Abstract:
Now-a-days, Urban solid waste management is considered to be one of the most imme 'diate
and serious environmental problems confronting urban governments in developing countries.
Rapid urbanization on an enormous scale and uncontrolled industrial development severely
degrade urban environment. It causes serious strain on natural resources consequently,
undermine equitable and sustainable development. The population of Dhaka has swelled
phenomenally from 3.4 million in 1981 to 6 million in 1991. Unplanned growth of urban
population cause reckless generation of solid wastes and exert tremendous pressure on
existing services. The traditional concepts and technologies to collect waste is becoming
insufficient and ineffective causing more than half of the generated solid wastes remain
uncollected and disposed of locally, making the environmental scenario of the metropolis quite
gloomy and dismal for the future.
This research reviews current literature and practices on primary collection activities. The
most promising approach in the study is to improve the primary collection coverage with the
positive attitude of community involvement. A physical observation survey has been
conducted on system procedure and operational strategy of different categories of vehicles.
Some analytical cost / benefit models are developed addressing waste management and
resource recovery issues.
It has been found from the study that for the preservation and enhancement of environmental
quality, there is an urgent need to introduce community based collection system at household
levels. For increasing vehicle productivity and minimizing system cost this study supports the
operation, of demountable container system for it's attainment in economic sustainability.
With the introduction of decentralized composting, it might be possible to increase the
financial viability of community based primary collection system. Other reasons for introducing
decentralized composting are the recovery of organic material from municipal solid waste and
thereby reducing collection, transportation and disposal costs.
