Management approaches to integrated solid waste in industrialized zones in Jordan: a case of Zarqa City

Landfill site selection for sustainable solid waste management using multiple-criteria decision-making. Case study: Al-Balqa governorate in Jordan

Landfill site selection is an essential aspect of sustainable solid waste management as it ensures that the waste generated by a community or region is disposed of in an environmentally friendly and safe manner. The approach for selecting landfill sites seeks to choose locations that provide the least risk to the environment and public health while still satisfying the demands of the local community. This research aims to use a multi-criteria assessment to determine a landfill location in Al-Balqa Governorate in Jordan to ensure that the chosen site meets the needs of all stakeholders while minimizing the negative impact on the environment and the community. This research developed a hierarchy structure to make landfill site selection decisions, which involves identifying parameters such as distance to surface water, land cover, distance from urban and rural areas, distance to roads, slope, and soil permeability. A rating system was used to evaluate each criterion, and weights were assigned to reflect their relative importance. An overlay weighting technique was then used to assess site suitability based on expert opinions from related fields. In this studied area, about 204,283 m2 is required to address 25 years of municipal solid waste volume, whereas this technique identified around 79,210,000 m2 of potential landfill sites. Overall, the research highlights the importance of using a multi-criteria assessment approach for landfill site selection to ensure that the chosen site meets the needs of all stakeholders while minimizing negative impacts on the environment and public health. The study provides insights that can be useful for decision-makers involved in sustainable solid waste management in Jordan and other similar regions. -How to Find the suitable landfills to achieve sustainable development.-What aspects and criteria were comsidered in choosing the landfill site.

Analysis of Plastic-Derived Fuel Oil Produced from High- and Low-Density Polyethylene

The exponential growth of waste plastic accumulation has had an irreversible and lasting impact on the world. An imminent threat to marine and terrestrial ecosystems of massive proportions, plastic waste accumulation is a global problem that will not only have to be tackled by current generations but for many generations to follow. The scale of current recycling technologies and efforts to reduce consumption by for-profit and non-profit institutions, governments, and consumers will need to be rapidly increased to combat the negative impacts plastic waste has had on the planet since its conception. This is especially the case in areas with limited infrastructure to properly collect, manage, and dispose of plastic waste. Solutions to plastic waste accumulation crisis that are appropriate for the developing world are urgently needed. Conversion of plastic waste to liquid fuel by slow pyrolysis is a technology that is particularly suitable for developing countries due to its ability to convert polyolefin waste plastic into a useful product, thus preventing its eventual accumulation in the ecosystem. However, in developing countries, conversion techniques that do not rely on sophisticated technologies are needed. Since processing time and operating temperature are the simplest variables to control, an analytical study has been conducted to assess how the molecular composition of plastic derived fuel oil (PDFO) is impacted by these parameters. The results of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) studies of PDFO from high- and low-density polyethylene plastic waste produced using appropriate technology techniques are presented alongside a comparison with traditional diesel fuel and kerosene. This approach is novel in that it differs from previously conducted research, which has studied the use of catalysts, additives, or single operating temperatures to assess the composition of PDFO. Therefore, this research contribution presents a simplistic and inexpensive approach for tuning PDFO composition in appropriate technology settings.

Temporal and Spatial Distributions of Waste Facilities and Solid Waste Management Strategies in Rural and Urban Saskatchewan, Canada

Saskatchewan has the highest number of landfills per capita in Canada. Given the lower population density and the skewed spatial population distribution, comprehensive analysis of municipal solid waste management systems in Saskatchewan is inherently difficult. Most of the published waste studies however focus on city-level waste management, and there is a lack of literature with respect to the rural areas. In this study, landfills and transfer stations are examined temporally and spatially using Geographic Information System. Landfills and transfer stations from 2017 and 2020 were plotted against census division land area, annual budget, and population density to study temporal changes. Saskatchewan witnessed a 54% reduction in the number of landfills and a 55% increase in number of transfer stations between 2017 and 2020. The replacement of landfills with transfer stations are more noticeable in divisions 8, 9, and 16. Regression analysis is conducted, and landfill closure operation show no obvious correlation to division land area, annual budget, or population density. Rural division 18, representing Northern Saskatchewan, has approximately 45% of the land area in the province and has the lowest population density. The findings suggest different waste management strategies are required for urban and rural areas. The results of this study will help policy makers to better implement solid waste management strategies in urban and rural areas.

