Waste Receptacles Research Articles

Eco-Feedback for Food Waste Reduction in a Student Residence

Eco-feedback aims at increasing awareness of resource use to encourage conservation. A growing area of concern in sustainable living is food waste, and many new institutional waste receptacles incorporate waste sorting and recycling instructions for waste management. However, little attention has been paid to the design of encouraging awareness of waste in the home, particularly at the point of food waste. We explored the design challenges and effectiveness of novel eco-feedback techniques at the point of food waste through an in-situ study in a university residence. Our E-COmate system captures and visualizes domestic food waste data for more readily comprehensible and accessible information within a home environment embedded in an existing waste bin. Four E-COmate smart bins were introduced, deployed and evaluated for 8 weeks at a student residence in Canada. The aim of the study was to see whether a system like E-COmate could impact food waste patterns and awareness, and if so, to what extent it engages consumers. To explore its impact, a mix of methods was adopted. Waste audits were conducted to explore waste changes. Retrospective interviews were carried out to gain insights in residences' reflections and motivations. We show that E-COmate had a positive impact on participants' awareness of and behavior toward their food waste. Participants who had E-COmate installed in their kitchens showed overall a significant decrease in food waste and in particular a decrease of almost 32% in edible or once edible food waste, and a 69% decrease in generated compost waste during the last 2 weeks compared to the first 2 baseline weeks. Furthermore, while our control group showed an increase of 244% of waste of starches and grains toward the last 2 weeks (i.e., the end of term) compared to the 2 baseline weeks, the intervention group only showed an increase of 4.5% in waste of grains and starches. Eco-feedback further engaged residences in reducing food waste practices starting at the grocery store (e.g., by buying in smaller portions). In sum, eco-feedback as provided by E-COmate had positive impacts on reducing food waste. These findings are a result of increased awareness, the constant presence and immediacy of E-COmate served as a reminder, and their understanding of how much they actually waste as a group. Their awareness was reflected in how they adapted their shopping behavior as one way to reduce waste at home.

The Gulf of Mexico: An Overview

The Gulf of Mexico is a place where the environment and the economy both coexist and contend. It is a resilient large marine ecosystem that has changed in response to many drivers and pressures that we are only now beginning to fully understand. Coastlines of the states that border the Gulf comprise about half of the US southern seaboard, and those states are capped by the vast Midwest. The Gulf drains most of North America and is both an economic keystone and an unintended waste receptacle. It is a renowned resource for seafood markets, recreational fishing, and beach destinations and an international maritime highway fueled by vast, but limited, hydrocarbon reserves. Today, more is known about the Gulf than was imagined possible only a few years ago. That gain in knowledge was driven by one of the greatest environmental disasters of this country’s history, the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The multitude of response actions and subsequent funded research significantly contributed to expanding our knowledge and, perhaps most importantly, to guiding the work needed to restore the damage from that oil spill. Funding for further work should not wait for the next major disaster, which will be too late; progress must be maintained to ensure that the Gulf continues to be resilient.

When Smart Bins Meet a Smart City

Smart Bins have appeared in cities all around the world to help manage public waste collection more effectively. How are local governments reacting to this piece of technology? Do they serve solely as optimised/glorified waste receptacles, or contribute more than that? Moreover, is there a case to further scale up its use across the city?

Multi-Criteria Selection of Suitable Institutional Solid Waste Collection Sites: A Case of KNUST Campus, Kumasi, Ghana

Solid waste receptacles siting is becoming increasingly difficult due to increase in population and infrastructure development that has limited available space for waste collection. This study focused on selection of environmentally friendly sites for waste receptacle placement in Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) based on multi-criteria decision analysis in a geographic information system (GIS) environment. ArcGIS software was used in overlaying different thematic maps in order to generate suitable areas for siting communal containers and small bins. Environmental criteria considered include river bodies, vegetation, road network, buildings, car park and slope. The analytical hierarchy procedure was used to determine the weight of each criterion used in finding the suitable sites. The final suitability maps generated showed areas deemed suitable for siting communal containers and small bins. Out of the total land area of KNUST (10.35 km2), 0.86 km2 representing 8.31% was suitable for siting small bins. For communal containers, the final suitability map indicated that 1.69 km2 (16.33%) and 0.73 km2 (7.05%) of the total land area were suitable and most suitable sites respectively. The findings from this study serve as guidance tool for environmentally friendly solid waste receptacle siting and good health promotion with efficient land use planning.

