Solid Waste Generation Research Articles

Strategies for Enhancing Solid Waste Management Practices in Urban Secondary Schools in Developing Countries

Effective solid waste management in urban secondary schools in developing countries is essential for mitigating environmental and health risks associated with improper waste disposal. This manuscript examines current practices and proposes strategies to enhance solid waste management in these educational settings. Current practices include efforts to reduce packaging materials, promote recycling and composting initiatives, utilize sorting and processing technologies, and implement anaerobic digestion for organic waste treatment. However, challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, limited resources, and insufficient awareness among students and staff hinder effective waste management. This study also investigates current solid waste generation rates specific to urban secondary schools, highlighting variability influenced by factors like population density and consumption patterns. The environmental impact of poor waste management includes pollution of air, soil, and water, as well as habitat. Health concerns arise from disease transmission due to breeding grounds for vectors like mosquitoes in stagnant water and exposure to hazardous chemicals from improperly managed waste. To address these challenges, comprehensive strategies are proposed, encompassing infrastructure development, educational programs integrating waste management into the curriculum, community engagement, and policy advocacy. These strategies aim to promote sustainable practices, improve waste segregation, enhance recycling rates, and reduce the overall environmental footprint of urban secondary schools in developing countries. Implementation of these strategies is crucial for fostering a cleaner, healthier environment and empowering future generations with environmental stewardship values.

AN ENGINEERED SYSTEM FOR SOLID WASTE COLLECTION IN SAMARU, ZARIA, NIGERIA

Solid waste includes all materials that are firm and stable in shape including semisolid materials that are no longer considered of sufficient value to be retained in a given setting. Solid waste generation rates and patterns within the study area were mapped out through GPS, Google route software, AutoCAD, ArcGIS, GPS, Route optimization software, measuring tape, Marker, Containers of equal volume, Record book, Calculator, and Stopwatch. Eleven sacks were used to collect solid waste from eleven different households daily within three months of the wet and dry seasons of the year. The highest average volume of solid waste generated per household per week in Samaru was in the dry season =0.25 m3. The dry season witnesses a substantial volume of 0.206 m³ for garbage organic materials, constituting 66.45% of the total composition. In the wet season, this volume remains significant at 0.104 m³, accounting for 61.18% of the total composition. The highest percentage of organic materials (garbage) during both seasons suggests a need for improved organic waste management. The minimum allowable capacity of the solid waste collection containers for the designed system is 10 m3 considering a minimum of two containers per city block

A multi-criteria approach to test and evaluate the efficiency of two composting systems under two different climates

ABSTRACT The selection of the appropriate composting system, climate conditions, and duration of the composting process are important parameters for municipal solid waste composting. Therefore, this research aimed to design, test, and evaluate two different static composting systems under two different climate regions, Palestine and India, following a multi-criteria approach. A forced-aeration composting system was designed for use in Palestine, and a naturally aerated one was used in India. Three experiments were conducted, two of them in Palestine and one in India. The operational parameters were controlled and monitored during the composting process, while the physio-chemical and biological parameters were tested to evaluate the compost end quality. The results showed that both systems provide good efficiency toward formation of final compost (39–43 days in Palestine, and 31 days in India), and the average materials’ volume reduction was almost 60%. The physio-chemical analysis showed that most of the parameters comply with the threshold limits specified by the Palestinian Standards Institution (PSI) and Indian Fertilizer Control Order (FCO) except for minor deviations. Both systems provided a high fertility index (4.3, 4.7, and 4.8), and a high clean index (4.6, 5.0, and 4.7). However, the results of the biological parameters showed that all the experiments met PSI, but none of them met FCO, suggesting that the outer edges of the composting system didn’t heat enough to inactivate pathogenic microbes, therefore, developing the system by adding turning option could overcome this shortcoming. It was concluded that the forced aeration system is suitable for Palestine, while the natural aeration system is suitable for India. Implications: Municipal solid waste management is facing technical and financial challenges worldwide due to the increasing generation of solid waste following the population growth. The current improper management of this waste stream through landfilling is adding pressure on the environment as a result of methane emissions and landfill leachate. Therefore, composting of the organic fraction through selection of an appropriate composting system can solve many waste management problems and contribute to environmental sustainability. This research focuses on design, test and evaluate two composting systems in two regions with different climatic conditions, Palestine and India as both are facing waste management problems. The outcome of this research optimized the composting process which can be replicated and scaled up in other countries worldwide with similar climatic conditions.

