Analysis of domestic solidwaste in Gicumbi District

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Avenue de l’armée

B.P 3900 Kigali, Rwanda

Website: www.kist.ac.rw

Submitted by:

NTAKIRUTIMANA Manassé (Reg.No: GS20080317)

Under supervision of:

Eng. Marcelline KAYITESI

Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the award of

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE DEGREE IN

WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING

SEPTEMBER, 2011

TOWARDS A BRIGHTER FUTURE

PROJECT ID: WEE/2011/22

ANALYSIS OF DOMESTIC SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT IN GICUMBI DISTRICT

KIGALI INST ITU TE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

INSTITUT DES SCIENCES ET DE TECHNOLOGIE DE KIGALI

FACULTY OF ENGINEERING

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING AND ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY

PROJECT REPORT

ON



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KIGALI INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

INSTITUT DES SCIENCES ET DE TECHNOLOGIE DE KIGALI

C E R T I F I C A T E

This is to certify that the project work entitled “ ANALYSIS OF DOMESTIC

SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT IN GICUMBI DISTRICT “is a record of the

original work done by NTAKIRUTIMANA Manassé (Reg No: GS20080317) in

partial fulfillment of the requirement for the award of Bachelor of Science Degree

in water and environmental engineering of Kigali Institute of Science and

Technology (KIST), during the academic year 2011.

………………………………… ………………………………….

SUPERVISOR HEAD OF CE &ET

Eng. Marcelline KAYITESI Mr. G.Senthil KUMARAN

Submitted for project Examination held at KIST on ……September, 2011



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DECLARATION

I, NTAKIRUTIMANA Manassé, declare that no portion of this work has been submitted to the

application of any other degree or qualification in this or any other university or institution of

higher learning, except where specifically acknowledged, it is the work of the authors.

This project may be photocopied or lent to the libraries for the purposes of consultation.

This project was done at the Kigali Institute of Science and Technology (KIST).

Signed:

…………………………………

NTAKIRUTIMANA Manassé

Date: September, 2011





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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

My God be praised for his Mighty and Mercy

I would like to thank the management and the staff of KIST whose gracious assistance

contributed a lot to make this project a success.

This project would not have been completed well and timely without moral and intellectual

direction of Eng. Marcelline KAYITESI, I am heartily thankful to you Madame for your

supervision and encouragement.

Thanks go to my family; more especially my parents for their love, patience, moral and financial

support from my childhood up to now have been incomparable.

I express my gratitude to NZITABAKUZE Fanuel the in charge of social affairs of Byumba

sector for helping me to get necessary data related to this work

I also appreciate the effort of all those who we are unable to mention here, due to the time and

space, who helped in one way or another in making this work successful.

Last but not least, deepest gratitude is for all classmates for their encouragement, and other

various supports that I have got from them to complete this report, I will never forget.



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ABSTRACT

Solid waste management has been one of the most serious problems to be addressed in order to

protect our health as well as our environment. The main problem met in Gicumbi city was the

improper management of domestic solid waste which includes large quantities of waste disposed

around the residential house and some thrown in little quantities on the road and in the open

ground.

The main objective of this research was to analyze and to propose an appropriate method and site

of managing domestic solid waste produced in Gicumbi District to achieve a well cleaned

environment. To achieve this objective the method like documentation using internet and library

books, interview, questionnaire, direct observation and data analysis had been used.

As the result of solid waste management in Gicumbi city the generation rate was found to be

0.52kgs/capita/day. To overcome the entire problem resulted from domestic solid waste

produced a proposal of sanitary landfill was found to be the method for managing domestic solid

waste in Gicumbi city.

Finally the recommendation like planning the budget for solid waste management in order to

make the safe environment and resident health free from domestic solid waste hazard has been

recommended to the concerned personnel.



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TABLE OF CONTENTS

DECLARATION............................................................................................................................ ii

DEDICATION............................................................................................................................... iii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS........................................................................................................... iv

ABSTRACT.................................................................................................................................... v

TABLE OF CONTENTS............................................................................................................... vi

LIST OF TABLES......................................................................................................................... ix

LIST OF FIGURES ........................................................................................................................ x

LIST OF ABREVIATIONS .......................................................................................................... xi

CHAPTER ONE: GENERAL INTRODUCTION......................................................................... 1

1.1 BACKGROUND .................................................................................................................. 1

1.2 RESEARCH PROBLEM...................................................................................................... 3

1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE RESEARCH .................................................................................. 3

1.3.1 Main objective ............................................................................................................... 3

1.3.2 Specific objectives ......................................................................................................... 3

1.4 SCOPE OF THE PROJECT ................................................................................................. 4

1.5 SIGNIFICANCE AND RATIONALE ................................................................................. 4

1.6 METHODOLOGY ............................................................................................................... 5

CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW................................................................................ 6

2.1 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................ 6

2.2 SOURCES AND TYPES OF SOLID WASTE.................................................................... 7

2.2.1 Sources of solid waste.................................................................................................... 7

2.2.2 Types of solid waste....................................................................................................... 8

2.3 HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF SOLID WASTE ............................. 9

2.3.1 Impacts of solid waste on health.................................................................................... 9

2.3.2 Impacts of solid waste on the environment.................................................................. 10

2.4 SOLID WASTE COLLECTION AND TRANSFER......................................................... 10

2.4.1 Waste collection methods ............................................................................................ 11

2.4.2 Waste transfer stations ................................................................................................. 12



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2.5 MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL METHODS ............... 12

2.5.1 Incineration .................................................................................................................. 13

2.5.2 Landfill technology...................................................................................................... 14

2.5.3 Composting.................................................................................................................. 15

2.5.4 Open dumping.............................................................................................................. 16

2.5.5 Stabilization ................................................................................................................. 16

2.5.6 Solidification................................................................................................................ 17

2.5.6 Recycling ..................................................................................................................... 17

2.5.7 Reduction ..................................................................................................................... 17

CHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY ............................................................... 18

3.1 INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................. 18

3.2 STUDY AREA LOCATION AND POPULATION .......................................................... 18

3.3 SAMPLE SIZE ................................................................................................................... 19

3.4 DATA COLLECTION METHODS................................................................................... 19

3.4.1 Documentary study ...................................................................................................... 19

3.4.2 Interview and Questionnaires ...................................................................................... 20

3.4.3 Direct observation........................................................................................................ 20

CHAPTER FOUR: RESULTS AND DATA INTERPRETATION ............................................ 21

4.1 CURRENT SITUATION OF SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT IN GICUMBI CITY.. 21

4.1.1 Human activities .......................................................................................................... 21

4.1.2 Solid waste collection and disposal in gicumbi city .................................................... 22

4.1.3 Current situation of the site disposal in Gicumbi city.................................................. 24

4.2 DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS .................................................................... 25

4.2.1 DATA PRESENTATION............................................................................................ 25

4.2.2 Solid waste generation rate determination................................................................... 26

4.2.3 Satisfaction and willingness to contribute in solid waste management....................... 28

4.2.4 Solid waste management in GIHEMBE Refugee camp.............................................. 31

4.2.5 Contribution of local authorities .................................................................................. 33

4.2.6 Categorization of domestic solid waste ....................................................................... 35

4.3 PROPOSED SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL METHOD ...................................................... 37



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4.3.1 SITE SELECTION ...................................................................................................... 38

4.3.2 LAND FILL OPERATION ......................................................................................... 39

CHAPTER FIVE: CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION ............................................. 40

5.1 CONCLUSION................................................................................................................... 40

5.2 RECOMMENDATIONS.................................................................................................... 41

REFERENCES ............................................................................................................................. 42

APPENDICES .............................................................................................................................. 43