Factors influencing household waste management practices in Zimbabwe

The management of household solid waste is a growing concern related to public health and environmental damage. The study examined socio-demographic factors, perceptions, and attitudes that influence household waste management practices in Chitungwiza, Zimbabwe. Stratified and random sampling techniques were used to select 314 participants for the study. Data obtained from the survey were analyzed using descriptive and square Chi-square tests of association. 55.7% of the 25–44 years of age group is responsible for managing waste at a household level. The results of a Chi-square test of independence suggested a strong significant association between gender, and willingness to pay for fortnight waste collection services (X2 (1) = 8.119 p < 0.017). 80.8% of respondents who are self-employed use buckets and plastic bags as waste receptacle facilities compared to 66% who are employed. Results of a fisher test indicate that there is an association between income, and waste receptacle used by participants (X2 (1) = 8.977, p < .03). However, gender, age, and level of education have no association with waste receptacle facilities used by individuals. Environmental planners need to consider socio-demographic status in formulating strategies to improve waste management practices in the developing countries context. The study recommends that local authorities need to promote active community involvement as a driver for behavior change towards sustainable solid waste disposal practices in urban areas.

Infection prevention and waste management audit in the MCH department -Busia County Referral Hospital July 2019

Background: The primary principle of IPC describes a series of safe methods to ensure the protection of those vulnerable to acquiring Nosocomial infections in health care Settings. Methods and materials: We conducted a departmental walkthrough/audit to determine compliance and commitment of the MCH department staff and its users to infection prevention/waste management practises. The following areas were assessed; availability of hand washing facilities, segregation of wastes, availability and appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPEs),trainings and capacity building, immunization status of staffs and environmental sanitation. Aim was to describe compliance to IPC/Waste management practices among MCH Department users by: Person's i.e,Technical Staff, Interns/Students, Support staff. Place, MCH departments Results: Results/Findings‘ There were hand washing stations in 5 (50%) 0f the 10 sections at the MCH department ie, Immunization room, Patients clerking room, PMTCT room, Pharmacy and the Laboratory section. However, Patients waiting bay, Registration room, Nutritional support, Cold room and HTS rooms had no hand washing facilities at all. All the patients attending MCH clinic lacked information on hand washing stations in the department whereas all the staffs knew at least where to hand wash however, distribution was inconsistent. Waste segregation was poor across all the sections in the MCH department. Availability of sharp boxes 100%, Availability of 3 colour code bins 0%, Proper segregation of wastes 0%. Availability of Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) stands at 50% & the main challenge was in the Immunization section (No powder free gloves) whereas PPE usage was at 26% (5) out of 19 (74%) staff (including students interns) were in proper PPEs. 36% (7) of the staff on duty had received at least a dose of Hepatitis B vaccine though none of them had completed the 3 doses. MCH department environmental cleanliness was good. However, there is need to erect a signage to direct patients on the disposal of used cotton swabs in the waste receptacle outside the department. Conclusion: There is need to strengthen IPC and waste segregation practices in the department and entire Hospital. Handwashing is key in infection prevention therefore hand washing facilities should be installed in all sections.

The Role of Exosomes in the Female Reproductive System and Breast Cancers.

Exosomes are nanoscale extracellular vesicles released by nearly all cell types. Exosomes were originally considered as waste receptacles for discarding unwanted cellular products; however, these organelles are now considered to be important for cell communication by delivering biologically active molecules such as proteins, DNA, non-coding RNA and mRNA. Studies have revealed that exosomes are closely related to several diseases, especially cancers. Exosomes are indispensable for the emergence and progression of tumor. Here, we review the status of research on exosomes in the female reproductive system cancers and breast cancer, focusing on their biological roles in chemical resistance and immune responses, as well as their underlying applications in drug delivery and nanotherapy and as biological markers for tumor diagnosis.