The impact of TOURISM and seasonality on different types of municipal solid waste (MSW) generation: The case of Ibiza

Most studies analysing waste generation consider the impact on the resident population; however, in the case of tourist destinations, it is important to differentiate the impact between the local population and tourists. This research separates these two population groups using the stochastic impacts by regression on population, affluence and technology (STIRPAT) model for the case of Ibiza. The results confirm different waste generation patterns in tourist and non-tourist populations depending on the waste type (non-sorted and sorted). Moreover, our analysis found that the amount of waste generated per person decreased over time, demonstrating the growth of circular economy practices in the destination. Furthermore, the STIRPAT model highlights the development of a circular economy, showing a downward trend in the generation of non-sorted waste and a positive trend towards collecting recyclable materials. Finally, the results confirm that waste generation patterns vary by season, population, and waste type. Additionally, for both populations, there is a reduction in per capita non-sorted waste generation (this is more significant for the non-tourist population). In contrast, per capita sorted waste generation has increased for both types of population.

Environmental Sustainability and Solid Waste Management Procedures in Bukavu City, Democratic Republic of Congo

Environmental sustainability approaches such as effective solid waste management processes are indispensable for promoting sustainable urban development. Therefore, sustainable approaches to urban solid waste management are essential for every growing city. Bukavu City in Democratic Republic of Congo is a continuously growing city with a correspondingly increasing generation of solid waste which needs effective and sustainable management. This study engaged a mixed method model of both qualitative and quantitative approaches in assessing the perception of respondents on the sustainable aspect of the solid waste management procedures in the city of Bukavu. It administered 400 household questionnaires to residents, but also complemented the retrieved by interviewing key informants about the solid waste management approaches in the city. Results indicate inadequacy in the solid waste management processes in Bukavu City. Therefore, an inclusive and all-encompassing sustainable urban governance is proposed to encourage effective community participation in the management of the city environmental parameters alongside the enshrinement of a sustainable waste and environmental policy.

Analysis of the Gravimetric Composition of Urban Solid Waste from the Municipality of Belém/PA

This article aimed to evaluate, using statistical tools, the generation and composition of municipal solid waste (MSW) in the city of Belém, Pará, from nine urban collection sectors in the municipality and the average nominal income of the population. Approximately 900 kg of urban solid waste was collected from the municipality in the period from 2021 to 2022. Statistical tests were carried out on hypotheses with 5% significance in comparative evaluations and their respective average nominal incomes. The results indicated that the organic fraction corresponded to 55.57% of the waste generated in the municipality, 14.26% was inert waste (potentially contaminating), and 0.67% was miscellaneous waste. It was observed that the waste generated by families with high purchasing power tended to contain higher percentages of recyclables while in families with lower purchasing power, the highest percentages tended to be organic. Knowledge of the generation of MSW is fundamental for the choice and dimensioning of operations and processes involved in the management chain at the municipal level. The decentralization of services offered based on solid waste management would enable greater success in serving the population.

Analyzing the Evolution of Research on Student Awareness of Solid Waste Management in Higher Education Institutions: A Bibliometric Perspective

Improper solid waste management (SWM) has resulted in an environmental and epidemiological catastrophe, emphasizing the urgency of SWM due to escalating solid waste generation. Over the past few decades, there has been significant growth in publications studying the relationship between SWM and the environment. Higher education institutes (HEIs) also have a social responsibility to promote public understanding of SWM and to increase awareness among students about SWM. A bibliometric analysis was conducted to provide an overview of research on student awareness of SWM in HEIs over the past 35 years. Data on publication output are identified based on the Scopus database (from 1989 to 2024). A total of 634 articles on SWM awareness and practices among students in HEIs were identified. VOSviewer was used to map the current studies and visualize the current trends in this area. The analysis of keywords used in the publications highlights recurring terms such as “recycling”, “environmental awareness”, and “waste management”, indicating the primary research focus. The results show a significant increase in publications in this area over the last 35 years. China, the US, and the UK emerge as the countries with the highest number of publications with 115, 82, and 44 publications, respectively, where China alone contributed 18.14% of the total publications on the topic, with the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Tsinghua University being the leading institutions in this research field. The results also highlight the top researchers in the field of student awareness of SWM in HEIs. It identifies influential journals in this field, such as Sustainability (MDPI) and the Journal of Cleaner Production (Elsevier). Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the current state of research on student awareness of SWM in HEIs, identifying research hotspots. It serves as a valuable resource for academics and practitioners interested in this area. The findings of the study are intended to guide researchers planning to conduct further research on the issue.

