Solid waste separation and utilization

Thesis Abstract

This project was done to bring to lime light the appropriate method of solid waste handling, separation and utilization, in order to reduce the impact on the environment – environmental degradation. In this work, effort was made to point out the required steps taken in solid waste management.

Segregation at the source was done to get either the vegetable waste separated from the plastic waste; metallic waste from plastic waste. Segregation at the source was carried out to avert difficulties associated with waste (solid) handling, separation and in general the management of waste.

More still, the biodegradable more further treated as in composting; and non biodegradable treated as in recycling of metals (Aluminium) or plastics; all geared towards ensuring that wastes (litters) were not towering to an outrageous extent, such that the stench would not upset public health. The waste can be incinerated or burnt as in combustion.

There are various use to which the solid wastes are put; use as manure to increase and supplement the soil nutrient requirement; the gas (methane) effusing from the compost could be tapped and sold on a domestic gas; while combustion facilities burn municipal solid waste at a high temperature reducing waste volume and generating electricity.