No description available.

B.URP / Department of Urban and Regional Planning

Despite the vast research on options to improve solid waste management (SWM) in developing countries, little has been done to evaluate these possible improvements. This study assesses Ghana’s Community Participation and Public Awareness Program (CPPAP) for SWM through qualitative interviews comprising of 81 community members living in three different Communities -Kanda, Asylum Down, and Nima all in the Accra Metropolitan Area (AMA), Ghana. In addition, four officials were interviewed, and an activity worksheet for Strength, Weakness, Opportunity, & Threat (SWOT) analysis was developed based on responses from the study community members and officials. Participants were asked to identify implementation plans for SWM at different levels of government. Results indicated that community members and officials do not have expert knowledge of existing local and national laws for managing waste in Ghana. Study participants were also asked what targets are achieved with CPPAP; the study observed that community members have a good comprehension of SWM and are actively involved in managing waste. Notwithstanding that, enforcement of the listed guidelines to CPPAP has not been effective primarily due to lack of resources. Furthermore, to identify community members’ and policymakers’ viewpoints regarding SWM, the study found that the greater support of the local government and all stakeholders is needed in managing waste. The study identified significant threats and weaknesses of the CPPAP that include political interference and a lack of resources that can be overcome by strengths and opportunities, including community mobilization, employment opportunities. The study contributes to the body of knowledge on assessing implementation programs and policies for solid waste management in developing countries. Stakeholders of solid waste management will also benefit from the challenges unveiled in the study regarding waste management implementation plans and policies from governments.

Yes / This paper is a comparative analysis of Municipal Solid Waste Management in West Africa focusing on Ghana, Mali and Nigeria. The paper offers a rich discussion on Municipal Solid Waste, (hereinafter referred to as MSW), its negative impacts, possible benefits and missed opportunities due to mismanagement of the same. The discussion focuses on both international and domestic legislation of the case study states on MSW and the right to environment. Inevitably, this extends to policy considerations in as far as they impact on MSW management, and to recommendations intended to enable the case study states realise the benefits of a proper MSW management system that is in line with global standards and the right to clean and healthy environment.

Conventional landfills are built to dispose of the increasing amount of municipal solid waste (MSW) generated each year. A relatively new type of landfill, called a bioreactor landfill, is designed to optimize the biodegradation of the contained waste to stabilized products. Landfills with stabilized waste pose little threat to the environment from ozone depleting gases and groundwater contamination. Limited research has been done to determine the importance of biodegradation enhancement techniques and the analytical methods that are used to characterize waste stability. The purpose of this research was to determine the effectiveness of several biodegradation enhancements and to evaluate the analytical methods which predict landfill stability. In the first part of this study leachate recirculation, and moisture and temperature management were found to significantly affect the biodegradation of MSW. Leachate recirculation, increased moisture, and higher temperatures increased the first order degradation rates of cellulose and volatile solids. Of the three enhancements, temperature was shown to have the biggest impact on the biodegradation of waste, but sufficient moisture is critical for degradation. Plastic material was also shown to significantly impact the measurements for volatile solids and lignin, which is important if these measurements are used to establish waste stability. In the second part of the study the analytical methods used to characterize waste were evaluated to determine if relationships existed between the methods and which methods were the best predictors of waste stability. Volatile solids and cellulose were found to be the best parameters to monitor waste in landfills. These parameters correlate well with each other, age of the waste, and other parameters. Volatile solids and cellulose are also relatively easy to determine, quick, and show little variation. / Master of Science

No description available.