Effects of the Decommissioning of a Garbage Dump on Solid Waste Management and Gravimetric Study in a Rural Community in Baianópolis, Bahia

Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the changes in solid waste management and to carry out a gravimetric study in the rural community of Tabua, in the municipality of Baianópolis-BA, following the decommissioning of a landfill site. Method: The methodology adopted for this research was divided into: a gravimetric study and the identification/analysis of irregular waste disposal points. The gravimetric study was carried out by quartering and separating the waste. The identification of irregular waste disposal points near the community was carried out over a distance of around 5 km on the BA430. Results and Discussion: The results showed that the community's per capita waste generation is 0.171 kg/inhabitant per day, with the gravimetric composition of the sample corresponding to: 34% glass, 28% organic, 22% reject, 11% plastic, 3% metal and 2% paper. The most representative specific weight was observed for organic waste, followed by glass and waste. Four irregular solid waste disposal points were found near the community of Tabua, developed and intensified after the sudden closure of the dump in 2022. Research Implications: This research has practical implications as it presents a diagnosis of poor waste management in a rural community, as well as proposing alternatives for more inclusive and comprehensive management. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by addressing the generation and disposal of solid waste in rural areas, an issue that has been little discussed in the academic sphere and which is generating growing concern for the rural environment and for guaranteeing the health of the rural population.

What do Contemporary Publications Report about the Generation of Urban Solid Waste (MSW) and/or Consumption from the Perspective of Chemistry Teaching?

The present study aimed to highlight the research on the topics of urban solid waste generation and consumerism from the perspective of Chemistry teaching between the years 2018 and 2023. To this end, a State-of-the-Art research, according to Romanowski and Ens (2006), in Periódicos Capes database on the aforementioned themes was realized. The methodology used was qualitative. The forms of analysis applied were both mediated by the IRAMuTeQ software and processed by the content analysis of Bardin (2002). In relation to the survey in Periódicos Capes, a textual corpus was obtained with 15 article summaries. Still as results, for textual statistics, the emergence of 82 text segments (ST) was observed, with the use of 65 ST (79.3%) and six classes in the Descending Hierarchical Classification (DHC). This is a satisfactory use and allows us to classify this analysis as consistent and consequently move on to content analysis based on the DHC. The mottos Waste and Generation were the highlights of the similarity analysis, preceded by the mottos Technology, Environmental, Student and Consumerism. In relation to content analysis, two very important categories emerged that communicate well with this object of study. As a consideration, it appears that in the contemporaneity of the last five years, there are strong signs of gaps regarding the use of these themes in the teaching of Chemistry, making it important for researchers to invest more time in the development of the area.

Comprehensive study on social, compositional and thermal aspects of household solid waste for waste-to-energy potential estimation in Tashkent city