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LIST OF TABLES

Table 4-1 Results from households in Gicumbi city on solid waste management. ..................... 25

Table 4-2 High income countries................................................................................................. 28

Table 4-3 Middle income countries .............................................................................................. 28

Table 4-4 Low income countries .................................................................................................. 28

Table 4-5 Results on solid waste management from households in GIHEMBE Refugee camp.31

Table 4-6 Results from Local authorities in charge of solid waste management ......................... 33

Table 4-7 Biodegradable waste over non-biodegradable waste ................................................... 36



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LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 3-1 Location of Gicumbi District on map of Rwanda....................................................... 18

Figure 3-2 Gicumbi city .............................................................................................................. 18

Figure 3-3 Gihembe refugee camp ............................................................................................... 19

Figure 4-1 Solid waste disposed around the market ..................................................................... 22

Figure 4-2 Solid waste in GIHEMBE Refugee camp................................................................ 23

Figure 4-3 Disposal of solid waste from refugee camp at ku kasehuma ...................................... 24

Figure 4-4 Level of satisfaction of population in Gicumbi city.................................................... 29

Figure 4-5 Range of contribution per month ............................................................................. 30



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LIST OF ABREVIATIONS

KIST: Kigali Institute of Science and Technology

Kgs: kilograms

UNHCR: United Nations high commissioner for refugees

Rwf: Rwandan francs

%: percentage

-: No contribution

X: no collection of solid waste

PVC: Polyvinyl chloride

[i]: source of text corresponding to the same indication in reference page



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CHAPTER ONE: GENERAL INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND

First of all, “waste” can be defined as left over, a discarded product or material of no or marginal

value for the owner and which the owner wants to get rid of. Generally, waste can be classified

as liquid (liquid waste or wastewater) solid (solid waste). But in this project, what will be

focused on is domestic solid waste.

Solid waste can be defined as those waste arising from different activities such as household,

industrial, commercial, institutional, agricultural, offices, mining, construction, etc. Those wastes

should be in solid state. In order to keep our health and environment away from different hazards

caused by those waste, solid waste management is required.

Solid waste management is a system of handling the amount of garbage generated by human. It

is also the process of managing waste materials. It involves different processes including

collection, transportation, processing/recycling and disposal of waste materials. Proper waste

management processes are generally undertaken to reduce the effect of wastes on health,

aesthetics or amenity and it is also carried out to reduce the materials' effect on the environment

and to recover resources from them. Waste management can involve solid, liquid or gaseous

substances, with different methods and fields of expertise for each.

From the day of primitive society, humans and animals have used the resources of the earth to

support life and to dispose of wastes, In early times, the disposal of human and other wastes did

not pose a significant problem, for the population was small and the amount of land available for

the assimilation was large.

Nowadays we speak of recycling the energy and fertilizer values of solid waste. The world

cannot afford to waste its resources by wasting and disposing materials unnecessarily.

The population of the world is rapidly increasing and their pace of progress is also increasing.

As a result, there is an increasing demand for the world’s resources [1]

Waste management is an unavoidable part of any living and production process and since the

country and its people depend on survival and growth of systems and products that generate

waste.



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In Rwanda, as in many other countries, there is a great deal of wastes.

Many people feel that solid waste management is a simple affair - simply putting waste into a

vehicle and unloading it at a dump.

If this were true, then why do so many towns suffer from uncollected refuse blocking streets and

drains, harboring flies and rats, and degrading urban environments?

Successful solid waste management is rarely achieved without thought, effort and much learning

from mistakes.

Engineers may feel that any engineer, without special training or experience, can solve solid

waste management problems. There is much evidence to show that this is not true, perhaps

mainly because solid waste management is much more than a technological issue - it usually

involves managing a large workforce and working together closely with the public. More waste

will have to be managed regardless of its type and the conditions under which it has to be

disposed of.

This research has been based on domestic solid wastes produced in Gicumbi city

The environmental impact, apart from the quantities involved, is proportional to the level of

toxicity of the waste and the sensitivity of the local environment.

To ensure that waste is effectively managed in GICUMBI CITY a tough approach is needed to

address the efficient collection of all waste taking into considerations of technological level

applied, the disposal of waste at the highest possible level of technology and utilization of the

components in the waste stream on a sound economic and free market basis.

Therefore, indeed, waste produced in the GICUMBI CTY may, if left uncontrolled, not only can

be an aesthetic problem, but also causes serious health problems. This can be grossly aggravated

if hazardous materials are present in the waste.

It is therefore important that waste is effectively collected as possible and disposed in the

controlled sites.

It is in this regard, the context of this project is oriented in the direction of analysis and

management of domestic solid waste in GICUMBI District and this will be ended by

recommendations which will serve as one of the possible solutions improving good management

of domestic solid waste.



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1.2 RESEARCH PROBLEM

In places where human beings are living the solid wastes are produced, but when there are not

properly disposed they cause large adverse effects to the human and to the environment. At the

local area, where there is direct contact with the population of Gicumbi, the people didn’t

understand the aims of waste management study. It is not known how the population of Gicumbi

city disposes the domestic solid wastes around the buildings.

The key problem that has been addressed in this research is to find out how solid wastes could

likely be disposed to reduce environmental hazards they cause.

The main problems encountered in GICUMBI city are:

• Inexistence of solid wastes collection and good disposal method.

• The improper management of domestic solid waste which includes large quantities of

waste disposed around the residential house and some thrown in little quantities on

the road and in open ground.

• Insufficient financial planning on the management of solid waste.

• Lack of qualified personnel on the management of solid waste.

1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE RESEARCH

1.3.1 Main objective

The main objective is to analyze and to propose an appropriate method and site of managing

domestic solid waste produced in Gicumbi District to achieve a well cleaned environment.

1.3.2 Specific objectives

• To identify the types of solid wastes produced in Gicumbi District.

• To evaluate the methods used for solid waste management.

• To evaluate the community participation in the solid waste management.

• To evaluate the role of local leaders in the management of solid wastes.

• To suggest an appropriate treatment method of domestic solid waste for improvement

health and environmental.



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1.4 SCOPE OF THE PROJECT

This study is about the analysis and management of domestic solid wastes produced in Gicumbi

district, the system of domestic solid waste management is a wide field which needs the

contribution and participation of each and every one; it needs both the participation of local

Leaders and population.

This research had been based on the home place where wastes are produced, and the Leaders in

charge of hygiene and sanitation to improve the solid waste management.

This research was limited in Gicumbi city because it is where there is a higher population on

small area and is supposed to be developed quickly which influence the production of high

amount of solid wastes and it also contains important area, such as different institutions due to

which they produce high quantity of wastes.

1.5 SIGNIFICANCE AND RATIONALE

This study will be important in one way or another to the personnel in charge of hygiene and

sanitation to improve the situation of solid waste treatment.

It will also contribute to improve the public health and environment on the population

surrounding the area.

Personal Significance:

This study will allow researchers to be familiarized with proposing an appropriate methods and

site of disposing solid wastes according to the characteristics of a region.

Public and administrative Significance:

This will be first research done on solid wastes management in Gicumbi District and may be

considered as an important reference document.

Academic significance:

In any case of an urgent need in information about analysis and management of domestic solid

wastes, students may use this as a useful reference too.



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Once this research will be implemented, it will allows people living in Gicumbi city to have a

safe health protected from solid wastes excreta diseases as goal of Rwandan Republic and land

currently used as solid wastes disposal around the residential houses may be used for other

purposes.

