Study on the characteristic of municipal solid waste from Perlis disposal site

Abstract

Increasing population levels, rapid economic growth and rise in community living standard accelerates the generation rate of municipal solid waste (MSW) in Perlis. The objectives of this study are to determined the physical and chemical characteristics of MSW. In this study, we characterize and determine parameters density, pH, moisture content, calorific value (CV) and heavy metal (Nickel, Zinc, Manganese and Ferum). Four samples were obtained for this study. The samples were collected at the Perlis dumping site and analyzed at the laboratory to determined the characteristics of MSW. From the study, the three main constitutions of the waste generated were food, paper and cardboard and plastic. The results show that food waste represent 22.00 % of waste, followed by cardboard 14.46%, paper 13.75%, plastic 13.30%, textiles 11.43%, glass 9.76%, wood and yard waste 8.09%, rubber/leather 4.38% and tin cans 2.83%. As a result, the data can be used to predict the future trends in the quantity and quality of the MSW and the MSW generated can be managed in a proper manner than just solely dumped. This waste characterization information also helps in planning how to reduce waste, set up recycling programs, and conserve money and resources.