There is a growing demand for sustainable forms of waste management due to both legislative pressures (e.g. the European Union Landfill Directive (99/31/EC)) and increasing public awareness of environmental issues. Composting of biodegradable waste materials to produce a stabilized beneficial multi-functional product (compost) is being widely promoted. Currently, the most popular method of composting is the open windrow method, whereby the mixed and shredded feedstocks are arranged in long rows termed windrows and turned on a regular basis. During the process the waste material is subject to aerobic exothermic microbial decomposition. Commercial composting operations suffer from the problem that much of the processing is performed using empirical approaches. Improved understanding of the composting process based on scientific methodology is required to allow composting to develop its potential as an economic, safe and reliable method of sustainable waste management. This study used a series of large scale windrow-based seasonal field trials employing urban green waste as a feedstock, to investigate in unprecedented detail the temperature trends and patterns of behaviour within such structures. In addition physical-chemical profiling was undertaken. It demonstrated that windrow temperature development is not uniform in either a spatial or temporal sense. Temperature variation is a key feature of composting. All regions of typical windrows exhibited thermophilic and mesophilic temperature zones throughout the composting process. There was little seasonal variation. Sustained high temperatures were most widespread in the core regions at a height of around lm. Thus, these areas should not be favoured during temperature assessment to avoid bias results. It was demonstrated that current methods of temperature assessment are inadequate. It is suggested that greater numbers of data points are collected at varying positions and instead of simply calculating overall mean temperature that individual trends are plotted. The use of temperature frequency distribution histograms and cumulative temperature plots is additionally advised. Increased windspeed (greater than approximately 15MPH) was demonstrated to be a major factor preventing the development and sustaining of thermophilic temperatures within windrows. It is recommended that commercial composters routinely assess windspeed and direction. Changes in organic matter content, bulk density and pH provided an indication of the composting process in the long term but lacked the sensitivity of temperature measurement. Surveying using electronic tacheometry allowed changes in windrow shape and volume to be assessed. The field trial data allowed a novel physical compost model to be developed, based upon open windrow composting of urban green waste. Existing models are based on in-vessel composting systems and are technically flawed in certain key aspects. The model successfully simulated the initial stages of windrow composting, which was proven by experimentation and comparison with field trial data. The use of low level internal feedstock heating was demonstrated to be a viable method of stimulating natural enhanced microbial activity. A non- insulated model windrow and the employment of an environmental simulation system allowed the natural relationship between windrow and external environment to be modelled. The importance of such a model to the compost scientist and waste manager is highlighted. The study showed that it is possible to successfully physically model the open windrow composting process.

This study contributes to filling a gap identified in the current Malaysian national waste policy, the National Strategic Plan for Solid Waste Management (NSPSWM 2005). It also contributes to the sparse knowledge of NGOs’ involvement in Malaysia in promoting recycling and general environmental awareness with the Malaysian public particularly in an urban context. Although the NSPSWM alludes to NGOs as actors that can assist in improving the public’s awareness of and participation in sustainable waste management (SWM), there is sparse knowledge on how this is facilitated. This study was also motivated to investigate to what extent social learning elements were being embodied in the initiatives of two NGOs that were studied, as it is posited that facilitations for social learning create pathways for change. Although there are various studies on the functions of NGOs, there is little research conducted on how environmental NGOs play a part in SWM in Malaysia. The research approach applied in this thesis was mixed-methods, and the rationale was to apply both qualitative and quantitative methods that would be useful and would combine complementary strengths to help answer the research questions. A qualitative two-case-study approach was used to predict similar or contrasting results based on the theoretical framework considered relevant. The unit of analysis of each case study was a programme that promoted recycling as a sustainable waste management strategy, to the general public in the study area of Selangor, Malaysia. The first case study’s target audience was urban school students; while the second case study’s focus was urban school students, charity homes for the handicapped and hypermarkets. Both NGOs are considered two of the earliest