Impact of Drifts Resulting from Pesticide Application on Soil Microorganisms around Waste Receptacles in Port Harcourt City, Nigeria

Pesticides are toxic substance used to reduce or kill pests but the deposits on soil environment can remain there for long period of time causing adverse effects on soil microorganisms which are responsible for soil health conditions. This study was carried out to determine the impact of pesticide drifts on soil microorganisms in a waste receptacle around Port Harcourt city. Soil samples were obtained from various depths around waste receptacles with hand auger using standard analytical procedures. Microbial analysis was done according to prescribed standard methods. Characterization and identification of the isolates were based on their cultural, morphological, and cellular characteristics. Results obtained showed that the bacterial isolates were identified as Staphylococus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus megaterium, Pseudomonas sp and Micrococcus sp while fungal isolates include Aspergillus niger, Penicillium sp, Fusarium siculi, and Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus nidulas, Microsporium canis and Yeast. The results of the microbial counts revealed that Total Heterotrophic Bacteria (THB) had 2.08 ×109 cfu/g at a depth of 30-45 cm while Total Heterotrophic Fungi (THF) had 6.0×106 cfu/g before application with a mean value of 1.02×109 and 2.8 × 106 cfu/g respectively while after application THB had 4.1 × 108 and 4.6 × 108 cfu/g for 0-15 and 30-45 cm respectively while the THF recorded 1.0 × 106 and 0.6 × 106 cfu/g for 0-15 cm and 30-45 cm respectively. However there was a drastic decrease in the number of microbes in the soils after pesticide application especially at the surface soil depth of 0-15 cm. This shows that the pesticides application affected microbial population by reducing their numbers in the soil and this may in turn affect soil health and physiological status of their habitat. It is therefore recommended that proper surveillance during pesticide application should be considered to avoid drift to non-target organisms and that concentrations of pesticides to be used should be taken into account to avoid reduction in the number of microorganisms in soils because of the vital roles they play in maintaining soil health.

The impacts of poor solid waste management practices on Ala river water quality in Akure, Nigeria

The present study assessed solid waste management practices and impact on Ala River water quality in Akure, Ondo state, Nigeria. The primary data were obtained through field observation, interviews and questionnaire while secondary data were obtained from desk review of use of journals, articles, seminar papers, internet sources, government official publications. Simple random sampling technique was used to obtain required information for the study. Results showed that 37.8% of the solid waste generated is of vegetable and food remains origin, polythene and plastics wastes are 28.3 and 19.1% respectively. The result shows that 66% of the respondents do not segregate their waste before disposal and knowledge on waste recycling was low. The major limitations at household and community levels are inadequacies of collection and storage facilities. Similarly, perception towards municipal solid waste management was generally low. The major effects of poor waste management in the study area were land pollution, flooding and water pollution of River Ala in Oke-Aro district of the study area. This is evident in the high levels of turbidity, biochemical oxygen demand, dissolved oxygen and fecal coliform bacteria of the water quality of River Ala, all of which suggests the presence of microbial organisms which may have been introduced to the water body via diffuse pollution aided by urban storm water runoff and leachate. It is therefore recommended that government should provide more waste receptacles in at both residential and commercial areas across the study area. Finally, government should consider waste-to-wealth initiatives. The first step in realizing this would involve encouraging the residents on the need to sort their waste before disposal and, secondly, waste characterization to determine the energy potentials of waste streams in the study area.

Design of smart garbage landfill monitoring system using Internet of Things

One of the primary worries with our condition has been garbage waste management which notwithstanding aggravating the parity of nature likewise effect sly affects the wellbeing of the general public. Detecting, monitoring and managing the squanders are one of the essential issues of the present time. The conventional method for physically checking the losses in waste receptacles is a mind boggling, unwieldy procedure and uses progressively human exertion, time and cost which isn’t perfect with the present day innovations in any capacity. This method is an automated garbage management system. This undertaking IoT Garbage Monitoring framework is an imaginative system which will keep the rural and urban areas clean. This framework screens the garbage bins and illuminates about the dimension of rubbish gathered in the junk canisters by means of a website page. This website page additionally sends all data to garbage collecting vehicles.

