Norbu. Municipal solid waste characteristics and management in phuntsholing city Brutan. Master's Degree(Industrial Ecology and Environment ). Mahidol University. Mahidol University Library and Knowledge Center. : Mahidol University, 2008.
Municipal solid waste characteristics and management in phuntsholing city Brutan
Abstract:
Municipal solid waste management is an emerging concern in major cities of
Bhutan, especially Phuntsholing city. Despite lack of reliable data on both the waste
composition and quantity, no research studies are conducted to identify problems and
alternatives to improve the current management system. Therefore, the study
objectives are: 1) to determine solid waste composition and generation rate; 2) to
investigate current solid waste management system in Phuntsholing City; and 3) to
propose alternatives for its improvement.
The study methodology involved both qualitative and quantitative methods.
Waste samples were selected from various collection depots and analyzed for
composition and generation rate. Investigation was carried out through interviews
with municipal authorities and local residents, existing document reviews and field
observations, to obtain information pertaining to the current management system.
It was found that the organic fraction of waste composition was about 71% of
the total. The average waste generation rate was estimated to be 0.40 kg/capita.day
and the haul density was 298.11kg/m3. Further results revealed that the current
management system is technically inefficient. Financial constraints, lack of policy and
planning and weak social collaborations worsened the management problem.
Therefore, recommendations are suggested to improve the current situation.
Mahidol University. Mahidol University Library and Knowledge Center