Importance of Managing Solid Waste - Literature review Example

Name : xxxxxxxxxxx Institution : xxxxxxxxxxx Course : xxxxxxxxxxx Title : Tutor : xxxxxxxxxxx @2014 Тhе Bеst Рrасtiсе Орtiоns fоr Сlаssifiсаtiоn аnd Disроsаl оf Sоlid Wаstе in Оmаn Importance of managing solid waste Tchobanaglous et al (1997) define solid waste management as a discipline that involves offering solutions to the problem of solid waste through approaches such as; control of generation, collection, processing, disposal, storage, transfer and transportation of solid wastes, in a manner that attains the best practices of public health, environmental requirements, conservation, economics, engineering and esthetic needs. According to Kumar (2009), solid waste management is significant due to the substantial increase in the volume of waste, which makes disposal and removal of waste an impossible task. Although municipal bodies have taken up the task of ensuring that waste is disposed off, there has been an emerging challenge in disposing different types of solid waste such as toxic industrial wastes, non -bio-degradable wastes and nuclear wastes. A case in point is depicted by a study conducted by Getahun et al (2011) on Municipal solid waste generation in growing urban areas in Africa. Getahun et al (2011) highlight that emerging urban areas such as Jimma, Ethiopia are experiencing rapid population growth which has ignited an increase in the volume of waste being disposed. Jimma city generates a total of ca. 88,000 kg of waste dairy. Nevertheless, the city has poor solid waste management which has resulted to environmental pollution. Rajput et al (2009) assert that; solid waste management is important based on the fact that it is a fundamental requirement of public health. In most cases, the inappropriate handling of solid waste is a hazard to the health of the public. For instance solid wastes that are dumped on landfills attract all kinds of insects, rodents and vectors which spread diseases such as diarrhea and dysentery which have an impact on human health. Furthermore, solid waste posses a great deal of threat to public health as it may sometimes cause death when humans use contaminated water or food materials that have come into contact with the waste. Management of solid waste is therefore a fundamental aspect that should be utilized in order to avert negative health implications (Rajput et al. 2009). Solid waste management is also beneficial in facilitating conservation and resource recovery (Uriarte 2008). The concept of Solid waste management has brought about a substantial importance in describing what is rejected and what is not rejected by the society. Consequently, recycling has been adopted in many regions as a waste management approach that enhances conservation and resource recovery (Pfeffer 1992). Recycling has therefore been a key component of solid waste management in developing countries. Through collaborative and individual ventures many developing countries have been able to promote conservation and resource recovery (Hope, 1998). Solid waste management also promotes cost minimization. Pfeffer (1992) highlights that; it has generally been accepted that the cost of solid waste management can only be estimated in monetary terms. Nevertheless, solid waste management can be described as a cost minimization approach due to the fact that it minimizes the impacts brought by inappropriate disposal of solid wastes on the environment. An additional aspect of cost minimization is determined by the cost of the method of disposal. For instance, cities that have adopted sufficient sanitary landfill size incur minimal costs as opposed to cities that destroy part or all of the refuse (Pfeffer, 1992). Waste Generation Waste generation is an aspect that is closely associated to urbanization, population and affluence (Bingemer & Crutzen 1987). Shammas(2012) highlights that the Oman region has experienced a steady rate of development and speedy population growth in the past twenty years. Consequently the rate of solid waste generated in the region has rapidly increased. A survey conducted by CPCB, (2000) on the solid waste generated in Indian cities, also disclosed that solid waste generation has increased from 6 million tonnes in 1947 to 48 million tonnes in the year 1997. The amount of waste generation is actually expected to increase to 300 million tonnes annually by 2047. According to CPCB (2000), the increase in solid waste generation can also be attributed to the increasing population in India. Categorization of solid waste generated can best be undertaken through the source of waste generation (Abau, 2011). One source of generation includes; Municipal solid wastes, also referred to as ‘garbage’. This type of waste emanates from residential areas, along commercial sites, health and educational facilities, markets, hotels, gardens and recreational places. Industrial solid waste is another source of generation. Industrial solid wastes are generated from the activities of large and medium scale industrial operations. In most cases, the wastes from industries contain hazardous components such as heavy metals and chemicals. Demolition and construction wastes also form a fundamental source of generating solid wastes. Another source of waste generation includes health care wastes which are generated health services and hospitals (Abau 2011). Solid waste generated can also be categorized in terms of the risk to environmental and human health. These include the hazardous and non-hazardous wastes. Various definitions for hazardous wastes exists however they are often described as waste that have the capability of creating harm to the environment or