The geotechnical properties of municipal solid waste (MSW) such as compressibility, shear strength and stiffness are of prime importance in design and construction of landfills. However, it is not well clear how the stress-strain and strength characteristics vary with time as the biodegradation of waste continues in the landfill. There is also a need to address the variability of MSW properties and their role in landfill design. The present thesis proposes models for the analyses of stress-strain response of MSW in undrained and drained conditions. The proposed models are based on critical state soil mechanics concept and the modified cam clay model is extended to consider the effects of creep and biodegradation. The models are examined with reference to experimental data and published results of MSW in the form of stress strain response. In addition, the experimental results and the data from published literature are also compared with predictions from hyperbolic model. The proposed models are able to capture the stress strain response of MSW in undrained and drained condition adequately. The applicability of proposed model is presented in terms of shear strength ratio, stiffness ratio and settlement for typical landfill cases. In order to examine the influence of model parameters on shear strength, stiffness ratio and settlement, multilinear regression equations are developed based on response surface method (RSM) for different coefficients of variation (COVs). The effect of variability associated with model parameters is examined using reliability analysis. For better understanding, the present thesis is divided into following seven chapters. Chapter 1 is an introductory chapter, in which the need for use of the constitutive models and its use in engineering response analysis of MSW is presented. Further, the organization of thesis is also presented. Chapter 2 presents various studies with regard to the engineering properties of MSW available in the literature. Different models and approaches proposed by various researchers for the prediction of stress-strain response, time dependent behavior and settlement analysis of the MSW are presented. The uncertainty associated with engineering properties and available methods for reliability analysis and the use of response surface method are presented. Finally, based on the literature review, the scope of the thesis and summary of chapter are presented at the end. Chapter 3 presents composition of MSW, detailed description of the sample preparation, methods adopted in the experimental program and test results of one dimensional compression and consolidated undrained tests. Based on the experimental observations, a constitutive model for municipal solid waste for undrained condition in the framework of modified cam clay model considering mechanical creep and biodegradation mechanisms is proposed. It also provides detailed description of the selection of the input parameters required for the proposed model. Further, the detailed derivation of proposed model and the discussion on evaluation of the input model parameters from triaxial and consolidation tests are presented. The model is examined with reference to the experimental data and published results. The stress strain behavior of MSW is compared with the prediction of stress strain response from hyperbolic model. The comparison of stress strain response is well captured using proposed model for all levels of strain. The major conclusions from the study are presented at the end. Chapter 4 presents experimental results of consolidated drained tests. A constitutive model for MSW for drained condition in the framework of modified cam clay model considering mechanical creep and biodegradation mechanisms is proposed. The model is examined with reference to the experimental data and data from published literature. In addition, stress strain behavior of MSW is compared with the predictions from hyperbolic model. The comparison of stress strain response is well captured using proposed model for all levels of strain. The major conclusions from the study are presented at the end. Chapter 5 presents the applicability of proposed models in terms of shear strength ratio and stiffness ratio for a typical landfill condition. Based on response surface method (RSM), multilinear response surface equations are developed for different variables ( M, λ.b.c.d.Edg ) for different percentages of strain for 10 and 20% COVs of the model parameters. The effect of variability of model parameters is presented in terms of results of reliability analysis for specified performance functions. The major conclusions from the study are presented at the end. Chapter 6 presents an approach for the settlement evaluation of MSW for a typical landfill case of 30 m high. Based on RSM, multilinear response surface equations are developed for the calculation of MSW settlement for 30 years for 10 and 20% COVs. The effect of variability of model parameters is evaluated in term of reliability index for performance function specified in terms of landfill capacity. The major conclusions from the study are presented at the end. Chapter 7 presents a brief summary and conclusions from the various studies reported in the present thesis.