1.6 METHODOLOGY

The methodology to be used for this research will involve the following techniques and methods:

• Collection of data from sites visits (The visit in different places in Gicumbi city with

purpose of choice of an appropriate site disposal)

• Desk study (Secondary data were sourced from relevant literature, official documents,

as well as relevant web sites)

• Interviews and use of questionnaires with local Leaders and the population living in

that District

• Data obtained both primary and secondary were analyzed with the use of Microsoft

excel, and results were presented in tables.



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CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 INTRODUCTION

In natural systems, there is no such thing as waste. Everything flows in a natural cycle of use and

reuse. Living organisms consume materials and eventually return them to the environment,

usually in a different form, for reuse. Solid waste (or trash) is a human concept. It refers to a

variety of discarded materials, not liquid or gas that is deemed useless or worthless. However,

what is worthless to one person may be of value to someone else, and solid wastes can be

considered to be misplaced resources. Learning effective ways to reduce the amount of wastes

produced and to recycle valuable resources contained in the wastes is important if humans wish

to maintain a livable and sustainable environment.

Domestic solid waste; commonly known as trash or garbage is a waste type consisting of

everyday items we consume and discard. It predominantly includes food wastes, yard wastes,

containers and product packaging, and other miscellaneous inorganic wastes from residential,

commercial, institutional, and industrial sources. Municipal solid waste does not include

industrial wastes, agricultural wastes, and sewage sludge. The collection is performed by the

municipality within a given area. They are in either solid or semisolid form. The solid wastes

produced in the residential area are different: solid wastes from food, wastes from clothes, and

the domestic materials which their duration of use was completed, some domestic hazardous

wastes.[2]

Solid waste disposal has been an issue facing humans since they began living together in large,

permanent settlements. With the migration of people to urban settings, the volume of solid waste

in concentrated areas greatly increased.

Solid waste management is defined as that discipline associated with the control of generation,

storage, collection, transfer & transport, processing and disposal of solid waste in a manner that

is in accord with the best principles of public health, economics, engineering, conservation,

aesthetics, and other environmental consideration, and that also is responsive to public attitudes.

Solid waste management is closely related to a number of issues such as urban life styles,

resource consumption patterns, jobs and income levels and other socio-economic and cultural

factors.



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2.2 SOURCES AND TYPES OF SOLID WASTE

2.2.1 Sources of solid waste

There are two basic sources of solid wastes: Non-municipal and municipal solid waste.

Non-municipal solid waste is the discarded solid material from industry, agriculture, mining, and

oil and gas production.

Municipal solid waste is made up of discarded solid materials from residences, businesses, and

city buildings. It makes up a small percentage of waste produced, only a little more than one

percent of the total. The composition of the municipal wastes can vary from region to region and

from season to season.

Domestic wastes

Household wastes result from organic kitchen wastes. The balance is composed of rags, paper,

cardboard and small proportions of plastic, rubber, leather, bone and metals.

In poor neighborhoods, traditional cooking can produce ash, and where sanitation facilities are

limited, the waste might also include faecal matter. In wealthy areas, discarded furniture, used

appliances and garden wastes are included.

Commercial waste

In commercial refuse, markets are important source of commercial waste, much of it organic

matter. Other sources include modern stores, offices, restaurants, warehouses and hotels.

While some large offices or hotels arrange for private hauling, the bulk of commercial waste

continues to be handled by municipal authorities.

Institutional waste

In institutional refuse, schools, government offices, hospitals, and religious buildings are

included.

Paper is the predominant waste from institutional sources except those containing residences,

such as barracks, where the proportion of food waste will be significant. Hospitals wastes are

often handled in isolation using separate collection and disposal facilities arranged by the

municipality or a private sector.[3]



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Construction and demolition debris

Construction and demolition debris generate a variety of residual buildings materials which can

contribute significantly to quantities of waste. In the absence of adequate local ordinances,

responsibility for the removal and disposal of these wastes is invariably assumed to lie with the

municipality.

Construction wastes differ considerably from house hold waste, and alternatives heavy-duty

vehicles and equipment are used for their disposal.

Industrial waste

Industrial wastes from processing non-processing industries utilities are generated in quantities

and characteristics directly related to the number of industries and their nature.

Packaging materials; food wastes; discarded metal; plastic and textiles; fuel-burning residuals;

and spent processing chemicals are among the wastes in this category.

Small-scale and cottage industries tend to dump their un-recyclable waste in general municipal

waste, while large industries usually contract for private disposal.[4]

2.2.2 Types of solid waste

Solid waste can be classified into different types depending on their source:

a) Household waste is generally classified as municipal waste,

b) Industrial waste as hazardous waste, and

c) Biomedical waste or hospital waste as infectious waste.

Municipal solid waste

Municipal solid waste consists of household waste, construction and demolition debris,

sanitation residue, and waste from streets.

This garbage is generated mainly from residential and commercial complexes. With rising

urbanization and change in lifestyle and food habits, the amount of municipal solid waste has

been increasing rapidly and its composition changing.



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Hazardous waste

Hazardous wastes can be defined as those wastes which pose a substantial danger immediately or

over a period of time to human, plant or animal life. Industrial and hospital waste is considered

hazardous as they may contain toxic substances. Certain types of household waste are also

hazardous.

Hazardous wastes could be highly toxic to humans, animals, and plants; are corrosive, highly

inflammable, or explosive; and react when exposed to certain things. Household wastes that can

be categorized as hazardous waste include old batteries, shoe polish, paint tins, old medicines,

and medicine bottles.

Hospital waste

Hospital waste is generated during the diagnosis, treatment, or immunization of human beings or

animals or in research activities in these fields or in the production or testing of biological. It

may include wastes like sharps, soiled waste, disposables, anatomical waste, cultures, discarded

medicines, chemical wastes, etc. These are in the form of disposable syringes, swabs, bandages,

body fluids, human excreta, etc.

This waste is highly infectious and can be a serious threat to human health if not managed in a

scientific and discriminate manner.[5]

2.3 HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF SOLID WASTE

2.3.1 Impacts of solid waste on health

Modernization and progress has had its share of disadvantages and one of the main aspects of

concern is the pollution it is causing to the earth – be it land, air, and water. With increase in the

global population and the rising demand for food and other essentials, there has been a rise in the

amount of waste being generated daily by each household. This waste is ultimately thrown into

municipal waste collection centre from where it is collected by the area municipalities to be

further thrown into the landfills and dumps. However, either due to resource crunch or inefficient

infrastructure, not all of this waste gets collected and transported to the final dumpsites. If at this

stage the management and disposal is improperly done, it can cause serious impacts on health

and problems to the surrounding environment.



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Waste that is not properly managed, especially excreta and other liquid and solid waste from

households and the community, are a serious health hazard and lead to the spread of infectious

diseases. Unattended waste lying around attracts flies, rats, and other creatures that in turn spread

disease.

Normally it is the wet waste that decomposes and releases a bad odor. This leads to unhygienic

conditions and thereby to a rise in the health problems.

Plastic waste is another cause for ill health.

Thus excessive solid waste that is generated should be controlled by taking certain preventive

measures.

2.3.2 Impacts of solid waste on the environment

Uncollected domestic solid waste can obstruct storm water runoff, resulting in

polluting soil and water bodies.

Unpleasant odors

Leachate from dumped domestic solid waste may harm groundwater and

surrounding environment.

Increase in mercury level in fish due to disposal of mercury in the rivers.

High algal population in rivers and sea.

Degrades water and soil quality

Breaking down of solid waste in landfills to form methane, a potent greenhouse

gas

Change in climate and destruction of ozone layer[6]

2.4 SOLID WASTE COLLECTION AND TRANSFER

Waste collection is the component of waste management which results in the passage of a waste

material from the source of production to either the point of treatment or final disposal.