Self-reported healthcare waste segregation practice and its correlate among healthcare workers in hospitals of Southeast Ethiopia

BackgroundThe key to the effective management of healthcare wastes is segregation of the waste at the point of generation; no matter what final strategy for treatment and disposal of wastes is selected, it is critical that waste streams are separated. In Ethiopia, healthcare waste segregation practice among healthcare workers is overlooked and scarcely addressed in the scientific literature. This hospital-based cross-sectional study was, therefore, conducted to assess healthcare waste segregation practice and its correlate among healthcare workers in Bale zone, southeast Ethiopia.MethodsAll five hospitals found in Bale zone were included and the study participants were selected using a systematic sampling technique from each hospital. Data were collected through interview using structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics were computed. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were employed to identify factors that correlate with healthcare waste segregation practice.ResultsA total of four hundred and nine healthcare workers participated in the study, for a response rate of 97.4%. Of these, 220(53.8%) (95% CI: 49.1–58.9) of healthcare workers were found to have reported good healthcare waste segregation practice. Being male gender (AOR = 1.70, 95%CI: 1.04–2.78), less than 30 years of age (AOR = 2.02, 95%CI: 1.06–3.84), less than 2 years work experience (AOR = 2.95, 95%CI: 1.39–6.26), having good self-reported standard precaution practice (AOR = 8.47,95%CI:4.98–14.42), and working in a department with an on-site healthcare waste segregation container (AOR = 2.10, 95%CI:1.24–3.55) were factors that correlated with self-reported healthcare waste segregation practice.ConclusionOverall, only half of the healthcare workers had good healthcare waste segregation practice, which is low and unsatisfactory. Less service year, having good standard precaution practice, and the presence of onsite waste segregation container were the most important variables that correlate with self-reported healthcare waste segregation practice. Therefore, to improve healthcare waste segregation practice health authorities should focus on sufficient allocation of onsite waste receptacles. In addition, periodic training on standard precaution will improve compliance with segregation practice.

Solid waste management practices in Zimbabwe: A case study of one secondary school

The discourse on waste management in general and solid waste management in particular has captured the interest of many scholars. Although there is a plethora of literature on the solid waste management phenomenon globally, there is an apparent dearth of literature on solid waste management in schools in Zimbabwe. This study explored the solid waste management practices at a secondary school in Masvingo. The researchers adopted a descriptive survey research design. Data were generated from 110 learners and 3 teachers using questionnaires and interviews. The researchers also utilised observations. Findings from the study revealed that solid waste generated by the school included paper, plastics, furniture, food, vegetables, stationery and cans. In addition, the researchers noted that the school used standard bins, cardboard boxes, plastic bags, old desks and open dumping as solid waste receptacles. The researcher also established that the main solid waste disposal system at the school was open dumping. Other solid waste disposal systems identified in this study were incineration, landfills and composting. Based on the research findings, the researcher recommends waste sorting and use of durable, standard and formal receptacles.

Dog Owners’ Perceptions and Behaviors Related to the Disposal of Pet Waste in City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks

This study explored dog guardian behaviors and self-reported perceptions regarding the disposal of dog waste on Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP) lands in Boulder, Colorado, in an effort to increase compliance with proper disposal practices. We utilized direct observations of dog owners and their behaviors regarding pet waste, and separate self-reported surveys to examine dog owners’ perceptions of waste disposal on OSMP lands. The Theory of Planned Behavior served as a framework to explore how dog owners’ attitudes, norms, and perceived behavioral control might influence behavioral intentions, as well as self-reported current behavior, regarding the disposal of pet waste on OSMP lands. Finally, this study explored potential management techniques that may influence dog owners to properly dispose of waste on OSMP lands in the future. Data were collected across 10 sites, for total of n =541 observations and n =386 surveys. Canine defecation and human behavioral response occurred n =102 times during the n =541 observations, and overall 73.5% of dog owners properly (i.e., bag waste and immediately take all bags) disposed of waste. Without considering immediate disposal in a trash or compost receptacle, owners with dogs on-leash were significantly more likely to bag their pets’ waste than owners with dogs off-leash. When both bagging waste and immediately disposing of waste in a waste or compost receptacle are considered, owners with dogs on-leash had a tendency (~11% more likely) to bag and immediately take pet waste for disposal. Perceived behavioral control was the construct that most significantly correlated with behavioral intent regarding proper disposal of dog waste. Many respondents reported that additional trash or compost receptacles and bag dispensers along trails would make them more likely to follow recommended practices related to the disposal of pet waste in the future. These results suggest that management should consider the following: designating more on-leash-only sites because compliance is substantially higher when dogs are on-leash; establishing on-leash segments along the first quarter of a mile from all trailheads; installing an additional trash and/or compost receptacle and bag dispenser, specifically one quarter of a mile from the trailheads. Pairing these with educational strategies that inform pet owners to not leave bagged pet waste for later disposal, while highlighting the ease of immediately bagging waste and carrying it to a trash or compost receptacle may further increase compliance. Subscribe to JPRA

