Waste composition analysis to estimate prevalence of recyclables to develop a

Abstract

Waste composition analysis is an internationally recognized approach to collecting data to help inform decision makers, improve the waste management service and to develop effective waste management strategies for a given region. Past research has shown that the amount of waste generated is proportional to the population and the average mean living standards or the average income of the people. In addition, other factors may affect the amount and composition of waste. These are climate, living habits, level of education, religious and cultural beliefs, and social and public attitudes.

This paper presents the findings of a study carried out in a Kirulapone Division in Colombo municipal area in Sri Lanka within a week in September 2009 to determine waste composition based on field work. The aims of the study were to determine the aggregate composition of the Kirulapana division disposed MSW Stream, and assessing the levels of recyclables and bio degradable waste remaining in the residual waste. In order to collect the data for the given aims, unloaded waste was mixed together byusing front-end loader. Then mixed waste was divided into several piles each pile approximately weighing one ton. Three composite samples were taken at randomly selected points of each pile. Each collected sample was weighted and the components were separated as bio degradable, polythene, plastics, glass, paper and cardboard, tin (metal), coconut shells and others (textile, leather, shoes, ceramic and stone). Thereafter each part was weigted separately. Collected data was analyzed to calculate the mean prevalence of each item.

At present, about 8 tons of solid waste is generated daily from activities in Kirulapana division. According to the gross composition of municipal waste (percentage by weight) in Kirulapana waste stream, the largest fraction of the waste consisted of organic matter (58.13%), followed by polythene (11.8%), plastics (3.2%), card board and paper (9.75%), metal (tin) 1.18%, glass (1.8%), and coconut shells (3.6%). In aggregate, these seven material classes constitute 89.46% of the total weight, with each of the remaining components constituting 10.54%.

The finding shows that 58.8% of bio degradable materials which is good source for the compost and 29.53% of non biodegradable recyclable materials. At present there is a high demand for non degradable recyclable materials. Therefore 89.46% of waste can be used for income generation. It will help maintaining an economically viable waste management project if approached through source separation at the household.