Having an efficient waste collection system may lead to a successful solid waste management in

any area. When non-recoverable wastes from industries are not collected and disposed of at all,

crucial problems may be arisen.



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2.4.1 Waste collection methods

There are various methods of collection in solid wastes; the most commonly used are:

Collection from the ground surface on site

This refers to a system where refuse is temporary stored on site without the use of bin. Refuse

therefore has to be picked up from the ground and removed to a storage site.

Bin collection site.

With the system, each household is provided with its own refuse bin or any other suitable

container. Laborers will enter each site and empty the contents of these bins or containers into a

transport bin often referred to as a” skip”.

Bin collections on side walk

This method is a biological evolution from the previous system to the more economical bin liner

system. Each occupant is required to remove the bins with the refuse to the side walk on the

scheduled service day. Laborers will empty these bins into vehicles and return them to side walk.

Collection by plastic bag from side walks

This method is at present the most common in the more developed urban areas and is onlysuitable with lighter refuse and when not hot ash as to be handled. Site occupants place the bags

on side walk, from where it is removed for disposal.

Collection by mobile containers from side walks

The modern method of removal is mostly suitable for well-developed urbanized areas where the

standard of living and the attitude of the home owners are favorable. These containers have a

large storage volume and are equipped with wheels to facilitate mobility. On collection day the

containers are taken to side walk from where they are emptied mechanically.

The wastes collected must be transported to a transfer station where the final destination will be

at disposal site.[7]



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2.4.2 Waste transfer stations

A transfer station is a building or processing site for the temporary deposition of waste. Transfer

stations are often used as places where local waste collection vehicles will deposit their waste

cargo prior to loading into larger vehicles. These larger vehicles will transport the waste to the

end point of disposal in an incinerator, landfill, or hazardous waste facility, or for recycling

Waste transfer stations are facilities where municipal solid waste is unloaded from collection

vehicles and briefly held while it is reloaded onto larger long-distance transport vehicles for

shipment to landfills or other treatment or disposal facilities. By combining the loads of several

individual waste collection trucks into a single shipment, communities can save money on the

labor and operating costs of transporting the waste to a distant disposal site. They can also reduce

the total number of vehicular trips traveling to and from the disposal site.

Although waste transfer stations help reduce the impacts of trucks traveling to and from the

disposal site, they can cause an increase in traffic in the immediate area where they are located.

If not properly sited, designed and operated they can cause problems for residents living near

them.

In the future, transfer stations could be equipped with material recovery facilities and with

localized mechanical biological treatment systems to remove recyclable items from the waste

stream.

2.5 MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL METHODS

Over time, the dilemma of how to dispose of trash, also known as refuse, has become

increasingly difficult to solve with an ever-growing population and the ongoing production of

goods from virgin materials. Solid waste management serves to cleanse society of its garbage.

Cities with large populations would be uninhabitable without these services.

Waste management companies must efficiently collect, transport and process waste in order for

developed areas to maintain health codes. This requires various methods of waste disposal,thousands of transportation vehicles, millions of employees and an overall awareness amongst

civilians. The overall aim of guidance on the disposal of waste is to ensure that the general

planning, sitting, design, construction and maintenance of any waste disposal operation is

performed in such a manner as to minimize the nuisance, health risks and environmental

pollution, as economically as possible.



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The available disposal methods for municipal solid waste which can be applied are the

following;

2.5.1 Incineration

Incineration is a process by which solid waste is burned at a high temperature in order to reduce

overall waste volume. It is a waste treatment process that involves the combustion of organic

substances contained in waste materials.

The burning process is completely controlled and as part of that process, both disease-causing

bacteria and chemical compounds are destroyed. The incineration process produces harmful by-

products such as carbon dioxide and other various gaseous pollutants. However, it should be

noted that there are emissions controls in place which aid with monitoring and controlling the

production of these pollutants. The process also produces less harmful, non-gaseous products

such as unburned solid residue and fly ash.

Advantages

• Incineration reduce the volume of solid waste

• Incineration reduces the potential problems for groundwater

• It requires very little space

• Cost of transportation is not high as incinerator located at the site of solid waste

generation

Disadvantages:

• Incineration plants are very expensive to build and to run.

• They require regular maintenance which in many cases requires a complete shutdown

of the process.

Environmental regulations are (rightly) becoming more and more strict, making the process of

incineration more expensive; as companies have to invest in more pollution abatement

equipment, more frequent monitoring of stack gas emissions and waste water emissions, and in

more expensive continuous emission monitoring analyzers.[8]



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2.5.2 Landfill technology

A landfill site (also known as tip, dump or rubbish dump and historically as a midden), is a site

for the disposal of waste materials by burial and is the oldest form of waste treatment.

Historically, landfills have been the most common methods of organized waste disposal and

remain so in many places around the world.

Landfills may include internal waste disposal sites (where a producer of waste carries out their

own waste disposal at the place of production) as well as sites used by many producers. Many

landfills are also used for other waste management purposes, such as the temporary storage,

consolidation and transfer, or processing of waste material (sorting, treatment, or recycling).

A landfill also may refer to ground that has been filled in with soil and rocks instead of waste

materials, so that it can be used for a specific purpose, such as for building houses. Unless they

are stabilized, these areas may experience severe shaking or liquefaction of the ground in a large

earthquake.

The following are types of landfill

Sanitary landfill

Sanitary landfills are sites where waste is isolated from the environment until it is safe.

It is considered when it has completely degraded biologically, chemically and physically. In

high-income countries, the level of isolation achieved may be high. However, such an expensive

high level of isolation may not be technically necessary to protect public health.

Advantages:

The process is completely sanitary

High skilled personnel are not required

Land can be safely overloaded without causing any problems

Natural resources are returned to soil and recycled

Converts low-lying marshy waste land into useful area

Low water /groundwater pollution

Filled landfill can be used for other purpose.



15

Disadvantages:

A large area is required

Transportation cost is high since land is available away from town

Causes fire hazards due to formation of methane gas in wet weather

Noise and traffic dust

Air pollution from toxic gases and volatile organic compounds

Releases greenhouse gases (methane and CO2)

Slow decomposition of waste[9]

Improved landfill

It is where a natural ground is dung in crate like trenches where the tractor or basculating vehicleevaluates the waste before trenches are full a few meters deep; they are buried with the soil.

On the top, flowers, trees and plants can be planted and hence eliminating the waste and

protecting environment.

Engineered landfill

It is a method of solid waste disposal where waste is dumped into a hole, a depression or a

valley. Waste is then compacted and covered with soil or material such as building rubble, to

keep flies away and prevent diseases from developing. It must have an impermeable liner to

block the movement of Leachate into ground water; a Leachate collection system.

2.5.3 Composting

Composting is a process that uses oxygen, bacteria and fungi to break down organic matter for

purpose of making a material to be used for growing vegetation or as a soil supplement.

Presorted organic material is placed in tracks, or deposited into premade systems, for the purpose

of promoting decomposition. The material is combined with other filler materials, such as wood

chips, in order to speed up the decomposition process.

The material is degraded to the point of becoming humus, at which point it contains proper

amounts of phosphorous, potassium and nitrogen.

The entire process generally takes three to four weeks, after which time the resulting compost

can be collected, packaged and marketed to consumers.



16

Compositing is the biological decomposition of organic substances available in the waste, under

controlled conditions rotting, putrefaction, etc. are natural processes that take place in controlled

manner the compost thus formed under controlled conditions is a brown peat material .

For centuries refuse has been used for producing manures. However systematic ways of

preparing compost was developed by Lord HOWARD and is known as the Indore process this

involves the laying of alternate layers of sort and putrescible material such as night soil, animal

dung, garbage, etc. The mass is usually turned double during the compost process the Indore

process is anaerobic, i.e. the compost is formed by anaerobic bacteria in the absence of oxygen.