Women rag pickers at a dump in Ahmedabad: Genotoxicity and oxidative stress

Municipal solid waste (MSW) generated in Ahmedabad, India, and the surrounding area is dumped at the Pirana site; rag pickers collect materials for re-sale. We have compared genotoxicity and oxidative stress in samples from women rag pickers working at this site, with women involved only in door-to-door waste picking (in residential areas near the university campus) as "controls". The buccal Cytokinesis-Block Micronucleus (CBMN) assay showed significantly higher frequencies of Micronucleus (MN), Nucleoplasmic Bridges (NPB), and Nuclear Buds (NB) in the rag pickers than in the "controls". The buccal Micronuclei Cytome (BMCyt) assay showed significantly higher prevalence of nuclear anomalies, such as micronucleus, karyorrhexis, karyolytic cells, and nuclear buds. Blood samples from the rag pickers showed lower levels of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase), lower total serum protein concentrations, and greater lipid peroxidation compared to the "control" group. Exposure to hazardous solid waste may lead to increased oxidative damage and genotoxicity; improved safety procedures and the use of personal protective equipment are recommended.

Material Flows and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Potential of Decentralized Composting in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Case Study in Tiassalé, Côte d'Ivoire

Despite many composting initiatives implemented in recent years throughout Sub-Saharan Africa, there is yet a lack of data on material flows and the potential contribution of decentralized composting towards greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation. This study fills this gap assessing flows, emissions reduction and other environmental benefits of decentralized composting, based on a pilot composting facility implemented in the municipality of Tiassalé in Côte d'Ivoire. Primary data collected at the site were visualized with the STAN version 2.6 software developed at the Vienna University of Technology (Austria), for material flows, while carbon emissions reduction was estimated using the UNFCCC methods. Results show that in 2017, from the 59.4 metric tons of organic waste processed by this pilot station, 14.2 metric tons of mature compost was produced, which correspond to 24% of the input mass (on wet weight basis). On dry weight basis, mature compost represents 36% of the input mass. The nutrient content of the compost is in line with data from literature on sub-Saharan African compost, and heavy metal contamination fulfils both French and German compost standards. Concerning the GHG emissions reduction potential, the results show that with this composting scenario, 87% of the baseline emissions occurring in open dumping can be avoided.

Multi-site household waste generation forecasting using a deep learning approach

Forecasting household waste generation using traditional methods is particularly challenging due to its high variability and uncertainty. Unlike studies that forecast waste generation at municipal or country levels, household data can present rapid short-term variations and highly non-linear dynamics. The aim of this paper is to investigate the advantages of using a state-of-the-art deep learning approach compared to traditional forecasting methods. We apply a multi-site Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) Neural Network, to forecast waste generation rates from households using a long-term data base. The model is applied to historical data of weekly waste weights from households in the municipality of Herning, Denmark, in the period between 2011 and 2018. Results show that using a multi-site approach, instead of an individual fit for each household, can improve forecasting performance of the LSTM model by 28% on average, and that the LSTM approaches can effectively improve the results by 85% on average compared with traditional methods such as ARIMA.

