Sustainability of solid waste management system of Dhaka city corporation

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.