ASSESSMENT OF PRESENT SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AND IMPACTS IN SArnCALOA MUNICIPALITY LIMITS

Abstract

The urban agglomerations of the developing countries have in the last two decadeswitnessed some unprecedented growth in their populations. Such growth has beenaccompanied by complex problems. The challenge of the clearing the city of solid wasteis one of the greatest problems. The management of refuse involves the collection,transportation, treatment and finally disposing of solid wastes in hygienic andauthentically acceptable manner at the lowest possible cost. The public sector agencies indeveloping countries as Sri Lanka, faces serious budgetary limitations in conductingproper solid waste management programmes.

This submission presents an assessment study conducted in Batticaloa Municipalitylimits. The main objective of this submission is to assess the amount of solid wastecomposition dumped in landfill per day and examine the current problems due to thelandfill and built up a management plan for integrated solid waste management to thestudy area.

The landfill is found about I.5Km away from heart of the town and O.5Km formBatticaloa lagoon. The extent of the landfill is about 7acres, depth varies from 18 to21feet and originated by illicit sand and gravel mining. Total accumulation of solid wasteper day is 61 tons. But the Batticaloa Municipality collects only 36 tons per day due toinadequate assistance. The composition of the waste goes to the landfill mainlydegradable organic waste which is about 74%. Potable water in the vicinity of landfill areexamined and found as not to meet the drinking water quality standard regard withNitrate, phosphate, and sulphate ions.