Evaluation of industrial wastes management practices: Case study of the Savojbolagh industrial zone, Iran

The main objective of this research was to investigate the waste characteristics and management activities in the Savojbolagh industrial zone, Iran, in order to rank the active industries from environmental perspectives using an innovative index. First, the industrial categories with over 50 employees were identified and classified according to their production process. Then, 54 industries were selected and all industrial processes, the types and quantities of products, per capita industrial waste generation, physical analysis and management activities in terms of minimisation, storage, processing, recycling and disposal were evaluated. The required data were obtained through questioners, interviews and field observations. A scoring system was prepared for evaluation of environmental status of waste management practices. Results indicated that the total industrial waste generation rate was 67,258 kg d^-1, in which 4528 belonged to hazardous waste. Furthermore, the per capita waste generation rate was 5.51 kg d^-1. Plastic, paper and cardboard and metals constituted the most fractions of wastes, respectively. Food and beverage, metallic and chemical/plastic industries were the biggest waste generators. Metallic industries with total score of 502.5 and non-metalic-mineral industries with the total score of 114 were categorised as the best and worst industries in terms of waste management practices.

Corporate social responsibility and sustainable management of solid wastes and effluents in Lagos megacity Nigeria

Purpose

This study aims to empirically investigate the relationship between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainable management of wastes and effluents (SMWE) in Lagos Megacity.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper adopts a quantitative research method, specifically the use of a Web-survey technique for eliciting responses from a cross-section of companies affiliated to the Lagos Chambers of Commerce and Industry (LCCI). From a target population of 2,300 companies, a sample of 92 companies was drawn using the sample determination formula of Parten (1950). The 92 sampled companies were randomly administered Web-based questionnaires through their official emails. Finally, the 56 responses received from the participating companies (corresponding to 61 per cent response rate) were analysed electronically and the results presented using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Findings

The results show strong positive relationships between CSR and advocacy on waste and effluents (0.7), environmental impact response (0.7), environmental sustainability policy (0.6) and preventive negative impact (0.6) with P < 0.05. However, weak positive relationships exist between CSR and monitoring mechanisms (0.3) and adequacy of infrastructure for wastes and pollutants management (0.4). Overall, there is a significant positive relationship between CSR and sustainable management of solid wastes and effluents in the sampled companies in Lagos.

Research limitations/implications

The research is limited to Lagos Megacity because it is the industrial and commercial hub of Nigeria. Besides, there are several industrial associations in Lagos, but the selected association was the LCCI with 56 sampled companies.

Practical implications

The research supports and validates the theory of planned behaviour (TPB), which explicates that performance behaviour of organisations is influenced by the behavioural intention and behavioural control. However, behavioural intention of organisations may be carried out, abandoned or revised based on ever changing circumstances or contexts.

Originality/value

The study bridges the gap between theory and practice of environmental CSR by enriching the understanding of academics and practitioners on CSR and environmental sustainability relationships in Lagos Megacity.

Modeling and prediction of regional municipal solid waste generation and diversion in Canada using machine learning approaches

The main objective of this study was to develop models for accurate prediction of municipal solid waste (MSW) generation and diversion based on demographic and socio-economic variables, with planned application of generating Canada-wide MSW inventories. Models were generated by mapping residential MSW quantities with socio-economic and demographic parameters of 220 municipalities in the province of Ontario, Canada. Two machine learning algorithms, namely decision trees and neural networks, were applied to build the models. Socio-economic variables were derived from Canadian Census data at regional and municipal levels. A data pre-processing and integration framework was developed in Matlab® computing software to generate datasets with sufficient data quantity and quality for modeling. Results showed that machine learning algorithms can be successfully used to generate waste models with good prediction performance. Neural network models had the best performance, describing 72% of variation in the data. The approach proposed in this study demonstrates the feasibility of creating tools that helps in regional waste planning by means of sourcing, pre-processing, integrating and modeling of publically available data from various sources.