The management of household solid waste (HSW) has emerged as a key issue in developing nations. A critical analysis of the physical and chemical components of MSW management and infrastructure is necessary to address current socioeconomic issues. According to the World Bank projections, the annual global generation of solid waste from municipalities is expected to reach 2.59 billion tons by 2030 and and 3.40 billion tonnes by 2050. Inadequate handling of waste products frequently results in harm to the environment, the spread of diseases, and the generation of greenhouse gases, all of which have contributed to climate change and global warming. The waste-to-energy (WtE) strategy, which drastically reduces waste volume and produces renewable energy, has been adopted by a number of countries to address these issues. In this study, the social, compositional, and thermal aspects of household solid waste in a typical Tashkent District were studied. A Social survey was conducted to investigate residents’ behavior towards waste sorting. The survey was conducted in the Uchtepa district of Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The composition of household solid waste was studied to explore the fractional distribution of the waste in the area. The American Society for Testing and Materials (5231–92) and European PN-EN standards were used for sampling, sorting, and for the rest of the analyses. Subsequently, proximate and ultimate analyses were performed to better understand combustion properties. A high heating value was identified to estimate the energy generation potential of household solid waste. Social survey results showed that the waste generated in the apartments will be discarded either on the day of its generation or the maximum after three days. Overall, 52 % of the respondents chose to sort their waste, compared to 48 % who had no real desire to separate their household solid waste. Food waste, plastics, and paper constituted 70 % of the total waste generated in the district. The mixed waste sample had a high heating value of 23.87 Mj/kg. The analysis revealed an energetic potential of HSW generated from the landfill as thermal energy.

Prediction of municipal solid waste generation and environmental risk assessment of heavy metal based on long short term memory

Prediction of municipal solid waste generation and environmental risk assessment of heavy metal based on long short term memory

Whole‐process and multi‐stakeholder‐based solid waste management framework construction for industrial parks: Toward circular economy development

AbstractThe intensive generation of industrial solid waste (ISW) in industrial parks poses a severe threat to the water and soil environment. To address the lack of system‐level guidance strategies for ISW management (ISWM), the paper proposes a systematic ISWM framework within the context of the circular economy principle and applies it to a prominent eco‐industrial park in China. This framework is founded on the metabolic characteristics of the entire ISW process, supported by multi‐stakeholder cooperation, and guaranteed by a shareable information platform and infrastructure. A holistic ISW flow analytical process is introduced to facilitate the implementation of this framework. In the case study, a high‐resolution inventory of ISW is established by 157 enterprises in 2021, covering 116 types of general ISW and 61 types of hazardous waste (HW). By integrating material flow analysis, questionnaires, and interviews, this study quantitatively reveals the underperformance of mini‐scale HW recycling, with a recycling rate of 5.6% in 2021, well below the park‐wide rate of 50.8%. Collaborative inboundary and transboundary disposal emerges as a crucial direction for ISWM, with over 80% of ISW being disposed of outside the park. Following the implementation of circular economy strategies guided by the management framework, notable improvements are observed, including a 26.5% increase in the recycling rate of mini‐scale HW and a 13.5% increase in the proportion of disposal outside Beijing. To foster sustainable ISWM, this study recommends enhancing the decentralized infrastructure of collection–storage–transportation integration for mini‐scale ISW in industrial parks. The developed management framework provides valuable insights and guidance for park‐specific ISWM strategies.

Solid Waste Generation and Management Practices at Sherubtse College

The enduring challenge of waste management poses a significant and ongoing global concern, demanding urgent and concerted efforts for sustainable solutions. Waste-related issues, ranging from inadequate disposal to the overwhelming volume of single use plastics, have consistently plagued communities worldwide. In light of these challenges, this study seeks to contribute valuable insights toward the development of effective strategies on both local and global fronts. The study sampled student hostels and staff quarters to understand the waste generation and management practices at Sherubtse College. Dry wastes were collected over a period of 9 weeks. Through the segregation and quantification carried out weekly, it is known that, about 0.07 kilogram(kg) of dry waste was generated by each student and 0.34 kg per staff household in a day. Among the dry waste collected, papers weighed the most. A survey was also conducted on wet waste generated on campus. It was found that per day about 0.64 kg of wet waste was generated by each staff household and 1.41 kg per hostel. In our quest to minimize waste, the analysis of quantified waste serves as a foundational starting point, providing a crucial understanding of production patterns and guiding targeted efforts toward effective waste reduction.

