in Lusaka district of Zambia. A mixed method study design comprising of qualitative and quantitative methods was utilized in this study. Quantitative data were collected through structured surveys which enabled statistical analysis to discern trends. Qualitative insights were derived from open-ended interviews with key stakeholders and site observations. 385 study participants were selected to participate in the study via purposeful sampling technique. The study disclosed that the majority of respondents were females (57.6%) and belonged to the age group of 25-34 (37.0%). A significant proportion of study participants were self-employed (34.8%) and most of them had attained secondary level of education (42.4%). The study also revealed that, the predominant method used for waste collection was door-to-door (44.2%), followed by open dumping (24.3%) and burning waste (19.9%). The study also uncovered that, the majority of respondents, (71.0%), reported waste collection every 3 days, indicating a relatively infrequent collection schedule. Also, a smaller portion of the sample, (13.8%), stated that waste collection occurred less than once a week. The study further revealed that, the majority of respondents (93.8%) were not aware about waste segregation and recycling programs in Mtendere Township, indicating a need for the development and implementation of waste management strategies that promote waste segregation and recycling. The study also disclosed that, only a small minority of respondents (1.1%) perceived that, there were sufficient waste disposal facilities in Mtendere Township in Zambia. In contrast, the majority of participants, (87%) believed that there was a lack of adequate waste disposal facilities in Mtendere Township. The study further disclosed that, most of the respondents (59.4%) described Mtendere township as dirty indicating a prevailing perception of poor hygiene while a small proportion of respondents (19.2%) regarded the township as very dirty. The study further disclosed that, insufficient waste collection frequency (35.9%), lack of waste segregation and recycling programs (28.3%), and inadequate waste disposal facilities (40.6%) as major challenges faced by Mtendere Township in the management of solid waste in Lusaka, Zambia. Also 28.6% of the respondents pointed out that poor enforcement of waste management regulations and lack of community awareness and participation on the proper waste management (60.5%) as other significant challenges faced by Mtendere Township in the management of solid waste. The study also exposed that every single respondent (100%) has personally experienced environmental or health effects of inadequate solid waste management in Mtendere Township. This study further revealed air pollution (36.2%), Water contamination (32.2%) which increased the risk of waterborne diseases like cholera and spread of diseases (64.9%) as environmental or health effects caused by in-adequate Solid Waste Management in Mtendere Township in Zambia. It also disclosed that, foul odors (86.6%), and aesthetically unpleasant surroundings (81.2%) as other environmental or health effects caused by in-adequate Solid Waste Management. It is therefore, recommended that, there is need to conduct a study to assess the impact of increased waste collection frequency on waste accumulation and hygiene conditions in the township. Also exploring the economic aspects of waste management, analyzing social and behavioural factors influencing waste management practices, and understanding the role of technology and innovation in enhancing efficiency will contribute to a holistic understanding of sustainable waste management practices and inform future strategies in this domain.