O presente trabalho versa sobre a base legislativa ambiental e a introdução da logística reversa como um instrumento para minorar o impacto dos resíduos sólidos eletrônicos. Parte do estudo das transformações oriundas da Modernidade que levaram a sociedade para um mundo mais consumista, fazendo com que surgissem novas necessidades, que ao longo do tempo impulsionaram o processo produtivo industrial. Também observa que o advento da informática acelera o processo da Modernidade que se incrementa pela globalização e que impacta em profundas e significativas mudanças nas esferas econômicas, política, social, cultural e tecnológica levando a majorar a capacidade de produção refletindo no aumento da produção e consumo de bens através das técnicas da obsolescência programada e da obsolescência perceptiva. Decorre disso a descartabilidade de produtos que por terem vida curta, rapidamente se tornam obsoletos, gerando o desequilíbrio que advém do notório volume crescente de resíduos sólidos, principalmente os resíduos sólidos eletrônicos que preocupam devido possuir grande potencial poluidor em sua composição. Para impedir que seus elementos agridam o meio ambiente de forma mais agressiva se verifica a necessidade de uma coleta seletiva e eficaz, ou seja, a seleção dos materiais levará os demais procedimentos (reutilização, recuperação e aproveitamento energético, ou até mesmo a sua destinação para a compostagem). Ainda, vê-se a necessidade do Sistema de Gestão dos resíduos específico para empresas visando a redução de custos de operação, com a adoção de métodos corretos de tratamento de forma a eliminar desperdícios e maximizar a alocação dos recursos naturais. Quanto á base legislativa de tutela ambiental internacional, sendo o Brasil signatário da Convenção de Basiléia, é vedado no país, a transferência de resíduos para além do seu limite territorial, e também o recebimento desses materiais oriundos de outros países. Assim, a legislação brasileira, além de todos os princípios e disposições preceituadas pela Constituição, tem como norma específica sobre resíduos a Lei 12.305/2010, intitulada Política Nacional de Resíduos Sólidos, que traz em si definições legais, tais como os conceitos de gestão integrada de resíduos sólidos, e o próprio conceito de resíduos sólidos. Tal norma ainda institui o sistema de logística reversa como um conjugado de atos que visam uma coleta mais efetiva e a restituição de resíduos sólidos ao setor empresarial. Por outro lado, se verifica a ausência de positivação na Política Nacional de Resíduos Sólidos da descrição do modus operandi da logística reversa na Lei 12.305/2010, deixando á critério das empresas de reciclagem o método a ser feito, respeitados os direitos de propriedade intelectual e industrial sobre seus procedimentos. Quando a metodologia utilizou-se como método de abordagem do tema, o dialético, devido o trabalho adentrar o mundo dos fenômenos através de sua ação mútua. / Submitted by Marcelo Teixeira (mvteixeira@ucs.br) on 2014-05-22T13:02:11Z No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertacao Fabiana Barcelos da Silva Cardoso.pdf: 1932822 bytes, checksum: 2c6d6454c303cef5434ac6c908a0187c (MD5) Dissertacao Fabiana Barcelos da Silva Cardoso.pdf: 1932822 bytes, checksum: 2c6d6454c303cef5434ac6c908a0187c (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2014-05-22T13:02:11Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertacao Fabiana Barcelos da Silva Cardoso.pdf: 1932822 bytes, checksum: 2c6d6454c303cef5434ac6c908a0187c (MD5) Dissertacao Fabiana Barcelos da Silva Cardoso.pdf: 1932822 bytes, checksum: 2c6d6454c303cef5434ac6c908a0187c (MD5) / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / The present work deals about the environmental legislative base and the introduction of the reverse logistics as an instrument to alleviate the impact of electronics solid wastes. Part of the study of the changes comes from Modernity that led the company to a more consumerist world, making new needs arise, which over time boosted the industrial production process. It also notes that the advent of computing speeds up the process of modernity that is increased by globalization and that impacts on deep and significant changes in economic, political, social, cultural and technological spheres, leading to increasing of production capacity reflecting on the increased production and consumption of goods through the techniques of planned obsolescence and perceptive obsolescence. It follows that the disposability of products which have a short life, quickly become obsolete, creating the imbalance that comes from notorious increasing volume of solid waste, especially electronics solid waste that concern due its great potential polluter in its composition. To prevent its elements harm the environment more aggressively there is a need for a separate and effective collection, that is, the selection of the materials will lead to other procedures (reuse, recovery and energy recovery, or even to its destination for composting). Still, there is the need for system specific of Waste Management to companies aiming at the reduction of operating costs, with the adoption of correct methods of treatment in order to eliminate waste and maximize the allocation of natural resources. As for the legislative basis of international environmental protection, Brazil signed the Basel Convention, it is prohibited in the country, the transfer of waste beyond its territorial limit, and also the receipt of these materials from other countries. Thus, the Brazilian legislation, beyond all principles and provisions prescribed by the Constitution, is specific provision for waste Law 12.305/2010, entitled National Policy on Solid Waste, which brings legal definitions, such as the concepts of integrated management solid waste, and the concept of solid waste. This standard also establishes a system of reverse logistics as conjugate acts that aimed a more effective collection of solid waste and restitution of solid waste to the business sector. On the other hand, there is a lack of recognition on the National Policy on Solid Waste description of the modus operandi of reverse logistics in Law 12.305/2010, leaving to companies criterion of recyclers method to be done, respecting the rights of intellectual and industrial property on their procedures. When the methodology was used as a method of approach of the theme, the dialectical, due to work entering into the world of phenomena through their mutual action.

