Solid waste characterization study and management in Perlis

Abstract

This paper presents a study of solid waste characterization and management in Kangar Perlis. In order to identify wastes composition, the sampling was carried out based on the spot sampling method, whereas the laboratory analysis involved are moisture content analysis, Thermo Gravimetric Analysis (TGA) and calorific analysis via Bomb Calorimeter test. Altogether about 14 components of wastes had been evaluated and results shows three main constitutions of wastes generated are food wastes, paper and plastic wastes. Then 8 out of 14 components had been identified as recyclable materials. The average moisture content of wastes is 9 to 68%. Then results obtained from the moisture contain analysis had been converted into the TGA curve. From that, the rate of waste decomposition had been obtained. Energy content in each of wastes component also had been examined by using the Bomb Calorimeter and food wastes had been addressed as the candidate who is contained lowest energy value compared than others. Besides that, three main available waste management approaches had been discussed such as sanitary landfills, recycling program and energy-to-wastes combustion. Then, based on the characteristic of wastes obtained, recycling program and sanitary landfill had been recommended to replace current approach in waste handling for this state.