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Article
Publication date: 8 June 2020

Potential for waste to energy generation of municipal solid waste (MSW) in the Kumasi metropolis of Ghana

Eugene Amo-Asamoah, De-Graft Owusu-Manu, George Asumadu, Frank Ato Ghansah and David John Edwards

Globally, waste management has been a topical issue in the past few decades due to the continual increase in municipal solid waste (MSW) generation that is becoming…

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Abstract

Purpose

Globally, waste management has been a topical issue in the past few decades due to the continual increase in municipal solid waste (MSW) generation that is becoming difficult to handle with conventional waste management techniques. The situation is much more pronounced in economically developing countries where population growth rate and urbanisation are becoming uncontrollable. The purpose of this study was to assess the potential for waste to energy generation in the Kumasi metropolis, the second-largest city in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

To address the objectives of the study, a quantitative research approach, namely, the questionnaire was adopted. The data analysis was done using the statistical package for social sciences version 25, including both descriptive and inferential statistics to give an in-depth meaning to the responses from the participants.

Findings

The results showed that several factors hinder waste to energy technology in Ghana; key among them was high capital cost, high operational cost and lack of governmental support and policy framework. The results also revealed that 1 m3 of biogas generated from MSW in Kumasi could generate 36 MJ of energy, equivalent to 10 kW/h.

Originality/value

The unique contribution made by the paper is that it combines expert opinions, empirical data that included time series data and opinion of key actors in the waste management chain in assessing the potential for waste to energy generation in the Kumasi metropolis of Ghana.

Details

International Journal of Energy Sector Management, vol. 14 no. 6
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/IJESM-12-2019-0005
ISSN: 1750-6220

Keywords

  • Surveys
  • Energy balance
  • Waste management
  • Municipal solid waste (MSW)
  • Waste to energy
  • Biogas
  • Energy potential
  • Kumasi metropolis
  • Landfill

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Article
Publication date: 1 May 1990

Waste Management: A Systems Perspective

Sushil

A systems perspective of waste management allows an integratedapproach not only to the five basic functional elements of wastemanagement itself (generation, reduction…

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Abstract

A systems perspective of waste management allows an integrated approach not only to the five basic functional elements of waste management itself (generation, reduction, collection, recycling, disposal), but to the problems arising at the interfaces with the management of energy, nature conservation, environmental protection, economic factors like unemployment and productivity, etc. This monograph separately describes present practices and the problems to be solved in each of the functional areas of waste management and at the important interfaces. Strategies for more efficient control are then proposed from a systems perspective. Systematic and objective means of solving problems become possible leading to optimal management and a positive contribution to economic development, not least through resource conservation. India is the particular context within which waste generation and management are discussed. In considering waste disposal techniques, special attention is given to sewage and radioactive wastes.

Details

Industrial Management & Data Systems, vol. 90 no. 5
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/02635579010140584
ISSN: 0263-5577

Keywords

  • Economics
  • Environment
  • India
  • Recycling
  • Resources
  • Systems analysis
  • Systems design
  • Waste

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Article
Publication date: 12 January 2015

Status of municipal solid waste generation and disposal in Nigeria

Charles Chidozie Nnaji

This paper examined the current status of municipal solid waste management across Nigeria. The core aspects covered are generation, characterization, collection…

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Abstract

Purpose

This paper examined the current status of municipal solid waste management across Nigeria. The core aspects covered are generation, characterization, collection, scavenging, open dumping, disposal and environmental implications of poor solid waste management. The purpose of this paper is to present a comprehensive overview of the current state of municipal solid waste management in Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was executed by a combination of an extensive literature search and field study. Solid waste generation rates for 31 Nigerian cities were obtained from literature. In addition, characteristics of municipal solid waste from 26 Nigerian cities were also obtained from literature. Other aspects such as characterization of solid waste obtained from final dumpsite and heavy metals accumulation in solid waste dumpsites were undertaken first hand.