O presente trabalho versa sobre a base legislativa ambiental e a introdução da logística reversa como um instrumento para minorar o impacto dos resíduos sólidos eletrônicos. Parte do estudo das transformações oriundas da Modernidade que levaram a sociedade para um mundo mais consumista, fazendo com que surgissem novas necessidades, que ao longo do tempo impulsionaram o processo produtivo industrial. Também observa que o advento da informática acelera o processo da Modernidade que se incrementa pela globalização e que impacta em profundas e significativas mudanças nas esferas econômicas, política, social, cultural e tecnológica levando a majorar a capacidade de produção refletindo no aumento da produção e consumo de bens através das técnicas da obsolescência programada e da obsolescência perceptiva. Decorre disso a descartabilidade de produtos que por terem vida curta, rapidamente se tornam obsoletos, gerando o desequilíbrio que advém do notório volume crescente de resíduos sólidos, principalmente os resíduos sólidos eletrônicos que preocupam devido possuir grande potencial poluidor em sua composição. Para impedir que seus elementos agridam o meio ambiente de forma mais agressiva se verifica a necessidade de uma coleta seletiva e eficaz, ou seja, a seleção dos materiais levará os demais procedimentos (reutilização, recuperação e aproveitamento energético, ou até mesmo a sua destinação para a compostagem). Ainda, vê-se a necessidade do Sistema de Gestão dos resíduos específico para empresas visando a redução de custos de operação, com a adoção de métodos corretos de tratamento de forma a eliminar desperdícios e maximizar a alocação dos recursos naturais. Quanto á base legislativa de tutela ambiental internacional, sendo o Brasil signatário da Convenção de Basiléia, é vedado no país, a transferência de resíduos para além do seu limite territorial, e também o recebimento desses materiais oriundos de outros países. Assim, a legislação brasileira, além de todos os princípios e disposições preceituadas pela Constituição, tem como norma específica sobre resíduos a Lei 12.305/2010, intitulada Política Nacional de Resíduos Sólidos, que traz em si definições legais, tais como os conceitos de gestão integrada de resíduos sólidos, e o próprio conceito de resíduos sólidos. Tal norma ainda institui o sistema de logística reversa como um conjugado de atos que visam uma coleta mais efetiva e a restituição de resíduos sólidos ao setor empresarial. Por outro lado, se verifica a ausência de positivação na Política Nacional de Resíduos Sólidos da descrição do modus operandi da logística reversa na Lei 12.305/2010, deixando á critério das empresas de reciclagem o método a ser feito, respeitados os direitos de propriedade intelectual e industrial sobre seus procedimentos. Quando a metodologia utilizou-se como método de abordagem do tema, o dialético, devido o trabalho adentrar o mundo dos fenômenos através de sua ação mútua. / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / The present work deals about the environmental legislative base and the introduction of the reverse logistics as an instrument to alleviate the impact of electronics solid wastes. Part of the study of the changes comes from Modernity that led the company to a more consumerist world, making new needs arise, which over time boosted the industrial production process. It also notes that the advent of computing speeds up the process of modernity that is increased by globalization and that impacts on deep and significant changes in economic, political, social, cultural and technological spheres, leading to increasing of production capacity reflecting on the increased production and consumption of goods through the techniques of planned obsolescence and perceptive obsolescence. It follows that the disposability of products which have a short life, quickly become obsolete, creating the imbalance that comes from notorious increasing volume of solid waste, especially electronics solid waste that concern due its great potential polluter in its composition. To prevent its elements harm the environment more aggressively there is a need for a separate and effective collection, that is, the selection of the materials will lead to other procedures (reuse, recovery and energy recovery, or even to its destination for composting). Still, there is the need for system specific of Waste Management to companies aiming at the reduction of operating costs, with the adoption of correct methods of treatment in order to eliminate waste and maximize the allocation of natural resources. As for the legislative basis of international environmental protection, Brazil signed the Basel Convention, it is prohibited in the country, the transfer of waste beyond its territorial limit, and also the receipt of these materials from other countries. Thus, the Brazilian legislation, beyond all principles and provisions prescribed by the Constitution, is specific provision for waste Law 12.305/2010, entitled National Policy on Solid Waste, which brings legal definitions, such as the concepts of integrated management solid waste, and the concept of solid waste. This standard also establishes a system of reverse logistics as conjugate acts that aimed a more effective collection of solid waste and restitution of solid waste to the business sector. On the other hand, there is a lack of recognition on the National Policy on Solid Waste description of the modus operandi of reverse logistics in Law 12.305/2010, leaving to companies criterion of recyclers method to be done, respecting the rights of intellectual and industrial property on their procedures. When the methodology was used as a method of approach of the theme, the dialectical, due to work entering into the world of phenomena through their mutual action.