human health due to the concentration and quality of infectious chemicals. None hazardous wastes on the other hand have minimal impacts on health (Wall & Zeiss 1995). Segregation Importance of Segregation Segregation is a key step in the process of modern waste management. Segregation of solid waste makes the processes of waste management to become much cheaper. Francesco and Micale (2013) conducted a study on the impact of source segregation intensity of solid waste, on collection costs and fuel consumption. The study involved the evaluation of solid waste through the simulation model. The study area was a medium size Italian city. Through the use of the simulation model Francesco and Micale (2013) were able to calculate the time that was used to collect waste and the fuel consumption of a particular route. The findings of the study revealed that an increase in fuel consumption and collection costs was dependent on the density of the waste that was collected. Specifically if waste is effectively segregated at the source then the costs of collection and fuel consumption can actually be reduced. Christensen, (2011) highlights that; segregation is significant in improving the possibility of optimal handling of waste. Segregation involves the separation of waste using different criteria’s. When different types of solid wastes are assorted they can easily be handled, consequently solid wastes should be separated. Segregation also greatly improves other processes in the solid waste management system. Christensen, (2011) highlights that recycling becomes much easier when solid waste is segregated. Separating solid waste can assist in avoiding the mixture of foreign materials with good quality materials that can be recycled. For instance, if glass, paper, metals and plastics are segregated at the source, the materials can directly be sold or be taken for recycling (Christensen, 2011). A report by the Middle East Waste Summit (2009) discloses that countries in GCC are rated at top ten globally in terms of waste production per capita. A rough estimate of 120 million tons of waste is presently produced in GCC nations with 55% of the solid waste being generated from demolition and construction waste. Industrial wastes are estimated at 18%, municipal waste 20% while hazardous wastes are estimated at 7%. Segregation of solid waste therefore becomes a significant approach due to the increased amount of solid waste. For instance, the Pensula (2011) discloses that Qatar is one of the nations of the GCC which has successfully implemented in its solid waste management system. The Qatar government invested a total of QR4b for this particular project. The initiative has a center for solid waste management which is a unified facility that is divided into two major sections which include a department for waste segregation and that for recycling waste into products such as such as plastics, fertilizers, paper, cardboard and aluminum. The project which begun in 2006, has greatly improved the process of recycling in the country due to the existence of segregation (Pensula, 2011). The United Arabs Emirates has also been actively involved in segregation of solid waste at the source with the government initiating projects with the private sector for the purpose of promoting solid waste segregation. The main objective of the project is to increase the numbers of wastes essentially construction wastes that can be recycled (Middle East Waste Summit, 2009). Collection A report by the Oxford Business Group (2012) reveals that Oman generates approximately 1.6 tonnes of municipal waste which usually goes to 350 landfill sites around the country. Already, there are two projects in Sharqiah and Buraimi that have the objective of sorting and collection of solid wastes. Nevertheless, many municipalities have not adopted the dual collection system which entails separation at the source and then collecting recyclables separately. The best collection approach for solid waste in Oman would be to adopt the dual collection system approach. According to CSIR (2011), the dual system of collection has been very effective in South Africa. One of the benefits of the system is that it has greatly assisted in attaining the 3R objective of reduction, re-use and Recycling. CSIR (2011), highlights the dual collection system can be achieved through various strategies. One of the approaches involves the use of the municipalities through their existing collection vehicles. The vehicles would collect both the general and the recyclable wastes in a way that is cost effective. For instance, the prevailing municipal trucks can be divided into two cabin trucks; alternatively a trailer and truck system can be used to can be used to keep the two streams of waste separately in one round of collection. Alternatively, the Municipality can employ contractors who will be in charge of collection of recyclables while the municipality is left with the task of collecting the general wastes. Also the Municipality can provide collection bins that have different colors in order to separate the recyclable and the general wastes. As shown by figure I below; Figure 1 Collection of solid waste through the dual collection approach also involves corporation with the private sector who will be in charge of offering a side collection for the recyclables. Such an approach will therefore reduce costs implications that would be incurred by municipalities (CSIR, 2011). Nevertheless, close collaboration of the private sector and municipalities is vital in guaranteeing a smooth and effective complementary solid waste collection service (CSIR, 2011). Another strategy of attaining the dual system of collection is through creation of buy –back and drop off centres in strategic locations in order for members of the community to drop their recyclables which will later be collected by the municipality or private sector companies. According to CSIR, (2011) this particular approach is less costly as opposed to the provision of vehicle collection services. 