The Governmentality of Rural Household Waste Management Practices in Ala Ajagbusi, Nigeria

There is a gap in the literature linking waste management practices to social theory. This paper attempts to bridge this gap through a study of waste management practices in Ala Ajagbusi village, Nigeria. The study explores how members of households in Ala Ajagbusi handle waste. The relevant themes of the empirical findings are categorized and linked to a social theory, Michel Foucault’s governmentality. The aim was to investigate how members of the households handle and make sense of their waste management practices. This research adopts a qualitative approach and is inspired by phenomenology. These are the bedrocks upon which the data collection methods are chosen and the interview questions are informed accordingly. The results show that villagers collectively, every week in a rotational manner, sweep their households, dispose of, and burn waste in public spaces. Villagers walk some miles from their households before they can empty their waste receptacles. Sometimes waste management behaviours are adjusted to seasonal variations. The findings also show that the villagers have no engagement with the state and local government concerning waste management. The results are linked to social theory to understand the waste management behaviours of villagers in Ala Ajagbusi.

Solid Waste Disposal and Management Problems in Ramat Polytechnic Maiduguri, North-East Nigeria

This study examined the problems of solid waste disposal and management in Ramat Polytechnic Maiduguri, Borno state, North-east Nigeria. A set of questionnaire was administered on a sample of two hundred and sixty (260) respondents within the study area. The data collected were analyzed descriptively. The results obtained indicated that food wastes, polythene bags and polystyrene food packs constituted the largest component of wastes in the Hostel area. Other forms of solid wastes generated in other locations chosen for the study were paper waste, plastic/rubber bottles, leaves and metal cans. The study revealed that 44.83% of the respondents store their wastes in waste bins/ receptacles while 38.36% of the respondents practiced open surface dumping. The results showed that solid waste receptacles provided by the institution were inadequate. The findings also revealed that solid wastes were regularly collected by the polytechnic sanitation workers. Generally, 56.47% of the respondents were satisfied with the performance of the polytechnic sanitation unit in managing solid wastes in the institution. Inadequate personnel, lack of solid waste vehicles and funding were identified as the major challenges in solid waste management. The study recommended among others that the polytechnic administration should recruit more personnel, procure solid waste vehicles and adequately provide funds to the sanitation unit for effective management of solid waste. Furthermore, the institution should embark on awareness campaigns on environmentally friendly approaches to solid waste disposal to check indiscriminate dumping of solid wastes within the polytechnic premises.

Optimizing Anesthesia-Related Waste Disposal in the Operating Room: A Brief Report.

Misappropriation of noncontaminated waste into regulated medical waste (RMW) containers is a source of added expense to health care facilities. The operating room is a significant contributor to RMW waste production. This study sought to determine whether disposing of anesthesia-related waste in standard waste receptacles before patient entry into the operating room would produce a reduction in RMW. A median of 0.35 kg of waste was collected from 51 cases sampled, with a potential annual reduction of 13,800 kg of RMW to the host institution, and a cost savings of $2200.

Biomedical waste management practices in a tertiary care hospital: a descriptive study in Srinagar, Garhwal, India

Background: Biomedical waste (BMW) is generated in every health facility, which if not disposed off properly poses a risk for health and environment. Handling, segregation, mutilation, disinfection, storage, transportation and final disposal are vital steps for safe and scientific management of biomedical waste in any establishment. The objective were to assess the biomedical waste management (BMWM) practices and knowledge regarding BMWM in a tertiary care hospital.Methods: A descriptive study was carried out in the tertiary care hospital during July and August 2014. Hospital waste management practices were observed by making visits to the waste collection sites at different sites of the hospital and for assessment of knowledge regarding waste management a total of 113 health care personnel were interviewed.Results: The overall mean score for “Condition of waste receptacles” was 44.3%. The mean score for segregation of waste was 77%, for mutilation of recyclable waste the mean score was 88% and the disinfection mean score was 72%. There were some good practices observed like presence of posters regarding disposal of BMW in most places, availability of gloves, masks etc. to the workers collecting BMW .There was no separate route for transport of biomedical waste. The knowledge regarding BMWM was not satisfactory among the participants and scope of improvement is there.Conclusions: While there were some good practices observed, there were inconsistencies observed regarding BMWM in the hospital.