Findings

Solid waste generation rate was found to vary from 0.13 kg/capita/day in Ogbomosho to 0.71 kg/capita/day in Ado-Ekiti. Factors affecting solid waste generation rates were identified. Typically, food waste was found to constitute close to 50 percent of overall municipal solid waste in Nigerian cities. This study shows that the rate of generation of plastics, water proof materials and diapers has assumed an upward trend. Due to the dysfunctional state of many municipal waste management authorities, many cities have been overrun by open dumps. For instance, more than 50 percent of residents of Maiduguri in northern Nigeria and Ughelli in southern Nigeria dispose of their waste in open dumps. Indiscriminate disposal of waste has also resulted in the preponderance of toxic heavy metals in agricultural soils and consequent bioaccumulation in plants as well as groundwater contamination.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation of this research is municipal waste management authorities do not have relevant data. Hence, there was heavy reliance on published materials. The status of waste management in Nigeria is very deplorable and therefore poses serious threats to public and environmental health. There is urgent need for both government and individuals to adopt holistic and sustainable waste management strategies in order to safeguard public/environmental health.

Practical implications

Findings from this paper can form a veritable resource for the formulation and implementation of sustainable municipal solid waste management framework and strategies in Nigeria.

Originality/value

While most studies on municipal solid waste management in Nigeria are focussed on selected cities of interest, this particular study cuts across most cities of Nigeria in order to present a broader and holistic view of municipal solid waste management in Nigeria. The paper has also unraveled core municipal solid waste management challenges facing Nigerian cities.

Details

Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal, vol. 26 no. 1
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/MEQ-08-2013-0092
ISSN: 1477-7835

Keywords

  • Disposal
  • Open dumps
  • Solid waste
  • Waste characterization
  • Waste generation
  • Waste management

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Article
Publication date: 19 March 2020

Prediction of solid waste generation and finding the sustainable pathways in the city of Dhaka

Md. Sazol Ahmmed, Md. Faisal Arif and Md. Mosharraf Hossain

Solid waste (SW) is the result of rapid urbanization and industrialization, and is increasing day by day by the increasing number of population. This thesis paper…

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Abstract

Purpose

Solid waste (SW) is the result of rapid urbanization and industrialization, and is increasing day by day by the increasing number of population. This thesis paper emphasizes on the prediction of SW generation in the city of Dhaka and finding sustainable pathways for minimizing the gaps in the existing system.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the survey of different questionnaires of the Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) was conducted. The data of SW generation, for few years of each month, in the city of Dhaka were collected to develop a model named Artificial Neural Network (ANN). The ANN model was used for the accurate prediction of SW generation.

Findings

At first, by using the ANN model with the one hidden layer and changing the number of neurons of the layer different models were created and tested. Finally, according to R values (training, test, all) the structure with six neurons in the hidden layer was selected as the suitable model. Finally, six gaps were found in the existing system of solid waste management (SWM) in the DSCC. These gaps are the main barrier for the better SWM.

Originality/value

The authors propose that the best model for prediction is 12-6-3, and its training and testing results are given as 0.9972 and 0.80380, respectively. So the resulting prediction is so much close in comparison with actual data. In this paper, the opportunities of those gaps are provided for working properly and the DSCC will find the better result in the aspect of SW problem.

Details

Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal, vol. 31 no. 6
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/MEQ-10-2019-0214
ISSN: 1477-7835

Keywords

  • Solid waste management
  • Artificial Neural Network
  • Validation performance analysis
  • Dhaka South City Corporation

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Article
Publication date: 7 November 2016

Organic fraction of municipal solid waste – a valuable source of green energy in India

Asit Aich and Sadhan Kumar Ghosh

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the green energy generation potential of the organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) through anaerobic digestion (AD…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the green energy generation potential of the organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) through anaerobic digestion (AD) route in India and its benefits.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, performances of some AD plants presently operating successfully in India have been studied in the field (Section 3.1). Primary data collected from this study has been used to evaluate the biogas generation potential of OFMSW in Indian condition (Section 4). To ensure the validity, this gas generation potential has been compared with the gas yield data observed by the other researchers and with the gas yields of AD plants of some technology providers at some parts of the world (Section 4.1). From the future population projection (year 2030) and the future per capita waste generation rate obtained from the literature survey, estimation has been made for future quantity of municipal solid waste (MSW) (year 2030) (Section 2.3). Based on these data, the green energy generation potential from the bio-degradable portion of MSW through AD route, in India, has been evaluated (Section 4.2), and its economic and environmental benefits have been analyzed (Section 5) .