2.5.4 Open dumping

An open dumping is defined as a land disposal site at which solid wastes are disposed of in a

manner that does not protect the environment, are susceptible to open burning, and are exposed

to the elements, vectors, and scavengers. Open dumping can include solid waste disposal

facilities or practices that pose a reasonable probability of adverse effects on health or the

environment. (Open dumping is somewhere prohibited).

Advantages:

Inexpensive

Disadvantages:

• Health and environmental hazard

• Breeding site for disease-causing insects

• Damage due to air pollution

• Ground water and run-off pollution

2.5.5 Stabilization

Stabilization is defined as a treatment method for hazardous wastes. It is a process employingadditives (reagents) to reduce the hazardous nature of waste by converting it and its hazardous

constituents into a form:

• To minimize the rate of contaminant migration into the environment

• To reduce the level of toxicity.



17

2.5.6 Solidification

It is also hazardous waste treatment method described as a process by which sufficient quantities

of solidifying material, including solids, are added to hazardous materials to result in a solidified

mass. Solidifying the mass is accomplished through the addition of reagent that:

• Increase the strength

• Decrease the compressibility and

• Decrease the permeability of the waste.

2.5.6 Recycling

Recycling is the process of sorting, cleaning and reusing materials that otherwise would be

discarded as waste. Materials that are commonly sorted out for recycling include, but are not

limited to, paper, plastic, metals and glass. The recycling process follows a loop, of sorts. First

there is the collection process. The collection process starts when citizens drop off their

recyclables at recycling centers, curbside collection, and buy-back or deposit-refund programs.

These items are then sent to a recovery facility where they are prepped for use in the

manufacturing process. Next follows the manufacturing process itself. And, finally, the

purchasing of recycled items by the consumer completes the loop. The recycling process not

only saves energy and conserves natural resources, but it reduces the amount of waste in

landfills.

2.5.7 Reduction

Reduction essentially stops the waste production process before it starts. Preventing waste

requires that materials produced for consumption is manufactured in ways that reduce their

toxicity and/or environmental impact. Following the idea of reduction, consumers are

encouraged to buy in bulk and reduce their consumption of single-use items like no rechargeable

batteries and plastic bottled water. Programs that require citizens to pay for each bag of trash

thrown out are another way of promoting a more responsible approach to waste reduction.[10]



18

CHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.1 INTRODUCTION

This chapter is describing the materials and method used for data collection related to domestic

solid waste management in Gicumbi city.

3.2 STUDY AREA LOCATION AND POPULATION

This research was carried out in Gicumbi city located in Byumba sector situated in Gicumbi

district in the Northern Province. Byumba sector has 8 cells whose a half of four of them

constitute the Gicumbi city

Figure 3.1: Location of Gicumbi District on map of Rwanda (Source: www.gicumbi.gov.rw)

The total population of Byumba sector is 34,180 persons and the population living in the part of

city is around 4,000. The studied population was all the people living in all area producing

domestic solid waste in Gicumbi city and the population living in Gihembe refugee camp whose

form a part of city population. These vary in standards of living according to the activities

carried out by each family.

Figure 3.2: Gicumbi city



19

Figure 3.3: Gihembe refugee camp (taken from site on 5th

June, 2011)

3.3 SAMPLE SIZE

Sample size has major impact on the amount of time and money that involve into data collection

phase of the research. In Gicumbi city there are some important areas producing solid waste such

as: GIHEMBE refugee camp and many schools and churches as well as the population living in

it. The collection of data was based on all kind of population living in Gicumbi city, their income

activities. It was found that most of population living in refugee camp has the same condition of

life, so 10 persons acting as family head helped us for providing necessary information about

solid waste produced and the method used for managing them.

Two local leaders in charge of solid waste management has given us the current situation of solidwaste management in Byumba sector and the role of local leaders in managing solid waste in

Gicumbi district especially in Gicumbi city.

We took help of 6families living by agricultural activities only, 5families living by cultivating

together with other income activities, 3families living by commerce activity only and 4families

living by monthly salary only.

3.4 DATA COLLECTION METHODS

The methods and techniques that were employed are the following

3.4.1 Documentary study

Under this methodology, I read different books, Website and other project reports on solid waste

management. All these were collected in order to get sufficient understanding on the existing

situation and also to study different approaches on the same kind of problem.



20

3.4.2 Interview and Questionnaires

An interview is defined as face-to- face conversation between an interview and respondent for

the purpose of obtaining information.

The respondents claim not having time to attend the questionnaires.

The interviews were directed to the Gicumbi city residents and population living in the refugee

camp.

A questionnaire is a research instrument consisting of a series of questions and other prompts for

the purpose of gathering information from respondents. Questionnaires have advantages because

they have standardized answers that make it simple to compile data.

This method has allowed us for converting all responses into numerical data and further into

diagrams and charts, which helped us for analyzing the data in which the conclusions has been

drawn.

3.4.3 Direct observation

Observation can be defined as the act of recognizing and noting a fact or occurrence.

Also we can note that observation method is a technique where the researcher himself or herself

observes the variables of the interest.

This method has some disadvantages and advantages such as:

1. Disadvantages of direct observation

• Does not provide complete information for more complex tasks.

• Requires skilled observer.

• They cannot capture the mental aspects of tasks, such as decision making or planning,

since mental processes are not observable.

2. Advantages of direct observation

• Firsthand knowledge of job requirements but other job analysis methods only allowthe job analyst to indirectly obtain this information.

• Simple to use and Verifies data from other sources

• This method conducted us for having real idea of how solid waste are managed and

where are disposed. It helped us also for identifying which site is appropriate for

disposing these domestic solid waste produced in Gicumbi city.



21

CHAPTER FOUR: RESULTS AND DATA INTERPRETATION

4.1 CURRENT SITUATION OF SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT IN GICUMBI CITY

4.1.1 Human activities

Gicumbi city is located in Byumba sector one of the sectors of Gicumbi district in Northern

Province. Currently Byumba sector is formed by 8 cells, the city of Gicumbi is formed by a half

of four cells of them. These cells are the base of all administrative, commercial and farming

activities. Apart from the population living in this city there is also population living in

GIHEMBE refugee camp that contribute to solid waste production in Gicumbi city.

Among the activities exerted in Gicumbi city that produce domestic solid waste, we can list

institutional such as secondary school, Byumba hospital, Byumba market, restaurant and farming

activities; and these are mainly contributing in wastes generation due to their great consideration

in daily life of the local population.

The population of this sector may be classified according to their income sources and their

revenues:

• Some are basing their life on farming activities; this category contains a considerable

number of populations living in Gicumbi city. This class of population does not

understand the aims of solid waste management and for them there is no defined way

of solid waste collection and management.

• A large number of populations are combining farming activities with other activities

such as commerce and employment.The problemof understanding the aims of solid

waste management still remaining for this class of population.

• In this city we found also a small number of populations living by employment or by

commerce activities only.For this class of population they have an understanding on

solid waste management and they use PVC bags in which they dispose daily waste.

But the final disposal after filling these bags constitute a large problem.

• For the population living in GIHEMBE Refugee camp, they have the common ponds

in which they dispose daily waste produced and when these ponds are completly

filled, UNHCR is in charge of final disposal.



22

4.1.2 Solid waste collection and disposal in gicumbi city

The collection of domestic solid waste in Gicumbi city is a big problem because many

population are living farming life where biodegradable waste are deposited in compositing ponds

located around the building and at the same time non- biodegradable waste are put into these

composting ponds.

Households on their side collect and dispose wastes at home either by compositing or by

burning.