NGOs in the study area to be involved in promoting SWM with the public. The quantitative aspects included findings from a questionnaire survey of 411 students. The population sampled was obtained based on a stratified sampling procedure. The urban student population’s response was collected to gain insights into students’ perception of NGOs’ involvement in SWM, and into what factors significantly influence the students’ recycling participation in schools. Both descriptive and inferential analyses were conducted. The findings from this approach complemented the qualitative findings obtained from the two case studies. In addition, interviews were conducted with some students to complement the survey evidence. Where relevant, secondary evidence from the press, reports and Web pages were used to support the primary evidence. The qualitative evidence was synthesized and the aggregated findings were then triangulated with the quantitative evidence for corroboration purposes. These evaluations revealed that the processes involved in the programmes to promote recycling supported social learning and positive outcomes. Almost half of the students sampled were aware and welcomed NGOs’ involvement in SWM, both in schools and in their community. They reported that they learned more about SWM and the environment from participating in their school’s SWM programmes (although these programmes may not necessarily have been facilitated by the particular environmental NGO identified in the case studies). The students also generally perceived that the government should support NGOs’ involvement in SWM and that SWM programmes in schools coordinated by NGOs were beneficial to their learning about SWM. Various factors were also found to have influenced their participation in sustainable waste behavior. The findings could be used to inform the relevant policy makers’ decisions about NGOs’ contributions towards SWM. In addition, the findings from the students’ survey could help inform other NGOs or other organisations, such as universities or corporate bodies that are interested in implementing SWM programmes with schools and who may be eager to extend their corporate social responsibilities using approaches similar to those highlighted in this thesis.

No description available.

Master of Science / Department of Hospitality Management and Dietetics / Elizabeth B. Barrett / Along with increasing environmental challenges and large quantities of energy demand, many have become concerned about the environment and have implemented “Going Green” strategies. As a result, plans for sustainable development are being adopted by governments, institutions, operations, and individual households. Many National Association of College & University Food Service (NACUFS) members may have heard about sustainability, but they may not apply their knowledge to developing practical outcomes and solutions. Very little research has been published that measures how NACUFS members are responding to Sustainable Waste Management (SWM) and to the new Sustainability Guide published by the NACUFS organization in September 2009. The primary purposes of this study were to ascertain what SWM programs have been implemented in college and university foodservices operations and determine how NACUFS members’ attitudes, subjective norms, and barriers affect the implementation of additional SWM programs based on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). A secondary purpose was to identify the differences in intention to implement sustainable waste management programs based on characteristics of the respondents’ age, size of facility, region of the country and if the facility had a sustainable waste management committee. In this study, 2,184 NACUFS members whose e-mail addresses were listed in the NACUFS membership directory were selected as subjects. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 17.0. Multiple linear regression analysis, T-tests, and ANOVA were used to test the hypotheses and research questions. Statistical significance was set at p≤0.05. The total number of responses was 212 resulting in a 13.5% response rate. The majority of respondents had implemented SWM programs that don’t require major resources. NACUFS members had positive attitudes about implementing a SWM program and their superiors, university administrators, and students’ opinions were important others to consider when implementing a SWM program. Whether a college and university foodservice has a sustainability committee was the only demographic that significantly influenced NACUFS members’ intentions to implement a SWM program. Overall, attitude and subjective norms were the only significant predictors of intention to implement a SWM program (p≤.05). Therefore, if NACFUS members have a positive attitude about sustainability, important others around them who agree and there is a sustainability committee within the operation, they are more likely to implement a SWM program. Keywords: Sustainable waste management, TPB, college and university foodservice