INVESTIGATION OF WASTE KUZNETS CURVE HYPOTHESIS IN SELECTED OECD MEMBER EU COUNTRIES: PANEL DATA ANALYSIS

Waste generation and composition are crucial aspects of environmental sustainability. Recently, they have gained attention from researchers due to their close association with social and environmental issues. The objective of this study is to assess the validity of the Waste Kuznets Curve (WKC) hypothesis about urban solid waste production in the top ten countries with the highest urban solid waste generation among the OECD member EU countries. The study analyses the impact of socio-economic control variables on per capita urban solid waste generation. A panel regression model was used for the sample group of countries from 1995 to 2019, and predictions were made. WKC hypothesis, which suggests a negative relationship between per capita urban solid waste generation and per capita real income, was invalid based on the results. Furthermore, the inclusion of control variables such as the Human Development Index, population density, and unemployment rate had a significant impact on the generation of urban solid waste per capita. When the relevant literature is evaluated, it is envisaged that the study will contribute to the very limited literature in which the WKC hypothesis is tested in the model, in which socioeconomic variables are also taken into account, due to the specificity of the current period and the selected country group.

Optimizing Landfill Site Selection Using Fuzzy-AHP and GIS for Sustainable Urban Planning

Careful landfill selection with minimal environmental impact is vital for urban planners. This study aims to identify suitable sites for controlled landfills using Fuzzy-AHP integrated with Remote Sensing and GIS, considering a 20-year projection of population and solid waste generation. Initially, twelve sub-criteria were identified, grouped into environmental, socio-economic, and physical categories, and then weighted using paired comparison matrices involving nine experts. The sub-criteria were rasterized and classified into four suitability levels. The weighted overlay of sub-criteria maps generated a territorial suitability model. Within the Alto Utcubamba Commonwealth (Amazonas, Peru), 0.069%, 41.70%, 66.934%, 0.20%, and 12.4% of the territory are suitable, moderately suitable, less suitable, unsuitable, and restricted, respectively, for landfill establishment. Subsequently, 16 highly suitable sites were selected based on the required area (S4 polygons ≥ 0.505 ha) in line with the projected solid waste generation over 20 years. Of the 16 selected areas, only 15 met the shape index. The model showed high accuracy (AUC = 0.784) during validation. Furthermore, this study provides a comprehensive framework for making decisions about waste management in developing countries, enhancing understanding of key factors in selecting landfill sites. It also offers a deeper insight into global and local factors that determine the suitability of landfill sites. Doi: 10.28991/CEJ-2024-010-06-01 Full Text: PDF

Tuning the cross-linked structure of basic poly(ionic liquid) to develop an efficient catalyst for the conversion of vinyl carbonate to dimethyl carbonate

Dimethyl carbonate (DMC) is a crucial chemical raw material widely used in organic synthesis, lithium-ion battery electrolytes, and various other fields. The current primary industrial process employs a conventional sodium methoxide basic catalyst to produce DMC through the transesterification reaction between vinyl carbonate and methanol. However, the utilization of this catalyst presents several challenges during the process, including equipment corrosion, generation of solid waste, susceptibility to deactivation, and complexities in separation and recovery. To address these limitations, a series of alkaline poly(ionic liquid)s, i.e., [DVBPIL][PHO], [DVCPIL][PHO], [TBVPIL][PHO], with different cross-linking degrees and structures were synthesized through the construction of cross-linked polymeric monomers and functionalization. These poly(ionic liquid)s exhibit cross-linked structures and controllable cationic and anionic characteristics. Research was conducted to investigate the effect of the cross-linking degree and structure on the catalytic performance of transesterification in synthesizing DMC. It was discovered that the appropriate cross-linking degree and structure of the [DVCPIL][PHO] catalyst resulted in a DMC yield of up to 80.6%. Furthermore, this catalyst material exhibited good stability, maintaining its catalytic activity after repeated use five times without significant changes. The results of this study demonstrate the potential for using alkaline poly(ionic liquid)s as a highly efficient and sustainable alternative to traditional catalysts for the transesterification synthesis of DMC.

Role of Rag Pickers in Solid Waste Management

Solid waste generation in India has increased tremendously in the last few decades due to increasing population and rapid economic development. Effective waste management plays an important role in solving the problems of a healthy environment. Although the formula of 3-R (Reduce, Reuse and Recycle) is important for the safety of the environment, the role of waste pickers has always been central and important. Usually rag pickers earn their livelihood by collecting usable items from garbage dumps. Apart from this, there has been a lot of growth of solid waste in India due to Increasing population, rapid urbanization, insufficient knowledge of new techniques of workers working in waste management systems, and other factors continue to increase waste generation.Recently the Government of India has given a boost to this sector through Swachh Bharat abhiyan and as a result of this, solid waste management market in India is expected to grow CAGR of 7.5% during the period (2021-2026). Present study aims to identify role of rag pickers in solid waste management

Selective Isolation and Identification of Microorganisms with Dual Capabilities: Leather Biodegradation and Heavy Metal Resistance for Industrial Applications.

