Municipal Solid Waste Quantification, Characterization and Management in Rajam

-----------------------------------------------------------ABSTRACT---------------------------------------------------------To plan effectively and successfully manage the solid wastes, proper quantification and characterization are essential. Recovery from solid waste is an important aspect where as disposal is only the final option. Recovery of methane from landfills is rarely practiced in India. Solid waste management from Rajam, a municipality in Srikakulam district , AP is considered in the present study where there is a potential for huge generation of solid waste generation but not following the proper management practices. Systematic studies are conducted in Rajam for quantification, determination of composition, study of route analysis and recovery value from solid wastes. Rajam is generating 9000 kg/day of solid waste with per capita waste generation of 0.214 kg/day, 74% food wastes with average density of 320 kg/m 3 and estimated methane gas generation of 180 m3/tonne of waste. Due to high biodegradable content (6.66 tonnes/day), compost and biogas generation options are studied. Optimum distribution of biodegradable solid waste among these two options is studied. A combination of 4.66 tonnes for composting and 2 tonnes for landfilling with net recovery of Rs 12,846 per day is suggested. The recovery value of non-biodegradable items such as paper and plastic are also studied. It is found that, Rajam can make a recovery of Rs 53,73,165 per year excluding the construction and operation cost incurred for establishment of compost plant and landfill biogas collection system. Improvements to the route analysis are suggested to reduce the number of trips of collection.