Developing countries are facing a great challenge to collect, treat and dispose their waste in a more sustainable way. Today, most of the produced waste ends up on landfills, where they pose a great threat to the environment and human health. Kumasi, the second largest city in Ghana, faces the same issues as other cities in developing countries; waste management is run poorly and most waste ends up on the cities largest landfill, Dompoase, which will be full in a few years time. Issues such as low financial resources, bad urban planning and a growing population aggravate the implementation of a more sustainable development. Since most solid waste in developing countries is organic, composting is a good option towards a more sustainable waste management. There are numerous amounts of articles stating that decentralized composting is the best option for developed countries. Decentralized compost facilities are less costly to install and maintain, they require less technology and decrease the cost of waste transportation. Transportation poses a large expense when it comes  to waste management in developing countries. There is an advantage in integrating a more sustainable waste management in to the existing waste infrastructure since cities often are densely built up and there is a shortage of land. Therefore this thesis has investigated the possibilities of having waste sorting stations and decentralized compost facilities at public dumping sites in the Bantama area, one of ten sub--‐metros in Kumasi. Based on literature and observations during field visits in the Bantama area, a classification scheme was developed. The classification scheme was designed to simplify identification and differentiation of the sites. It contains thirteen criteria to consider when planning for organic waste sorting stations and decentralized compost facilities. Suitable sites for sorting stations and decentralized compost facilities were selected by a SQL analyzes in a Geographic Information System (GIS). The analyzes was based on the classification scheme. The result shows that of twenty--‐one public dumpingsites, seven were suitable as sorting stations and two sites were suitable for a decentralized compost facility. The expectation is that in due time and with infrastructure improvements, more than only seven communal sites can become sorting stations. When it comes to sites for composting the result reveals an issue in many cities  there is just not enough land to build as many decentralized facilities as would be necessary to recycle all organic waste. However, due to the advantages of having decentralized facilities, the recommendation is that Kumasi should start with a decentralized approach and as finance and technological skills exists the organic waste management can extend to also include larger facilities. Further this thesis shows the advantage of having decentralized composting when it comes totransportation costs. A transport analyzes was done in a GIS,  which showed the difference intransportation distances between having decentralized and centralized composting. The result showed that waste recycled close to its source, i.e. having decentralized waste management, is transported shorter distance compared to having centralized composting and  thus saving on cost for transportation.

The purpose of this research is to determine the extent of public participation in waste management, willingness of the community to assist the municipality in waste management and how the officials involve the community as partners in waste management. Waste management has become a big environmental challenge in Sedibeng District Municipality due to rural- urban drift leading to population increase in the region. In cities and towns where there is population increase there is excessive generation of waste which demands new methods of waste management including public engagement and participation. This can be achieved through education and awareness campaigns in all municipality Wards to capacitate residents to minimize waste at household level. Community participation in waste collection, prevention of waste generation, recycling methods and assistance of waste management departments is one of the recommended methods and solution to waste collection challenges. The challenge in waste management is how to identify the informal sector stakeholders that can be involved in sorting of recyclable waste material that has been separated at source. Another challenge is how private sector can be approached to participate in household refuse collection to reduce backlog of un-serviced areas in the three local municipalities of Sedibeng District Municipality. The objectives of the research are: firstly, to determine the status quo of the household waste collection in the three local municipalities comprising Sedibeng District Municipality. Secondly, it is to determine the extent of backlogs emanating from the un-serviced households in Emfuleni; Midvaal and Lesedi local municipalities. Thirdly, it is to determine how local communities, informal sector and private sector can be involved in waste solutions. Fourthly, it is aimed to identify limitations; constraints and challenges that confront municipalities in engaging stakeholders in waste management solutions. The responses were from the officials of the three local municipalities, relevant supporting departments and stakeholders. Qualitative research and data was collected through questionnaires and interviews. Findings of the research indicated, among others, that: *Though sustainable household collection services are rendered in the three local