5. Transportation Transportation of solid waste to the disposal sites requires the most economical equipment’s that can transport large amounts of refuse. In addition, the transport equipment has to be designed in a manner that enables easy and fast collection of waste (Pfeffer, 1992). The selection of a particular transportation equipment or vehicle is greatly dependent on the site. As a result the major factors to be considered in the selection of a transport system include; the existing transportation links between the source/ origin (municipality) and the site of disposal (landfill), the quantity of solid waste being transported and the distance(time) that is need in order to make a trip (Pfeffer, 1992). Pfeffer, (1992) highlights that the best equipment’s that can be utilized in the transportation of solid waste include trailers with a cable winch that assists in pulling a panel to the front area of the trailer and thus forcing the refuse out. Another system entails a cable that is attached to a landfill tractor which allows the refuse to be pulled put. In order to improve the load –carrying capacity, baling of solid waste is an essential activity when using other modes of transport such as barge and rail. This sort of transport systems can be useful for areas that have high populations. Bogner and Matthews (2003) highlight that population also influences waste generation. Areas with high population generate more waste as opposed to areas that are sparely populated. Therefore municipalities that have a high population can utilize the baling approach on barge and rail transport. The baling approach can carry large amounts of wastes that weigh 4 to 5 tons. When using the barge haul and rail the waste is first transferred though the use of vehicles. Additionally, containers can also be used to enable loading and offloading the waste on the barge haul and rail systems. Treatment One appropriate way of treating solid waste is incineration. Coffey & Coad (2010) highlight that; incineration entails the combustion of solid waste at high temperatures in sealed chambers. Combustion takes place under conditions that are controlled in order to reduce air pollution. The chimney gas is foremost cleaned in order to eliminate acid gases and suspended particles. The volume of the solid deposits after combustion is usually less that 10% of the incoming waste. After combustion, the residues does not attract vermin or flies, neither does it decompose. Incineration does not damage the environment however when incinerators are poorly operated, they can lead to air pollution. Another demerit of the process is that it expensive in terms of operation and capital costs (Coffey & Coad 2010). Baling is another treatment approach that entails the compression of sold wastes into huge cubes. The process needs a powerful hydraulic press that has special lifting equipment. One of the major benefits of baling is that it assists in reducing disposal and transportation costs. However, baling is less likely to save space in the landfill based on the fact that solid wastes that are highly biodegradable thus they decompose at the landfill to settle at a high density (Coffey & Coad 2010). Size reduction is another treatment approach that involves pounding or cutting of the waste in order to create larger pieces or lumps from smaller prices. Size reduction can be done through using different equipment’s such as; shredders, rotating drums and hammer mills. The reduction of the size of solid waste enables more waste to be contained in a certain volume. This therefore saves on transportation costs (Coffey & Coad 2010). In general, one of the main benefits of treatment of solid waste is to lower the cost of disposal and transportation. For instance the size reduction approach is very effective in lowering transportation costs. Treatment is also essential in lowering risk to the environment and health. For instance, hazardous wastes from industries can be very toxic if not managed effectively. The toxics can thus be harmful to the environment. Disposal The final destination for solid wastes is disposal. A wide range of options for disposal of solid wastes can be utilized. One of the options is the non- engineered disposal approach. This particular technique is the most common and can be beneficial for municipalities or countries that have low incomes or moderate of slight controls (Sharholy et al., 2008). When using the non- engineered disposal, solid waste remains for longer periods on the environment which results to an increase in the number of fly breeding, water and air pollution, rodents and mosquitos. In India for instance, open, poorly managed and uncontrolled disposal is commonly practiced. This has resulted to environmental degradation (Sharholy et al., 2008). Kansal, (2002) highlights that; the sanitary Landfill is other disposal technique that is fully engineered. This particular approach facilitates the evading of harmful implications of uncontrolled dumping by compacting, covering and spreading the wastelands that had been cautiously engineered earlier. Through proper selection of the site, management and preparation, operators can be able to reduce the impacts of gas production and leachates both currently and in the future. According to Das et. Al (1998) the sanitary landfill is a vital component of solid waste