The private or public associations to collects and dispose domestic solid wastes from different

institutions and establishments (schools, restaurants,) in Gicumbi city does not exist, each one

use the compositing ponds around institutions but the problem of non-biodegradable waste

remain . Only the population of GIHEMBE refugee camp has the known way of solid waste

collection which needs also an improvement.

a) Solid waste from Byumba market

Solid wastes from Byumba market are biodegradable and non- biodegradable waste.

Biodegradable wastes are those results from food handling and consuming in Byumba market.

Non- biodegradable are plastics and metals such as :( discarded cans, plastics, papers, cartons,

etc.).

Figure 4.1: Solid waste disposed around the market (taken from site on 5th

June, 2011)



23

Solid wastes producers inside Byumba market contribute a little money for the collection of

wastes by an internal association which transport all wastes from each producer inside the market

to the open disposal site around the market as it is shown on the pictures above.

Byumba sector is the only one in charge of hygiene and sanitation in Byumba market. An

association collect all waste from market and dispose it around the market, each producer of

solid waste contribute for the transport of wastes disposed around the market to their final

disposal located at open site called Ku kasehuma. This transport is done by Byumba sector and is

done once in month using normal vehicle.

b) Solid waste from schools, restaurants and households

The solid waste produced from schools, restaurant and households are disposed around at little

distance from buildings in the composting ponds. For this disposal solid waste are disposed daily

and there no separation of biodegradable wastes and non-biodegradable wastes.

c) Solid waste from Gihembe refugee camp

In GIHEMBE refugee camp, the domestic solid wastes are disposed daily in the compositing

ponds located around the building as shown in the picture below

Figure 4.2: Solid waste in GIHEMBE Refugee camp (taken from site on 5th

June, 2011)





25

4.2 DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS

4.2.1 DATA PRESENTATION

Data collected in Gicumbi city related to domestic solid waste production, collection and

management are presented and below a table of results from household members for studied

sample living in Gicumbi city is presented as:

Samplenumber

Household

members

Income sourceof the head of

the household

Collectionfrequency

per month

Mass ofrefuse per

week (in kg)

Level of Satisfaction

Willingness to pay per month

1 6 Farming X 14 Good -



4 8 Farming X 24 satisfaction 100



7 7 Combination of

activities

X 25 satisfaction 100

8 8 Combination of

activities

X 46 Good -

9 5 Combination of

activities

X 15 Good -

10 4 Combination of

activities

X 21 satisfaction 100

11 3 Combination of

activities

X 19 Good -

12 7 Commerce 1 25 Satisfaction 100



15 1 Employment 1 2 Poor 100

16 2 Employment 1 15 Poor 20017 6 Employment 1 16 Poor 150

18 4 Employment 1 12 Poor 100

Total 87 317

Table 4.1 Results from households in Gicumbi city on solid waste management.



26

These data have been collected using interview and questionnaire depending on the level of

questioned person and his mentality for providing data on solid waste management.

As defined in previous chapters solid waste is defined as left over, a discarded product or

material of no or marginal value for the owner and which the owner wants to get rid of.

It include all solid materials that are no longer considered of sufficient value to retain in a given

settling, by the way, it should be noted that the wastes which are discharged may be of

significant value in other setting.

All samples were chosen considering the level of the population and their distribution in

Gicumbi city based on their income and the amounts earned each month and the choice was done

in collaboration with population living in Gicumbi city.

The total number of households helped for providing this data is equal to 87persons where the

main generating activity for most of population living in Gicumbi city is the agriculture in which

some are living with farming only and other combining farming with other activities.

In total number of sample used the farming activity occupy 34%, the combination of farming

with other activity represent also 28%, commerce represent 16% and those employed in different

institutions represent 22%. It is very clear that the portion of population living with commerce

activity in Gicumbi city is very few compared to other activities.

As shown in table above, the total number of people is 87 and total mass of solid waste produced

in Gicumbi city is 317kgs in week.

4.2.2 Solid waste generation rate determination

The generation rate may be defined as the amount of wastes generated per person per day.

This quantitative value is expressed in kilograms/ person/ day.

It is determined as follow:

Step 1 – Determination of Population Size of taken sample

To determine this population size, the summation all family members of studied sample as given

in the table above produce the total number of 87 persons for studied sample living in Gicumbi

city.

Step2- Solid waste quantification

Determine the total mass of solid waste produced by the household taken in the studied sample;

in this case it will be equal to the summation of all waste produced by the population living in



27

Gicumbi city taken as studied sample and as it was presented in the table shown above the total

quantity of solid waste produced in Gicumbi city is calculated to 317kgs per week

Step 3 - Find out Solid Waste Generation Rate

The generation rate of solid waste produced is calculated by dividing the total quantity of solid

waste generated by the total size of population studied.

In this case; solid waste generated rate in Gicumbi city will be then calculated as: 317kgs per

week/ 87 persons = 3.64kgs per capita per week.

As the generation rate is calculated per capita per day, the above will be equal to: (3.64kgs per

capita/ 7days); then solid waste generation rate of Gicumbi city is0.52kgs per capita per day. The

number of persons, mass of solid waste generated and time of interval give an idea to calculate

generation rate of Gicumbi city. Generally the formula that has been used is as follow:

K= M/ (N*t)

Where K= means generation rate

M= Amount of refuse

N= Number of the considered household

t= the interval of time

K= 317 Kgs/ (87persons*7 days)

The generation rate of Gicumbi city is then calculated as: 0.52kgs/capita/day

The generation rate is a factor of the following:

• Population increase explains of increase in MSW generation

• Historically, increases in waste generation rates correlate with increases of the Gross

National Product

• Geographic location and Season

• Frequency of collection

• Per capita income



28

The comparison with the generation rates of solid waste produced in other countries has been

done. Here are some different generations’ rates of solid waste in different countries:

City /country Generation rate (Kgs/capita/day)

New York(USA) 1.9

Canada 1.6

Hamburg (German ) 0.9

Table 4.2: High income countries


Pakistan 0.7

China 0.8

Tunis Tunisia 0.56Table 4.3: Middle income countries


Bangladesh 0.55

Vietnam 0.5

Calcutta/ India 0.61

Table 4.4: Low income countries

Source: (World Bank, 2001)

Currently Rwanda is classified among developing countries of low income source and

Considering the three above categories of countries based on their solid wastes generation rate;

We can conclude that Gicumbi city is classified in cities of low income countries.

4.2.3 Satisfaction and willingness to contribute in solid waste management

One of the objectives of this research was to evaluate the methods used for solid waste

management in Gicumbi city. The survey done, aimed also to know if the population is satisfied

by the method of collection and handling; this satisfaction has been described as good,

satisfaction, poor.



29

The level of satisfaction of the method used for managing domestic solid waste produced by

each family depend on how each and every one understand the importance of solid waste

management.

As it was shown in the table above most of population living with farming activity declared that

the method used is good because the compost obtained from domestic composting ponds is used

as manure for growing of their crops, but they don’t take care of non-biodegradable solid waste

remains without decomposed; a few number of farmers declare that is satisfactory because, even

if it produce manure for growing crops the problem of non-compostable waste remain unsolved.

This method of composting currently used in Gicumbi city was found to be unsatisfactory

especially for those who are not interested in farming activity as the solid waste either

compostable or non-compostable disposed around their building can have a health hazards to

their life.

Now depending on their decision made the percentage of 44.4% judged the method to be good;

33.3% to be satisfaction and 22.3% declared that the method is poor; in total 55.6% admitted that

the method used in not appropriate for managing domestic solid waste.