municipalities, there is a backlog of 10 000 houses at Emfuleni, 270 at Midvaal and 6 000 at Lesedi local municipalities *There are no other stakeholders rendering waste management services in the region except for the operations of the landfill sites *Only 35% of householders recycle at source. The residents are prepared to participate but lack knowledge *The study revealed that in public participation, the community, Office of the Speaker, officials and Executive Mayor are the most important stakeholders to promote sustainable waste management services. They should ensure that public participation policies and strategies are implemented in the region. The study recommends, among others, that municipalities must support the community in the form of education and awareness campaigns, recycling at source, establish infrastructure for recyclable and separated goods, how to establish co-operatives and public-private-partnerships in waste management. New approaches such as composting of organic waste, proper disposal of electronic, medical and hazardous waste need to be communicated to the public. The study ends with recommendations for further research to be pursued in the following fields of study: *The role of the private sector in a municipality. *Integrated Waste Management Plans as tools to promote public participation in the Sedibeng District Municipality *Education and awareness to the public as a strategy to promote sustainable development in waste management in the Sedibeng District Municipality *The impact of waste storage containers in the prevention of illegal dumping in local municipalities *The role of environmental committees within a municipality in waste management and public participation / PhD (Public Management and Governance), North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2013

The purpose of this research is to determine the extent of public participation in waste management, willingness of the community to assist the municipality in waste management and how the officials involve the community as partners in waste management. Waste management has become a big environmental challenge in Sedibeng District Municipality due to rural- urban drift leading to population increase in the region. In cities and towns where there is population increase there is excessive generation of waste which demands new methods of waste management including public engagement and participation. This can be achieved through education and awareness campaigns in all municipality Wards to capacitate residents to minimize waste at household level. Community participation in waste collection, prevention of waste generation, recycling methods and assistance of waste management departments is one of the recommended methods and solution to waste collection challenges. The challenge in waste management is how to identify the informal sector stakeholders that can be involved in sorting of recyclable waste material that has been separated at source. Another challenge is how private sector can be approached to participate in household refuse collection to reduce backlog of un-serviced areas in the three local municipalities of Sedibeng District Municipality. The objectives of the research are: firstly, to determine the status quo of the household waste collection in the three local municipalities comprising Sedibeng District Municipality. Secondly, it is to determine the extent of backlogs emanating from the un-serviced households in Emfuleni; Midvaal and Lesedi local municipalities. Thirdly, it is to determine how local communities, informal sector and private sector can be involved in waste solutions. Fourthly, it is aimed to identify limitations; constraints and challenges that confront municipalities in engaging stakeholders in waste management solutions. The responses were from the officials of the three local municipalities, relevant supporting departments and stakeholders. Qualitative research and data was collected through questionnaires and interviews. Findings of the research indicated, among others, that: *Though sustainable household collection services are rendered in the three local municipalities, there is a backlog of 10 000 houses at Emfuleni, 270 at Midvaal and 6 000 at Lesedi local municipalities *There are no other stakeholders rendering waste management services in the region except for the operations of the landfill sites *Only 35% of householders recycle at source. The residents are prepared to participate but lack knowledge *The study revealed that in public participation, the community, Office of the Speaker, officials and Executive Mayor are the most important stakeholders to promote sustainable waste management services. They should ensure that public participation policies and strategies are implemented in the region. The study recommends, among others, that municipalities must support the community in the form of education and awareness campaigns, recycling at source, establish infrastructure for recyclable and separated goods, how to establish co-operatives and public-private-partnerships in waste management. New approaches such as composting of organic waste, proper disposal of electronic, medical and hazardous waste need to be communicated to the public. The study ends with recommendations for further research to be pursued in the following fields of study: *The role of the private sector in a municipality. *Integrated Waste Management Plans as tools to promote public participation in the Sedibeng District Municipality *Education and awareness to the public as a strategy to promote sustainable development in waste management in the Sedibeng District Municipality *The impact of waste storage containers in the prevention of illegal dumping in local municipalities *The role of environmental committees within a municipality in waste management and public participation / PhD (Public Management and Governance), North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2013