Findings

This secondary research work reveals that from the bio-degradable portion of MSW, India can generate about 583 MW of green energy daily and produce about 5.1 mil MT of bio fertilizer per annum presently, and these may go up to 2,273 MW and 19.5 mil MT, respectively, in the year 2030. Generation of green energy from OFMSW, in India, may save coal consumption of about 3.04 mil MT and reduce 35.42 mil MT of CO2 emissions per annum presently. Moreover, utilization of the bio-degradable portion of the MSW stream may save about 550 acres (2.23 sq. km) of landfill area per year presently and in total may save about 8,182 hectare (82.5 sq. km) of landfill area during the period of 15 years time.

Research limitations/implications

The population growth and future per capita waste generation rate are based on census report of Govt of India and survey report of World Bank, respectively. Separate collection of bio-degradable portion of MSW has not yet been developed properly in India.

Practical implications

This study reveals that in India, the high-moisture-content, low-calorific-value bio-degradable waste in India can be used for the generation of substantial amount of green energy in India, which in addition to financial gains would reduce the waste quantity at landfill site, conserve natural resources, save land, reduce green house gas emission, generate employment and help to protect environment. Considering these benefits and advantages, evaluated in this study, policy makers and city managers may review their approaches toward solid waste management system of their cities to meet the challenges of huge increase of MSW in the years to come in India. More research works may be initiated to improve the AD system of organic waste, and more capital may be employed in waste management business in India.

Originality/value

Numbers of research works have been carried out by other researchers for estimation of energy generation potential through AD of OFMSW for different countries; but no such work could be found to identify such potential and its benefits in India. This research work demonstrates how MSW can be used as a wealth for green energy production in India. The originality of this paper is the analysis of green energy generation potential from the low calorific value MSW in India.

Details

International Journal of Energy Sector Management, vol. 10 no. 4
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/IJESM-06-2015-0001
ISSN: 1750-6220

Keywords

  • Surveys
  • Scenario analysis
  • Energy transformation
  • Resource management
  • Waste-based
  • Solid wastes

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Article
Publication date: 29 July 2014

Introducing a new medical waste tracking and classification system for Jordan

Bashaar Y. Ammary

The purpose of this paper is to introduce a cradle to grave manifest system for medical waste in Jordan. As part of this program, medical waste classification, generation…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce a cradle to grave manifest system for medical waste in Jordan. As part of this program, medical waste classification, generation rates, and tracking in different parts of the world and in Jordan are described.

Design/methodology/approach

After reviewing different classification systems, the program adopted the World Health Organization definition with minor modification to be used with the proposed manifest, as it is very similar to the current bylaw regulating medical waste in Jordan. In addition, the generation rates of hazardous medical waste in 11 public hospitals and one governmental university hospital in the northern part of Jordan were calculated. These were based on the weights of these wastes that were transferred to the sole incinerator used by these hospitals over a 12-month period. These weights were obtained through interviews with personnel in charge of the medical waste incinerator.

Findings

This project has devised a manifest form to be used for medical waste transport. In addition, the generation rate was found to vary from 0.88 to 3.05 kg/bed/day based on 100 percent occupancy rates. The generation weight was found to be different for different months of the year.

Originality/value

Management of waste disposal and treatment, including medical waste is very important in a water poor country like Jordan. The introduction of a manifest system and the adoption of a medical classification system, in addition to the calculation of the generation rates are very important for sustainable development in the country.

