Generation and composition of municipal solid waste: case study, extension 7, Palapye, Botswana

Abstract

The rapid population growth and industrialisation has contributed to the production of large quantities of solid wastes that should be managed properly. This study was conducted to investigate the generation and composition of solid wastes at different income levels during weekdays and weekends in a particular zone in Palapye municipality (Extension 7), Botswana. The study was conducted through sampling of wastes at source and analysis at the laboratory. In increasing order, the generation rates were 0.17 ± 0.11, 0.17 ± 0.0, 0.10 ± 0.02 and 0.08 ± 0.01 kg/capita/day in high, middle, lodge (commercial) and low income household during weekdays respectively. The corresponding generation rates during weekends were 0.38 ± 0.23, 0.34 ± 0.0, 0.22 ± 0.0 and 0.27 ± 0.21 kg/capita/day, respectively. Food wastes represented the highest composition and in decreasing order was 48.4 ± 24.6, 68.1, 59.4 ± 2.47, and 51.8 ± 5.1% respectively, during weekdays. The corresponding composition during weekends was 73.8 ± 25.7, 86.4, 62.6 ± 39.8 and 49.8%, respectively. The densities of the wastes were 383.5 ± 213, 493.8 ± 454, 580.9 ± 436, and 431 ± 188 kg/m3 respectively, from high, middle, low- income households and commercial entity during weekdays. The corresponding densities during weekends were 568 ± 105, 270 ± 0.0, 352.8 ± 149 and 833 ± 0.0 kg/m3 respectively. Indiscriminate wastes disposal were observed at the dumping site which was not controlled and therefore posing as a health hazard to both human beings, animals and the environment in general. To conclude, large quantities of wastes are generated by high income-households and more is produced during weekends with food wastes representing the highest composition. The information from the study can inform the policy makers and public health specialists to plan engineered waste management system for the town.