abstract: During the months from June to November 2012, the city of Bangalore was faced with a serious solid waste management (SWM) crisis. In the wake of the upheaval, the state court declared source segregation to be mandatory. Yet, while the legislation was clear, the pathway towards a course of action for the transition was not clear and hence, Bangalore was stuck in a state of limbo. The objectives for this thesis spiraled organically from this crisis. The first objective was to examine the gaps in Bangalore's transition to a more sustainable SWM system. Six particular gaps were identified, which in essence, were opportunities to re-shape the system. The gaps identified included: conflicting political agendas, the exclusion of some key actors, and lack of adequate attention to cultural aspects, provision of appropriate incentives, protection of livelihoods and promotion of innovation. Opportunities were found in better incentivization of sustainable SWM goals, protecting livelihoods that depend on waste, enhancing innovation and endorsing local, context based SWM solutions. Building on this understanding of gaps, the second objective was to explore an innovative, local, bottom-up waste-management model called the Vellore Zero Waste Model, and assess its applicability to Bangalore. The adaptability of the model depended on several factors such as, willingness of actors to redefine their roles and change functions, ability of the municipality to assure quality and oversight, willingness of citizen to source segregate, and most importantly, the political will and collective action needed to ensure and sustain the transition. The role of communication as a vital component to facilitate productive stakeholder engagement and to promote role change was evident. Therefore, the third objective of the study was to explore how interpersonal competencies and communication strategies could be used as a tool to facilitate stakeholder engagement and encourage collective action. In addressing these objectives, India was compared with Austria because Austria is often cited as having some of the best SWM practices in the world and has high recycling rates to show for its reputation. / Dissertation/Thesis / M.S. Sustainability 2013

Hantering och generering av avfall är stora bidragande faktorer till den moderna tidens globala klimatförändringar och det tydliggjorts att företag besitter en viktig roll i miljömässig hållbarhet. Syftet med detta examensarbete var att undersöka Viking Lines avfallshanteringssystem, samt att identifiera och kartlägga vätske- och restavfallsströmmar i samband med dagliga aktiviteter ombord. Detta för att identifiera potentiella förbättringsområden och möjligheter att spara både utsläpp och ekonomiska resurser. Slutligen, att ge rekommendationer med målet att Viking Line ska klättra i avfallshierarkin. Denna rapport bygger på en litteraturstudie, interna dokument från ansvariga på Viking Line, samt på semistrukturerade intervjuer med fokus på företagets avfallshanteringssystem. Undersökningen, som ligger till grund för denna studie, genomfördes med hjälp av data som samlats in från fartyget vid namn Cinderella. Granskning påvisade att brännbart avfall, wellpapp, färgade glasförpackningar, klarglasförpackninga, deponi (osorterat underhållsavfall) och fragskrot var de sex största avfallsströmmarna, under 2019 och 2022. Vid undersökning av avfallsgenereringen från samtliga fartyg och motsvarande behandling, fann man att energiåtervinning var den vanligaste behandlingsmetoden för restavfall, vilket resulterade i ett poängvärde på 395 av 1000 vid tillämpning av ett poängsystem relaterat till avfallshierarkin.  Låg sorteringsgrad förhindrar ökad återvinning och därmed också en förflyttning mot toppen av avfallshierarkin. Det visade sig att passagerarna endast hade en begränsad eller icke existerande möjlighet att sortera avfall ombord. Tidigare försök i att öka sorteringsgraden bland passagerare har misslyckats och en möjlig förklaring till detta är brist på motiv, förståelse samt medvetenhet för syftet av sortering. För att öka medvetenheten är rekommendationen att utbilda i ämnet avfallshantering, visualisera de positiva effekterna av sortering och möjliggöra sortering genom att tillhandahålla tydliga instruktioner och god tillgänglighet av sorteringsstationer. Viking Line skulle också kunna undersöka innovativ teknik, design och hållbara material tillsammans med leverantörer och intressenter för att minska genereringen av avfall. / Waste management and waste generation are large contributors to global climate change and in modern times it has become evident that corporations play an important role in environmental sustainability. The purpose of this