The state of solid waste management in cities of most developing countries is fast assuming the scale of a major social and environmental challenge. In Sub-Saharan Africa in particular, the combined influence of poverty, population growth and rapid urbanization has tended to worsen the situation. The gravity of this problem is perhaps best reflected in the level of attention given to it in the United Nations (UN) Millennium Declaration. Three of the eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) outlined in the declaration have waste or resource efficiency implications. In response to the waste challenge many developed countries have embarked upon ambitious environmental reforms, recording remarkable advances in best practises and sustainable management of their Municipal Solid Waste (MSW). However, many developing countries such as Nigeria have fared less well in this regard as a result of several barriers militating against sustainable management of MSW. The principal aim of this research is therefore to carry out a critical analysis of the various barriers as well as success factors that affect the sustainable management of MSW using Abuja, Nigeria, as a case study. The study adopts a largely quantitative methodological approach, employing waste composition analysis of samples from the case study area, questionnaire survey and focus group interviews of stakeholders in MSW management as key methods for generation of data. Results from analysis of data, using the Statistical Programme for the Social Sciences (SPSS), indicate that between 65-70% of MSW samples from Abuja is biodegradable, mostly comprising of high wet weight and high moisture content kitchen wastes. On the other hand between 11%-30% of MSW samples from the City comprises mostly of non-degradable but recyclable materials such as glass, metals and cans, non-ferrous metals and waste electrical and electronic equipment. The implication of the high levels of moisture content in the biodegradable components is that samples are not suitable for incineration but are ideal for composting and other mechanical and biological management options. Data analysis also reveals that the main barriers to sustainable MSW management in the City include low public awareness/education on MSW management, obsolete and insufficient equipment and funding limitations. On the other hand, the most important success factor affecting sustainable MSW management in Abuja was found to be the bourgeoning City population which has a huge potential for uptake of recycled products. In summary, this research concludes that the factors affecting MSW management in Abuja are typical of many tropical urban environments. Fundamental shifts in current practises towards waste prevention; driven by a structured public education programme in MSW management is recommended, so as to bring about a more sustainable management regime. As a result of resource and time limitations, it was not possible to complete several potential lines of investigation related to this study. To fully understand the character of the Abuja waste stream however, further chemical characterization including proximate and ultimate analysis is required. Future research in this genre must endeavour to collect data from a larger sample to increase the precision of the analysis and to enable firmer conclusions to be drawn.