Group assessment of key indicators of sustainable waste management in developing countries

Decision makers in developing countries are struggling to solve the present problems of solid waste management. Prioritisation and ranking of the most important indicators that influence the waste management system is very useful for any decision maker for the future planning and implementation of a sustainable waste management system. The aim of this study is to evaluate key indicators and their related sub-indicators in a group decision-making environment. In order to gain insight into the subject it was necessary to obtain the qualified opinions of decision makers from different countries who understand the situation in the sector of waste management in developing countries. An assessment is performed by 43 decision makers from both developed and developing countries, and the applied methodology is based on a combined use of the analytic hierarchy process, from the multi-criteria decision-making set of tools, and the preferential voting method known as Borda Count, which belongs to social choice theory. Pairwise comparison of indicators is performed with the analytic hierarchy process, and the ranking of indicators once obtained is assessed with Borda Count. Detailed analysis of the final results showed that the Institutional-Administrative indicator was the most important one, with the maximum weight as derived by both groups of decision makers. The results also showed that the combined use of the analytic hierarchy process and Borda Count contributes to the credibility and objectivity of the decision-making process, allowing its use in more complex waste management group decision-making problems to be recommended.

Assessing the variables affecting on the rate of solid waste generation and recycling: An empirical analysis in Prespa Park

Economic development, urbanization, and improved living standards increase the quantity and complexity of generated solid waste. Comprehensive study of the variables influencing household solid waste production and recycling rate is crucial and fundamental for exploring the generation mechanism and forecasting future dynamics of household solid waste. The present study is employed in the case study of Prespa Park. A model, based on the interrelationships of economic, demographic, housing structure and waste management policy variables influencing the rate of solid waste generation and recycling is developed and employed. The empirical analysis is based on the information derived from a field questionnaire survey conducted in Prespa Park villages for the year 2014. Another feature of this study is to test whether a household's waste generation can be decoupled from its population growth. Descriptive statistics, bivariate correlation analysis and F-tests are used to know the relationship between variables. One-way and two-way fixed effects models data analysis techniques are used to identify variables that determine the effectiveness of waste generation and recycling at household level in the study area. The results reveal that households with heterogeneous characteristics, such as education level, mean building age and income, present different challenges of waste reduction goals. Numerically, an increase of 1% in education level of population corresponds to a waste reduction of 3kg on the annual per capita basis. A village with older buildings, in the case of one year older of the median building age, corresponds to a waste generation increase of 12kg. Other economic and policy incentives such as the mean household income, pay-as-you-throw, percentage of population with access to curbside recycling, the number of drop-off recycling facilities available per 1000 persons and cumulative expenditures on recycling education per capita are also found to be effective measures in waste reduction. The mean expenditure for recycling education spent on a person for years 2010 and 2014 is 12 and 14 cents, respectively and it vary from 0 to €1. For years 2010 and 2014, the mean percentage of population with access to curbside recycling services is 38.6% and 40.3%, and the mean number of drop-off recycling centers per 1000 persons in the population is 0.29 and 0.32, respectively. Empirical evidence suggests that population growth did not necessarily result in increases in waste generation. The results provided are useful when planning, changing or implementing sustainable municipal solid waste management.

A framework for sustainable waste management: challenges and opportunities

Purpose

– This purpose of this paper is concerned with the issue of designing and operating a sustainable waste management system, in rapidly growing urban areas. Some existing models for waste management and the extent to which they could be applied in a specific environment – Cairo for example – are discussed. An integrated framework which can serve as a basis for the development of a sustainable waste management system is proposed. Sustainability of the system, opportunities and challenges, material re-use and recycling, composting, incineration and energy production and land-filling are examined. Relevant waste management and cost sub-models inherent to the system are discussed. In addition, some other environmental and social aspects are also debated. The main focus of this paper is to provide some insights into the design of a more effective and integrated sustainable waste management system applicable for developing economies.

Design/methodology/approach

– An in-depth analysis is carried out for the existing models and approaches for waste management. This has led to the development of a framework which can be implemented.

Findings

– A comprehensive conceptual framework for a waste management system is developed. The major inputs and expected outputs are clearly identified.

Originality/value

– A comprehensive and complete system for waste management is proposed. This system can be operationalized and implemented with a view of sustainability.