thesis was to investigate Viking Line’s waste management system and to identify liquid and residual waste streams associated with daily activities onboard. With the aim of identifying potential areas of improvement and opportunities to save both emissions and monetary resources. Finally, to give recommendations with the goal of enabling Viking Line to climb the waste hierarchy. This report is based upon a literature review, internal documents provided by responsible at Viking Line and on semi-structured interviews with focus on their waste management system. Investigation took place using data collected from their vessel named Cinderella. Through examination, it was found that combustible waste, corrugated cardboard, coloured glass packaging, clear glass packaging, landfill (unsorted mainteance waste) and frag scrap were the six largest waste streams, during 2019 and 2022. When investigating the waste generation from all vessels and corresponding treatment, it was found that energy recovery was the most common treatment method of residual waste, resulting in a scoring value of 395 out of 1000 when applying the waste hierarchy scoring system. Low degree of sorting is prohibiting increased recycling and a move towards the top of the waste hierarchy. It was found that the passengers have little to no opportunity to sort waste onboard. Previous attempts at trying to increase sorting among passengers were unsuccessful and one possible explanation is lack of motive, understanding and awareness for the purpose of sorting. To increase awareness, the recommendation is to educate on the topic of waste management, visualize the positive impacts from sorting and enable sorting by providing clear instructions and availability. Viking Line could also investigate innovative technology, design and sustainable materials with their suppliers and stakeholders to reduce waste generation.

Waste resulting from healthcare activities is hazardous due to its potential risk of infection to healthcare workers, waste workers and the public. Many tools and approaches have been applied in waste management in developed countries, but are not suitable for application in developing countries due to their complexity and extensive data and resource requirements. WasteOpt was therefore developed and applied as an appropriate decision-making tool in the developing country context. WasteOpt comprises of the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), costing and Life cycle management (LCM). The purpose of this study was to identify environmentally sound technologies (ESTs) that minimise the risk of infection by healthcare waste (HCW) in rural clinics. Rural clinics were selected because apart from financial constraints, they are challenged by the lack of procedure, infrastructure and technologies to develop reasonable waste management plans that can be implemented within a practicable time frame. WasteOpt was applied to aid in identifying ESTs in relation to the infection risks and costs of the technologies. Experts in waste management in Lesotho were involved in a workshop for the ranking of technologies. The overall weighting values of the rankings were converted to risk factors for individual options and for alternatives (combination of options). Risk factors were classified as low, medium and high risk. The technologies within a single class were differentiated by analysing the cost of acquiring and running the technology to qualify as ESTs. The ESTs identified for Lesotho are Engineered containers, Refrigerated engineered facility, engineered wheeled transport, detailed procedures, multi chamber incinerator, engineered pit and landfill. Ten (10) clinics in Lesotho were also assessed as case studies using the WHO RAT. The RAT was first modified to include questions on financial management at the clinics. The calculated risk factors were applied to the case studies to assess the risk under which healthcare workers operate in those clinics. The additive minimum risk for the overall life cycle of waste was 4.0 (excluding central treatment and disposal). The clinic workers were found to be at a risk of between 1.1 x 10-4 and 7.8 x 10-5, which proves that rural clinics in Lesotho are still using inappropriate technologies. In terms of financing for waste management, public clinics were found to have little decision-making powers over funds and had less accountability measures. CHAL clinics which are managed by churches in Lesotho had more control of funds and exhibit more accountability. All clinics had no targets for saving funds from waste management activities. WasteOpt can be applied as a decision-making tool for HCW in Lesotho since it overcomes the barriers that inhibit environmentally sound management of HCW in developing countries. In conclusion: WasteOpt can be applied as a decision-making tool for different types of waste by replacing HCW options with respective ones and designing a relevant questionnaire for qualitative data capture. WasteOpt can then be applied in a developing country to aid sustainable waste management decision-making. Informed decision-making helps resource poor managers to select cost-effective but low-risk options, which will be sustainable in the future. / Dissertation (MSc (Environmental Technology))--University of Pretoria, 2007. / Chemical Engineering / unrestricted