Sustainable waste management: a case study in Guwahati

The environmental threat to humanity due to unscientific and unhealthy disposal of waste is increasing day by day. Urban sprawl due to population growth combined with changing consumer habits have increased the per capita generation of waste over the years. This has made the task of Solid Waste Management even more challenging for Municipal Corporations. The key issues surrounding garbage collection and disposal are similar in major cities and towns of India, Guwahati being a typical example of the lot. Technology available in developed countries is hard to implement in India in this sector due to funds limitation, different demographic profile of users, general education and awareness level in the community regarding waste, cost of running sophisticated waste plants, associated infrastructure required to support the system and also the extent and character of the waste to be managed. Cities in developing countries hardly spend more than 0.5% of their per capita gross national productivity (GNP) on urban waste services, which covers only about one-third of overall cost. Under these stringent budgets and complex problems to deal with, it is vital to devise ways which would strike a balance between the cost effectiveness and the quality of the waste management process. Implementation of waste management with proper segregation and supporting technologies for processing the recyclables can go a long way in minimizing the energy consumed for manufacturing. The segregation process when done efficiently produces cleaner recyclables which has a better market value and lesser energy consumption in its life cycle from generation at source to a finished product and can be a sustainable solution to waste management. In this paper municipal waste collection at source using different types of waste receptacles have been experimented. A resident colony in Guwahati city was selected and 50 households were randomly selected for the study for 90 days. Two bin system and a designed segregation bin system were experimented. Data was compared using SPSS. It was found that the contamination level was low in the biodegradable and non biodegradable waste in the designed segregation bin system. It was also found that there was an improvement in the quantity of biodegradable and non biodegradable waste. Segregation at source if practiced could lead to zero waste locality with an economic viability.

The concentrations of five heavy metals in components of an economically important urban coastal wetland in Ghana: public health and phytoremediation implications.

Sakumo II is an urban wetland and a receptacle for domestic and industrial wastes from two cities in Ghana. It however supports viable populations of fish and crabs, is cultivated for food crops and grazed by farm animals. Components of the wetland can therefore accumulate pollutants, but the public health and phytoremediation implications of this are yet to be evaluated. We analysed Cd, As, Hg, Cu and Pb in the lagoon water, sediment, green algae, eight species of aquatic macrophytes, seven species of arthropods and one species of fish. The concentrations of Pb were generally below detection limit whilst Cu was detected only in the lagoon water and Pheropsophus vertialis. Cadmium ranged from 21 ± 4ppb in algae to 69 ± 12ppb in Typha domingensis and was generally higher than As and Hg. The highest concentration of As was 11.7 ± 2.1ppb in Pistia stratiotes whilst Hg was highest in lagoon water (4 ± 2ppb). The Cd concentrations generally, and Hg concentrations in macrophytes, were higher than US EPA guidelines indicating the wetland's resources were unsafe for regular consumption. Among the emergent aquatic macrophytes, T. domingensis, Ludwigia sp. and Paspalum vaginatum, respectively, had the highest accumulation capacity for Cd, As and Hg, but the floating aquatic plant P. stratiotes appeared to be a better accumulator of Cd and As.

First screening study of metal content in soil from a mixed waste receptacle

We report the first screening study for the metals copper, zinc, lead, nickel and cadmium in the Lami municipal disposal facility, in Suva, Fiji where virtually uncontrolled dumping has been carried out for over fifty years. Soil from three parts of the facility having had different degrees of usage was analysed for a range of heavy metals, and evaluated according to international guidelines. The results show copper (100–220 mg kg–1), lead (200–500 mg kg–1) and zinc (220–350 mg kg–1) concentrations exceeded commonly used eco-toxicity threshold values (copper, 160 mg kg–1; lead, 210 mg kg–1; and zinc, 220 mg kg–1). Moreover, there were indications that considerable leaching may have been occurring for long periods of time at the site. Overall, this study shows that even in areas with little industrialization, lack of adequate waste management controls can result in unusually high levels of contamination. The results raise concerns about the wellbeing of the communities living adjacent to the facility that depend on the adjacent marine environment for subsistence.