Assessment of biowaste potential in Gedeo Zone: A step toward advanced biogas and biofertilizer production in future for sustainable waste management

Abstract

Resource depletion is at an all-time high, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable development that balances ecological and economic perspectives. As societies grow, effective resource management is crucial to meet the needs of both present and future generations. Waste generation, once seen as a burden, now holds the potential to create wealth and employment through innovative management strategies. This study explores the potential of biowaste for biofertilizer and biogas production in the study area by quantifying waste generation from households, commercial units, streets, and marketplaces while examining its composition in relation to socioeconomic factors. Findings reveal average biowaste generation rates of 0.97 ± 0.20 kg/person/day from households, 12.8 ± 3.05 kg/day from commercial units, 10.53 ± 1.12 kg/day from marketplaces, and 9.37 ± 1.15 kg/day from streets. The biowaste composition includes 45 % fruit, 33 % vegetation, and 15 %-yard waste, with other organic waste types making up 7 %. The study also assessed the physical properties of the bio waste, showing high moisture content (60.1–80 %) and volatile matter (80–85 %), with an average caloric value of 2,600 kcal, indicating its suitability for composting and anaerobic digestion. Annually, approximately 335,573 tons of biowaste could be collected from households, alongside 3,724 tons from commercial sources. This could yield up to 169,675 tons of compost/year or generate a biogas potential of 10,180,500 m³/year, with actual production at 9,162,450 ± 148 m³. This study emphasizes the significant potential of biowaste as a valuable resource, enhancing waste management practices and promoting environmental protection in developing countries.