Tanning, crucial for leather production, relies heavily on chromium yet poses risks due to chromium's oxidative conversion, leading to significant wastewater and solid waste generation. Physico-chemical methods are typically used for heavy metal removal, but they have drawbacks, prompting interest in eco-friendly biological remediation techniques like biosorption, bioaccumulation, and biotransformation. The EU Directive (2018/850) mandates alternatives to landfilling or incineration for industrial textile waste management, highlighting the importance of environmentally conscious practices for leather products' end-of-life management, with composting being the most researched and viable option. This study aimed to isolate microorganisms from tannery wastewater and identify those responsible for different types of tanned leather biodegradation. Bacterial shifts during leather biodegradation were observed using a leather biodegradation assay (ISO 20136) with tannery and municipal wastewater as the inoculum. Over 10,000 bacterial species were identified in all analysed samples, with 7 bacterial strains isolated from tannery wastewaters. Identification of bacterial genera like Acinetobacter, Brevundimonas, and Mycolicibacterium provides insights into potential microbial candidates for enhancing leather biodegradability, wastewater treatment, and heavy metal bioremediation in industrial applications.

Comprehensive Analysis of Industrial Solid-Waste-to-Energy by Refuse-Derived Fuel Technology: A Case Study in Shanghai

The prolific generation of industrial solid waste (ISW) in China, coupled with its complex composition, presents significant challenges due to exceeding environmental capacity. Identifying an appropriate approach to maximize the use of ISW, particularly low-value industrial solid waste (LISW), is crucial for addressing environmental issues. This study explores the potential of converting LISW into refuse-derived fuel (RDF), an energy-rich precursor, as a promising method for disposal and reutilization. The advantages of RDF lie primarily in two key areas: management and technology. Regulatory aspects cover principles governing RDF feedstock preparation, storage and transportation requirements, and pollutant emission regulations. Technical considerations include pretreatment techniques, additive selection, and analyzing RDF as a substitute for fossil fuels. To assess the effectiveness of RDF technology in harnessing the remaining energy from LISW, this paper provides an overview of relevant national laws and regulations concerning incineration plants, guiding the utilization of RDF in such facilities. Additionally, using Shanghai as a case study, we evaluate the ISW situation, domestic waste incineration plants, and cement kiln plants to identify potential scenarios for RDF application in future energy systems. Our findings suggest that LISW holds significant potential as a power plant fuel, particularly when blended with higher calorific value materials to produce RDF particles with exceptional combustion performance, density, and storage characteristics.

Optimizing Residential Construction Site Selection in Mountainous Regions Using Geospatial Data and eXplainable AI

The rapid urbanization of Abha and its surrounding cities in Saudi Arabia’s mountainous regions poses challenges for sustainable and secure development. This study aimed to identify suitable sites for eco-friendly and safe building complexes amidst complex geophysical, geoecological, and socio-economic factors, integrating natural hazards assessment and risk management. Employing the Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (Fuzzy-AHP), the study constructed a suitability model incorporating sixteen parameters. Additionally, a Deep Neural Network (DNN) based on eXplainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) conducted sensitivity analyses to assess the parameters’ influence on optimal location decision making. The results reveal slope as the most crucial parameter (22.90%), followed by altitude and land use/land cover (13.24%), emphasizing topography and environmental considerations. Drainage density (11.36%) and rainfall patterns (9.15%) are also significant for flood defense and water management. Only 12.21% of the study area is deemed “highly suitable”, with “no-build zones” designated for safety and environmental protection. DNN-based XAI demonstrates the positive impact of variables like the NDVI and municipal solid waste generation on site selection, informing waste management and ecological preservation strategies. This integrated methodology provides actionable insights for sustainable and safe residential development in Abha, aiding informed decision making and balancing urban expansion with environmental conservation and hazard risk reduction.