Quantification and Characterization of Solid Waste in Alkalakla Administrative Unit, Khartoum State-Sudan

Abstract

Solid waste generation is an outcome of human activities, poor solid waste management lead to serious public health problems. Quantification and characterization of solid waste components consider an important step in solid waste management procedures. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in Alkalakla Administrative Unit to determine solid waste per capita generation rate and identify solid waste compositions. Considering seasonal variations and socio-economic class, World Health Organization (WHO) and California Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB) procedures for solid waste survey were adopted in sampling procedure and solid waste segregation. Data were collected and analyzed three times in 2013 (January, May, and August). The average weight of solid waste generated in Alkalakla Administrative Unit, taking into account all three seasons, was 0.401 kg/ capita/day, and accordingly estimated annual amount of solid waste was (36241.6 ton). There was negative moderate correlation between family size and solid waste per capita generation rate (r=-0.449, p value <0.001). Analysis of solid waste component shows that food remains accounts for the largest proportion (37%), followed by earth materials (20.5%) and plastic (13%). 3.77% of solid waste was hazardous materials. Ash and dung represented the lowest percentage (0.31%) and (0.11%) respectively. The average of solid waste per capita generation rate across the seasons and neighborhoods, were similar to the average weight estimated by Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office (EMRO), while it had significant differences from the average estimated by Khartoum State Cleaning Corporation. Statistically there were seasonal variations in solid waste generation; however there were no significant differences between neighborhoods. Study findings have significant economic prospective in solid waste management particular high percentages of organic components and low density of solid waste.