Public perception of hazardousness caused by current trends of municipal solid waste management

Municipal solid waste (MSW) piling up is becoming a serious problem in all developing countries (DC) as a result of inequitable waste collection and treatment. Citizens' collaboration is partly based on understanding their views and their active involvement in MSW planning; on the other hand the assessment of the perception of hazardousness related with MSW is considered rather important as well since the identification of the weak points of the applied MWM strategy is eased and the level of required training is determined. Researchers implemented a case study in the West Bank (WB) and Gaza Strip (GS) regions of Palestine, taking into consideration previous researches in other developing countries. They reached to safe and useful conclusions regarding the parameters which mean the greatest in the waste management field as far as DC are concerned. Lack of skilled manpower, irregular collection services, inadequate equipment used for waste collection, inadequate legal provisions, and resource constraints are additional factors that are confirmed to be challenging the waste management scenarios in all DCs today. The research takes those factors under consideration but focuses on the educational gap and the results revealed interesting trends a significant relationship between respondent's educational attainment and their awareness of hazardous waste (hazard perception); the results will indicate the measure taking required to avoid accidents occurred in those regions (burns from toxics, cuts from sharps, etc). National policy and legislation development based on the research outcomes will ensure equitable and accessible services are in place in order to move towards a healthier environment. Specialized health education and training programs on national scale are also needed to enhance awareness on hazardous waste.

Solid waste management challenges for cities in developing countries

Solid waste management is a challenge for the cities' authorities in developing countries mainly due to the increasing generation of waste, the burden posed on the municipal budget as a result of the high costs associated to its management, the lack of understanding over a diversity of factors that affect the different stages of waste management and linkages necessary to enable the entire handling system functioning. An analysis of literature on the work done and reported mainly in publications from 2005 to 2011, related to waste management in developing countries, showed that few articles give quantitative information. The analysis was conducted in two of the major scientific journals, Waste Management Journal and Waste Management and Research. The objective of this research was to determine the stakeholders' action/behavior that have a role in the waste management process and to analyze influential factors on the system, in more than thirty urban areas in 22 developing countries in 4 continents. A combination of methods was used in this study in order to assess the stakeholders and the factors influencing the performance of waste management in the cities. Data was collected from scientific literature, existing data bases, observations made during visits to urban areas, structured interviews with relevant professionals, exercises provided to participants in workshops and a questionnaire applied to stakeholders. Descriptive and inferential statistic methods were used to draw conclusions. The outcomes of the research are a comprehensive list of stakeholders that are relevant in the waste management systems and a set of factors that reveal the most important causes for the systems' failure. The information provided is very useful when planning, changing or implementing waste management systems in cities.

Resource management performance in Bahrain: a systematic analysis of municipal waste management, secondary material flows and organizational aspects

This paper presents a detailed review of municipal solid waste (MSW) and resource management in Bahrain, using the recently developed UN-Habitat city profile methodology. Performance indicators involve quantitative assessment of waste collection and sweeping, controlled disposal, materials recovery and financial sustainability together with qualitative assessment of user and provider inclusivity and institutional coherence. MSW management performance in Bahrain is compared with data for 20 other cities. The system in Bahrain is at an intermediate stage of development. A waste/material flow diagram allows visualization of the MSW system and quantifies all inputs and outputs, with the vast majority of MSW deposited in a controlled, but not engineered landfill. International comparative analysis shows that recycling and material recovery rates in Bahrain (8% wt. for domestic waste, of which 3% wt. due to informal sector) are generally lower than other cities, whereas waste quantities and generation rates at 1.1 kg capita(-1) day(-1)) are relatively high. The organic fraction (60% wt.) is comparable to that in middle- and low-income cities (50-80% wt.), although on the basis of gross domestic product Bahrain is classified as a high-income city, for which the average is generally less than 30% wt. Inclusivity in waste governance is at a medium stage as not all waste system stakeholders are considered in decision-making. While the system now appears to be financially stable, key pending issues are cost-effectiveness, improving the standards of disposal and deployment of extensive materials recovery/recycling services.