Figure 4.4: Level of satisfaction of population in Gicumbi city

As shown by these percentages obtained from the site survey, as presented in the figure above, it

is clear that the quality of service the community getting for solid wastes management in

Gicumbi city is not good; and has to be improved as far as the environment and human health is

concerned.

44.4% Good

33.3% Satisfaction

22.3% poor



30

Another objective of this research was to evaluate the community participation in the solid waste

management in Gicumbi city, as presented in the table above some household are ready to

contribute for the collection of solid waste, but also a considerable number of families they do

not care about solid waste management and for them it should not cost nothing, this is depend on

how each and every one understand the importance of solid waste management and the economic

behavior of each family.

For those willing to contribute once questioned, they set up a certain number of conditions.

These conditions include the regularity or frequency of collection from a house hold; creation of

job to the local community, etc.

The amount of money that they are ready to contribute varies from0 Frs. to 200 Frs. Per family

per month.

The figure below gives the detailed information on how the local population is ready to

contribute depending upon the individual willingness.

No contribution: 44.4% of total population

Contribution of 100 Frs.: 38.8% of total population

Contribution of 150 Frs.: 5.7%of total population

Contribution of 200 Frs.: 11.1% of total population

Figure 4.5: Range of contribution per month

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

no contribution contribution of

100frs

contribution of

150frs

contribution of 200

frs

P e r c e n t a g e

Amount in Rwf



31

As it was mentioned above a considerable number of households, due to economic behavior and

low level of understanding on solid waste management, they did not will to contribute for

managing the domestic solid waste their produce;

But as it is shown by the figure above a percentage of about 40% will to pay 100 Rwf, so this

amount can be taken as the contribution of each family per month.

4.2.4 Solid waste management in GIHEMBE Refugee camp

GIHEMBE Refugee camp also contribute to the amount of solid waste generated in Gicumbi city

as it form a part of it, below a table presenting the results concerning solid waste management in

GIHEMBE refugee camp is presented as follow:

Sample

number

House

hold

members

Income source

of the head of

the household

Collection

frequency per

month

Mass of

refuse per

week (in kg)

Level of

Satisfaction

Willingness

to

pay per

month

1 6 UNHCR aid 1 9 Good -

2 9 UNHCR aid 1 16 Satisfaction -


4 5 UNHCR aid 1 12 Poor -





9 8 UNHCR aid 1 20 Poor -


Total 65 150

Table 4.5: Results on solid waste management from households in GIHEMBE Refugee

camp.



32

Due to the low level of the income of population living in GIHEMBE Refugee camp it was not

easy to get exactly the source of income for them but the main income for all of them is UNHCR

and other income can be gained by selling some products obtained from UNHCR.

The level of satisfaction of the method used for managing domestic solid waste produced there

depend on how each and every one understand the importance of solid waste management

For the sample used, the total number of households was 65 persons that produced a total

quantity of solid waste equal to 150kgs per week as it is presented in the table above.

In calculating the generation rate found there we get:

K= M/ (N*t)

Where K= means generation rate

M= Amount of refuse

N= Number of the considered household

t= the interval of time

K=150Kgs/ (65pers*7day)

K= 0.33kgs per capita per day

The low level of generation rate is explained by the low income of population living in

GIHEMBE Refugee camp as the quantity of solid waste generated depend on the amount earned

by month.

The quality of service the community getting for collection of wastes is not good because the

composting ponds used daily for disposing the waste their produce make their life hazard as it

closer to the house.

The collection of a single time in month is not sufficient to prevent all solid waste excreta

diseases due to the domestic solid waste in these ponds around the house.

The income of the camp community is at low level which means that 100% of them confirm that

the solid waste management should be a matter of UNHCR as it was presented in table above,

but it should improve the method of managing solid waste together with the Gicumbi city

council to make population and environment safe from solid waste hazards.



33

4.2.5 Contribution of local authorities

The results from local authorities in charge of solid waste management are presented in the table

below:

Sample

number

Number of

respondents

Parameters Response1 Response2

1 2 Existing solid waste

management method

compositing composting

2 2 Its situation Presence of insect

Bad smells

Presence of insect

3 2 Waste separation No separation No separation

4 2 Improvement of method No plan No plan

5 2 Problem in solid waste

management

Low level of

understanding

Low level of

understanding

6 2 Preferable Site for disposal Ku kasehuma Ku kasehuma

7 2 Reason of selecting this site

disposal

No erosion risks

Is in the public

forest

No erosion risks

Is in the public

forest

Table 4.6: Results from Local authorities in charge of solid waste management

As shown by the above table, the current policy of the city council in solid waste management is

to force the population to dispose the produced domestic solid waste into composting ponds

made around the house.

The main problem for this method is concerned with the presence of insects and bad smells that

always is obtained in these composting ponds, which present health hazards to the population as

these composting ponds are located in their daily contact.

The local authorities propose the population to have two composting ponds, one for

biodegradable waste and another for non-biodegradable waste, but it is not done because the

mentality of most of the population living in Gicumbi city on solid waste management is at low

level and they even don’t understand its aims.





35

• Lacking skills of municipal workforces, whereby training is often reserved to senior

staff and seen as a reward for good work and seen as a chance to break away from the

daily obligations

Considering all information and the reality mentioned in this work, domestic solid waste

management currently use in Gicumbi city is not adequate; that is why the compositing ponds

and open dumping used as final solid waste disposal should be replaced by another appropriate,

adequate and convenient method to the city.

4.2.6 Categorization of domestic solid waste

In Gicumbi city solid waste produced are of two types: a large quantity of biodegradable waste

and a small quantity of non-biodegradable solid waste in comparison with biodegradable waste.

The percentage of non- biodegradable waste vary in the interval of 2% to 7% of total waste

produced in each family as it was provided by the household members and it depend on the

income of each family.

The table below presents the data from households where we found number of household’s

members, income source of the head of households and the percentage of biodegradable waste

produced over non-biodegradable waste



36

House

hold

members

Income source

of the head of

the household

Collection

frequency

per month

Mass of

refuse per

week (in

kg)

% of non-

biodegradable

waste

Mass of non-

biodegradable waste

per week(in kgs)

6 Farming - 14 2 0.28

6 Farming - 17 3 0.51

4 Farming - 7 2 0.14

8 Farming - 24 2.5 0.625

5 Farming - 20 3 0.6

2 Farming - 8 3 0.24

7 Combination of

activities

- 25 4 1

8 Combination of

activities

- 46 3 1.38

5 Combination of

activities

- 15 2.5 0.375

4 Combination of

activities

- 21 5 1.05

3 Combination of

activities -

19 3 0.57

7 Commerce 1 25 6 1.5

3 Commerce 1 11 5 0.55

6 Commerce 1 20 6 1.2

1 Employment 1 2 7 0.14




Total =87 Total=317 Total= 12.71

Table 4.7: Biodegradable waste over non-biodegradable waste

Domestic solid waste in Gicumbi city is mainly composed by biodegradable solid waste as

presented by the table above where non- biodegradable waste represent 4% of total solid waste

produced.



37

The problem that remains there as stated above there is no separation of biodegradable solid

waste with non-biodegradable solid waste which causes a substantial problem to the population

living in Gicumbi city and also to the environment.

Therefore an appropriate method of managing domestic solid waste taking into account the

separation of biodegradable and non-biodegradable solid waste is required in Gicumbi city for

making the population and environment safe from any hazard due to domestic solid waste.

4.3 PROPOSED SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL METHOD

In the chapter above it was described that the current method of domestic solid waste disposal in

Gicumbi city present a lot of hazards and it need to be replaced by an appropriate method of

solid waste management which, in the case of well designed, will provide a well cleaned

environment safe from solid waste excreta diseases.