management based on the fact that the other existing options result to some residue that has to be disposed of by landfilling. . Incineration is another solid waste disposal technique whereby solid waste that is combustible is burned at high temperatures between 900-1000 0C. The high temperature is aimed at burning the waste leaving behind ash and waste that are noncombustible which are later disposed on the landfills. Schneider, (1970) highlights that in ideal situations; incineration has the ability to lessen the volume of waste by 75 – 95 percent. This particular approach can only be adopted as a disposal approach in scenarios where the possibility of landfilling is minimal and the waste is highly combustible. Kansal, (2002) highlights that incineration requires a suitable technology, skilled manpower and infrastructure in order to maintain and operate the plant. In most cases the approach is used on hospital wastes due to the high moisture contact and organic materials. Thomas & Spiro (1996) highlight that; a demerit of incineration is that it is not a hygienic process. This is because it may produce toxic ash and air pollution. For instance; in the United States the approach has brought about dioxin and carcinogenic toxins on the environment. Pyrolysis is another technique of solid waste disposal that involves the recovery of chemical energy and chemical constituents that exist in certain organic wastes. The recovery is undertaken through damaging distillation of the solid waste. The process entails decomposing the waste at high temperature without the use of oxygen with an operating temperature of 430. The wastes are then transformed into small liquid quantities, gases and solid residue that contain ash and carbon (Sharholy et al., 2008). Vermicomposting is another solid waste disposal technique that is organic in nature. Sharholy et al, (2008) assert that this particular approach is a suitable alternative for hygienic, safe and cost effective disposal of solid waste. Vermicomposting can enable earth warms to feast on the existing solid waste organic matter and convert them to casting ejected matter that is rich in plant nutrients. Sharholy et al, (2008) highlights that; the approach has been used in various cities in India such as Mumbai, Bangalore and Faridabad, where it has been successful in the disposal of solid waste while at the same time maintaining environmental safety. The best approach for the disposal of solid waste in Oman is the use of Vermicomposting. As outlined by Sharholy et al, (2008) the approach enables the disposal of solid waste while at the same time maintaining environmental safety. References Abau, N, 2011, Waste Management, UNEP, Geneva. Christensen, T, 2011, Solid Waste Technology and Management, John Wiley & Sons, New York. Bingemer, G., & Crutzen, J, 1987, “The production of CH4 from solid waste”, Journal of Geophysical Research, vol 92, no. 2, pp. 2182-2187. Bogner, J. & Matthews, E., 2003, Global methane emissions from landfills: New methodology and annual estimates 1980-1996, Global Biogeochemical Cycles, vol 17, pp. 18-34. Central Pollution Control Board, 2000, Management of Municipal Solid Waste, Ministry of Environment and Forests, New Delhi, India. Coffey, M. & Coad, A, 2010, Collection of Municipal Solid Waste in Developing Countries, United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-HABITAT), Nairobi. Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), 2011, Municipal waste management: Good practices, CSIR, Pretoria. Das, D., Srinivasu, M. & Bandyopa- dhyay, M, 1998, “Solid state acidification of vegetable waste”, Indian Journal of Environmental Health vol 40, no 4, pp. 333-342. Francesco, M. & Micale, C, 2013, “Impact of source segregation intensity of solid waste on fuel consumption and collection costs”, Waste Management vol 33, pp. 2170–217 Getahun, T, Mengistie, E, Haddis, A & Van der Bruggen , B., 2012, ‘’Municipal solid waste generation in growing urban areas in Africa: current practices and relation to socioeconomic factors in Jimma, Ethiopia’’ Environ Monit Assess, vol 184, 6337–6345. Hope, T, 1998, Solid Waste Management, University of West Indiana, Indianapolis. Kumar, S. 2009, Solid Waste Management, Northern Book Centre, New York Kansal, A., 2002, “Solid Waste management strategies for India”, Indian Journal of Environmental Protection vol 22, no. 4, pp. 444-448. Middle East Waste Summit, 2009, Waste management report, Middle East Summit, Dubai. Oxford Business Group, 2012, Solid Waste Management, Oxford Group, London Pfeffer, T, 1992, Solid Waste Management Engineering, Prentice Hall, New York. Rajput, A, Prasad, G & Chopra, K, 2009, “Scenario of solid waste management in present Indian context”, Caspian Journal of Environmental Sciences vol 7, no 1, pp. 45-53. Shammas, E, 2012, The Report of the Sultanate of Oman on solid Waste Management, UNEP, Geneva. Sharholy, M, Ahmad, K., Mahmood, G., Trivedi, R.C, 2008, “Municipal solid waste management in Indian cities-A review”. Waste Management vol 28, no 2, pp. 459-467. Schneider, W.J, 1970, Hydrologic implications of solid waste disposal, U.S. Geological Survey. Tchobanaglous, G. Theisen, H. and Eliassen, R, 1997, Solid wastes: Engineering Principles and Management Issues, Mc Graw-Hill publications, New York. Thomas, V.M., and Spiro, T.G,1996, The U.S. dioxin inventory: are there missing sources? Environmental Science & Technology. 30, 82A-85A. The Pensula, 2011, Waste Management in Qatar, viewed February 15 2014 Uriarte, F, 2008, Solid Waste Management: Principles and Practices, Sage, London. Wall, D.K., Zeiss, C, 1995, “Municipal waste degradation and settlement”, J. Env. Eng. Vol 121, 214-223. Read More