Municipal Solid Waste Characterization and Analysis in Himachal Pradesh

Abstract

Open dumping of municipal solid waste (MSW) is one of the most problematic issues for the safety of environment including air, groundwater and soil pollution. In this regard, it is important to have proper consideration for reducing the effect of open dumping on environment as well as on human health. In this context, the current study focuses on evaluating, characterizing of MSW, characterization of compost, geotechnical assessment of contaminated soil, characterization of leachate and groundwater in four selected regions of Solan, Mandi, Sundernagar and Baddi in Himachal Pradesh. The study aims to provide detailed baseline information of the existing MSW management and the possible effects of the waste on soil and groundwater. An LCA approach with different scenarios involving combination of treatment systems was also conducted to determine the best possible treatment options. Finally, an engineered landfill was designed for the waste generated. newlineThe evaluation of the existing waste management practices in the four regions of Himachal Pradesh was evaluated using the Wasteaware benchmark indicators and a matrix method was used to quantify the results. The overall results of Matrix method revealed 32% efficiency for Solan and Baddi sites and 36% efficiency for Sundernagar and Mandi sites. The matrix method also reported that overall management of MSW at our study location categorized under low index whereas Chandigarh city lies under the category of Low/Medium index. newlineThe characterization analysis of the study regions revealed that the waste of Himachal Pradesh is rich in organic fraction being followed by the paper waste. The average value of organic waste over the three seasons at the study locations were observed to be 55.35% for Solan, 54.20 % for Mandi, 51.87% for Sundernagar and 50.40% for Baddi respectively. Based on the characterization results a detailed discussion on the possible WTE techniques has been presented. newline