Quantification of greenhouse gas emissions from waste management processes for municipalities--a comparative review focusing on Africa

The amount of greenhouse gases (GHG) emitted due to waste management in the cities of developing countries is predicted to rise considerably in the near future; however, these countries have a series of problems in accounting and reporting these gases. Some of these problems are related to the status quo of waste management in the developing world and some to the lack of a coherent framework for accounting and reporting of greenhouse gases from waste at municipal level. This review summarizes and compares GHG emissions from individual waste management processes which make up a municipal waste management system, with an emphasis on developing countries and, in particular, Africa. It should be seen as a first step towards developing a more holistic GHG accounting model for municipalities. The comparison between these emissions from developed and developing countries at process level, reveals that there is agreement on the magnitude of the emissions expected from each process (generation of waste, collection and transport, disposal and recycling). The highest GHG savings are achieved through recycling, and these savings would be even higher in developing countries which rely on coal for energy production (e.g. South Africa, India and China) and where non-motorized collection and transport is used. The highest emissions are due to the methane released by dumpsites and landfills, and these emissions are predicted to increase significantly, unless more of the methane is captured and either flared or used for energy generation. The clean development mechanism (CDM) projects implemented in the developing world have made some progress in this field; however, African countries lag behind.

Change in MSW characteristics under recent management strategies in Taiwan

Reduction and recycling initiatives such as producer responsibility and pay-as-you-throw are being implemented in Taiwan. This paper presents a study assessing the impact of recently implemented municipal solid waste (MSW) reduction and recycling management strategies on the characteristics of waste feedstock for incineration in Taiwan. Through the periodic sampling of two typical MSW incineration plants, proximate and ultimate analyses were conducted according to standard methods to explore the influence of MSW reduction and recycling management strategies on incineration feed waste characteristics. It was observed that the annual amount of MSW generated in 2005 decreased by about 10% compared to 2003 and that the characteristics of MSW have changed significantly due to recent management strategies. The heating value of the MSW generated in Taiwan increased yearly by about 5% after program implementation. A comparison of the monthly variations in chemical concentrations indicated that the chlorine content in MSW has changed. This change results from usage reduction of PVC plastic due to the recycling fund management (RFM) program, and the food waste as well as salt content reduction due to the total recycling for kitchen garbage program. This achievement will improve the reduction of dioxin emissions from MSW incineration. In summary, management strategies must be conducted in tandem with the global trend to achieve a zero-waste-discharge country. When implementing these strategies and planning for future MSW management systems, it is important to consider the changes that may occur in the composition and characteristics of MSW over time.

Logistical management and private sector involvement in reducing the cost of municipal solid waste collection service in the Tubas area of the West Bank

This paper addresses the problems of the municipal solid waste (MSW) collection system in the Tubas district of Palestine. More specifically, it addresses the often-voiced concerns pertaining to low efficiency as well as environmental problems. This was carried out through a systematic methodological approach. The paper illustrates how a private company applied a logistical management strategy, by rescheduling the MSW collection system, reallocating street solid waste containers and minimizing vehicle routing. The way in which the MSW collection timetable was rescheduled decreased the operating expenses and thus reduced MSW collection costs. All data needed to reschedule the collection timetable and optimize vehicle routing were based on actual field measurements. The new MSW collection timetable introduced by a private company was monitored for a period of a month. The new system resulted in an improvement in the MSW collection system by reducing the collection cost to a level that is socially acceptable (US dollars 3.75/family/month), as well as economically and environmentally sound.

Local waste management constraints and waste administrators in China

Local level waste authorities and their officials directly interact and serve the people on behalf of higher governments. Given the influential positions they have on the quality of life of the citizens, these local waste authorities deserve more attention from researchers. This study throws light on the factors related to local waste management and administrators that have caused waste management failures in three mainland Chinese cities. Based on a survey conducted in 2002-2003, it was found that waste administrators in these cities are not professionally competent in their jobs and they are also not confident in using economic instruments to address waste management issues in their cities. These local waste authorities are generally under-funded, and funding politics has to some extent eroded the incentives to carry out the instructions of higher waste authorities. The community at large also does not respect local waste management work. The residents frequently litter, are unobservant of waste collection times and are unwilling to pay for waste collection service. All of these are handicapping environmentally sound waste management.