Details

World Journal of Science, Technology and Sustainable Development, vol. 11 no. 3
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/WJSTSD-04-2014-0004
ISSN: 2042-5945

Keywords

  • Jordan
  • Hospitals
  • Waste disposal
  • Medical waste classification
  • Medical waste generation rate
  • Medical waste manifest

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Article
Publication date: 14 October 2020

Characterization of solid wastes as a tool to implement waste management strategies in a university campus

Elaine Nolasco, Pedro Henrique Vieira Duraes, Júlia Pereira Gonçalves, Maria Cristina de Oliveira, Lucijane Monteiro de Abreu and Alexandre Nascimento de Almeida

Universities are an example of institutions that aggregate people around work/study who consume water, energy and produce waste daily in their activities, generating an…

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Abstract

Purpose

Universities are an example of institutions that aggregate people around work/study who consume water, energy and produce waste daily in their activities, generating an impact on the environment. The purpose of this study is to determine the quantity, composition and recycling potential of waste generated at the Faculdade UnB Planaltina (FUP) campus, of the University of Brasilia in the Federal District, Brazil, to develop a waste management strategy compatible with national legislation and sustainable global practices.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was based on conducting on-site visits to identify the sources of generation, hazardousness, management and gravimetric characteristics of residual waste from 2015 to 2016. In 2016, a selective collection was implemented on the FUP campus, and since then, actions to raise awareness for the selective disposal and monitoring of waste were conducted with the academic community.

Findings

The results showed that the campus generates 148 kg of waste/day, whereas the per capita generation is 92 g/day. The production of hazardous waste is related to campus laboratories which manage it under a specific program. The campus restaurant is the place that generates the most waste, of which organic waste is the most representative. When categorizing the waste generated on campus, the authors found that the majority are recyclables at 67% of the total. This category includes material composed of cardboard, paper and plastic, all able to be recycled in the Federal District.

Practical implications

The recyclable waste generated at the FUP campus is being diverted from the city’s landfill because they are donated to a recycling cooperative. These actions promote income generation, social inclusion of waste pickers and a circular economy, all in compliance with the National Solid Waste Policy. As a result, the FUP campus is more in line with Brazilian legislation and the global context of adopting sustainable waste management amongst higher education institutions.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the literature on sustainability in higher education by reporting the process of implementation of a waste management strategy in a university campus. Further, it presents tools and methods that can be used to achieve sustainability in waste management. The study also identifies that the crucial factor for the success of such actions is the mobilization and participation of the academic community in the process. It does so by presenting findings demonstrating how the University of Brasilia has been concerned with adopting pro-environmental measures for sustainable development.

Details

International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, vol. 22 no. 1
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/IJSHE-12-2019-0358
ISSN: 1467-6370

Keywords

  • Universities
  • Waste generation
  • Characterization
  • Gravimetric composition
  • Management
  • Diagnosis

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Article
Publication date: 23 June 2020

Municipal solid waste generation, composition, and management: the global scenario

Kapil Dev Sharma and Siddharth Jain

Due to the increasing population and prosperity, the generation rate of municipal solid waste (MSW) has increased significantly, resulting in serious problems on public…

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Abstract

Purpose

Due to the increasing population and prosperity, the generation rate of municipal solid waste (MSW) has increased significantly, resulting in serious problems on public health and the environment. Every single person in the world is affected by the municipal solid waste management (MSWM) issue. MSWM is reaching a critical level in almost all areas of the world and seeking the development of MSW strategies for a sustainable environment. This paper aims to present the existing global status of MSW generation, composition, management and related problems.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 59 developed and developing countries have been grouped based on their gross national income to compare the status of various MSWM technologies among them. A total of 19 selection criteria have been discussed to select appropriate MSWM technology(s) for a city/town, which affects their applicability, operational suitability and performance. All risks and challenges arising during the life cycle of the waste to energy (WtE) project have also been discussed. This paper also gives a comparative overview of different globally accepted MSWM technologies and the present market growth of all WtE technologies.

Findings

It was found that most developed countries have effectively implemented the solid waste management (SWM) hierarchy and are now focusing heavily on reducing, reusing and recycling of MSW. On the other hand, SWM has become very serious in low-income and low-middle-income countries because most of the MSW openly dumps and most countries are dependent on inadequate waste infrastructure and the informal sector. There are also some other major challenges related to effective waste policies, availability of funds, appropriate technology selection and adequacy of trained people. This study clears the picture of MSW generation, composition, management strategies and policies at the worldwide context. This manuscript could be valuable for all nations around the world where effective MSWM has not yet been implemented.

Originality/value

This study clears the picture of solid waste generation, composition, management strategies and policies at the worldwide context. This manuscript could be valuable for all nations around the world where effective MSWM has not yet been implemented. In this study, no data was generated. All supporting data were obtained from previously published papers in journals, the outcomes of the international conferences and published reports by government organizations.

Details

Social Responsibility Journal, vol. 16 no. 6
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/SRJ-06-2019-0210
ISSN: 1747-1117

Keywords

  • MSW
  • Generation rate
  • Global scenario
  • Waste management
  • Waste to energy
  • Technology selection

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Article
Publication date: 9 January 2007

Urban solid waste generation in Port Harcourt metropolis and its implications for waste management

D.N. Ogbonna, G.T. Amangabara and T.O. Ekere

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of rapid population growth due to uncontrolled and unplanned urbanization as it affects environmental degradation…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of rapid population growth due to uncontrolled and unplanned urbanization as it affects environmental degradation through solid waste generation in Port Harcourt Metropolis, which has brought about the problem of solid waste management to city authorities and state government

Design/methodology/approach

The study involved the administration of questionnaires to 76 different households with a total population of 393 persons giving an average size of 7 persons per household. Also, formal interviews with officials of relevant government departments as wells as private stakeholders in urban solid waste management were conducted. The questionnaires were designed to elicit information on the characteristics of the respondents and waste generation capacity as well as disposal methods. The data abstracted from the questionnaires were analysed using the multiple linear regression to test for the significant differences. The study period was between January 1999 to December 1999

Findings

A total of 207.3 tonnes of solid waste was generated giving per capita annual waste generation rate of 0.53 tonnes equivalent to a waste generator rate of 1.45 kg of waste per capita daily. Analysis of solid waste composition was by land use types. The study showed that cartoons accounted for 16.1 percent, while papers and food remnants had 14.4 percent and 26.6 percent of total waste generated respectively.

Practical implications

Assist city dwellers tackle the problem posed by urban waste through provision of adequate infrastructure and social services.

Originality/value

The paper suggests continuous enlightenment programmes as well as employment of good technical services in the management of solid waste rather than the use of political will to tackle the problems. This work is original, as no such analysis has been carried out in Port Harcourt metropolis. The paper has provided data and knowledge upon which further research can be carried out.

Details

Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal, vol. 18 no. 1
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/14777830710717730
ISSN: 1477-7835

Keywords

  • Waste handling
  • Waste management
  • Waste disposal
  • Urban areas
  • Nigeria

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Article
Publication date: 6 May 2014

Influence of labour arrangement on construction material waste generation

Jeyaraja Jayamathan and Raufdeen Rameezdeen

Construction waste originates from various sources, generally from the inception of construction through to the completion of a building project. Previous research has…

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Abstract

Purpose

Construction waste originates from various sources, generally from the inception of construction through to the completion of a building project. Previous research has shown that there is a link between the quantity of waste generated and the way labour is organized in the construction industry. However, these studies have failed to look into the sources of waste with respect to labour utilization and how it influences the generation of waste. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence of labour arrangements on construction waste generation, particularly the sources of waste and the attitudes of workers.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a combination of direct observations and source evaluations on six case study sites, the waste in direct and subcontracted labour (SL) arrangements was quantified. A questionnaire survey was administered to the workers participating in the observation study to elicit their attitudes to waste and closely linked issues.

Findings

The results show that SL produced more waste than direct labour in all three work processes considered. A lack of organizational commitment and effective strategy emerged as the main problem in waste reduction.

Practical implications

Subcontractors should be made responsible for their share of waste generated in a project. Main contractors should record who are “approved subcontractors” based on their performance at site which should include inter alia waste generation. The approved subcontractor method is a way of barring subcontractors from being included on future projects if they do not meet the performance standards of a main contractor.

Originality/value

This study shows that waste generation has a relationship to organizational commitment and strategy rather than to workers’ attitudes. In order to manage construction waste effectively, it has to be considered in the financial equation of a project, because attitudinal changes are difficult to achieve unless there is a personal financial benefit attached to it.

Details

Structural Survey, vol. 32 no. 2
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/SS-09-2012-0026
ISSN: 0263-080X

Keywords

  • Construction
  • Waste
  • Labour
  • Materials
  • Quantification
  • Source evaluation

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