As it was stated in the above chapters solid waste disposal method that exist are the following:

Open dumping, Compositing, Incineration, Improved land fill, sanitary land fill and engineered

land fill,

SANITARY LAND FILL should be an appropriate method of domestic solid waste disposal in

Gicumbi city Because of:

• The process is completely sanitary

• Highly skilled personnel are not required

• Land can be safely overloaded without causing any problems

• Converts low –lying , marshy waste land into useful area

• Natural resources are returned to soil and recycled

Sanitary landfill is the site where wastes are isolated from the environment until it is safe.

It is considered when it has completely degraded biologically, chemically and physically.

When it is not well sited and designed, it can present some disadvantages.

Some of them are:

• Location of land fill site in a residential area can lead to public health hazards

• There is a risk of water pollution.

• Causes fire hazards due to formation of methane gas in wet weather

• Noise and traffic dust





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So, the area appears to be convenient for sanitary landfill in Gicumbi city is the site called

Ku kasehuma located about 1km from Gicumbi city because of the following:

• The city is growing in the opposite direction

• This site is located in non- residential area

• It can be accessed easily

• Erosion can be controlled

• There are no ground water contamination risks

4.3.2 LAND FILL OPERATION

Proper site selection and design alone are insufficient to result in a landfill which provides for

the protection of public health and the environment. To achieve such protection, operation of a

landfill should be based upon these guidelines or other equivalent practices.

In general, only wastes for which the facility has been specifically designed should be accepted

for disposal; however, other wastes may be accepted if it has been demonstrated to the

responsible agency that they can be satisfactorily disposed within the design capability or after

appropriate facility modifications

In order to conserve landfill disposal site capacity and preserve land resources, solid wastes

should be incorporated into the landfill in the smallest practicable volume

For most solid waste materials, landfill compaction equipment is necessary for volume reduction.

Compaction or other volume reduction may take place at or before delivery to the landfill, by

utilizing balers, shredders, or stationary compactors.

Compaction of solid waste and cover soil reduces the attraction of rodents and vectors and the

potential for fires.

Open burning of solid waste for volume reduction should not be practiced at landfill disposal

facilities.

Whenever possible, the operators should have a basic knowledge about design and constructionrelated issues of land fill



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CHAPTER FIVE: CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

5.1 CONCLUSION

Solid waste in Gicumbi city has become a serious environmental problem that needs a rapid

solution. It is a problem to take care of because it harm to health and environment.

The low understanding level of most of population living in Gicumbi city, lack of financial plan

and qualified personnel have been the important obstacles to the local authorities in the

management of domestic solid waste.

This problem due to domestic solid waste requires to be addressed carefully, because not only

have very high impact on public health but also it gives very bad appearance to the domestic

places and to the city especially. In this regard, it needs the participation of every one,

administrative or private part, to find acceptable ways to manage the domestic solid waste

generation in Gicumbi city.

The objectives of this project have been achieved since the current method used in managing

solid waste in the said city was found to be not appropriate as long as it provides an

environmental pollution and serves as the breeding sites for the flies and other disease vectors

and need to be replaced by other method such as sanitary landfill as it was proposed in this

research.

The quantity of wastes generated has been estimated to be 317Kg/week. All those wastes are

obtained during the daily activities done at home.

The figure of generation rate has classified the Gicumbi city in cities of low income countries as

our country belongs to and it has been determined to be 0.52kg/capita/day and it was found that

if nothing is done, the future of this city, its environment will be aesthetically impaired and well-

being of its residents will be endangered.

To overcome the entire problem resulted from solid waste management, especially health and

environmental problems, the current performance of solid waste management in Gicumbi city

has been found to not be used as the proper way for managing solid waste in growing city like

Gicumbi and it requires planning and improvement.



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5.2 RECOMMENDATIONS

This research carried out in Gicumbi city has resulted in the following recommendations

• Byumba sector authorities should provide a proper area of solid waste disposal in

Gicumbi city.

• Authorities in charge of hygiene and sanitation should set up rules and regards with

solid waste collection in Gicumbi city.

• The authorities at sector level should emphasize on the environmental preservation by

sensitizing the local residents on how to manage the waste and how to reduce its

generation and importance of solid waste management to improve their understanding

on solid waste management

• There should be a regular cooperation between the participants in environmental

problems such as specialist in environmental field, authorities, and local residents.

• There must be a skilled technician in environmental field for the daily evaluation of

the operation of the method used in managing domestic solid waste.

• There must be private associations in charge of collection and disposal of solid waste

and set a system of waste collection by separating (segregating) solid waste

components according to their nature and think about the recycling possibility.

• Domestic solid waste must be disposed (after being segregated) in appropriate placesat home before being collected to a disposal site in order to protect our health and

environment.

• Everyone should take care on how solid waste management is important that is why

entrepreneurs should discover that investing in solid waste management is a very big

business opportunity

• Due to concentrated residents living in GIHEMBE Refugee camp there must be a

regular collection of domestic solid waste in the refugee camp at least once in a week.

• Due to limited time and funds it was not possible to think about the recycling of

recyclable materials; so we recommend other researchers to do this task.

• Finally the city must plan a budget for solid waste management in order to make the

safe environment and resident health free from domestic solid waste hazard.



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REFERENCES

1. [1] http://www.edugreen.teri.res.in/ what is solid waste/ htm

2. [2] Smith, Hinchman and Grylls, Associates, Aguidebook for solid waste management

planning, Michgan Department of natural resources,lansing,mich,1978

3. [3] http://www.cnx.org/content/m16734/latest,2nd

may,2011

4. [6]Rao,C.S(1991), Environmental pollution Engineering, new age international(p) Ltd,

new delhi

5. [4] http://www.elmhurst.edu/~chm/vchembook/316solidwaste.html

6. [5] http://www.edugreen.teri.res.in/ explore/sold-waste/types.htm,20th april,201

7. [7] Robert A .corbitt, A standard handbook of environment engineering, 2nd

edition1999.

8. [8] http://www.en .Wiki/incineration

9. [9] cairncross,Sandy, Environmental health Engineering in the tropics : an introductory

text, sandy Cairn cross and Richard G.Feachem,2nd

edition,1993

10. [10] http: //www.ehow.com

11. Municipal solid waste protocol. U.S. Environmental protection agency,

MERL, Cincinnati, ohio1979

12. http://www.worldbank.org/data/databytopic/class.htm

13. Philip Rush book et al, Solid waste landfills in middle and lower income countries, a

technical guide to planning, design and operating 1999.

14. http://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/non-hw/muncpl/msw99.htm>

15. P.venugopala Rao, Textbook of environmental Engineering, prentice-hall of india private

Ltd,2002

16. Akamala DL, kantahrao, Environmental Engineering, New Delhi.1988



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APPENDICES

RESEARCH QUESTIONNAIRE

I. Introduction

I am a student of KIGALI INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY in civil

engineering and environmental technology department; in the program of water and

environmental engineering. I am collecting data concerning my topic entitled “ANALYSIS OF

DOMESTIC SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT IN GICUMBI DISTRICT” and I would like to

have your help as a whole.

II. Questionnaire reserved for authority in charge of hygiene and sanitation

Q1. Do you have any method of managing domestic solid waste produced in Gicumbi City?

1. Yes 2.No

Q2. If yes where the disposal site is located?

Q3. What is the method are you using?

Dumpsite

Sanitary landfill

Composting

Q4. How is it the situation?

Produce bad smells

Presence of insect

Q5. Is there any design of this site?

1. Yes 2.No

Q6. Do you plan to improve the existing site disposal and method used for solid waste?

1. Yes 2.No

Q7. Is separation of waste done before final disposal?

1. Yes 2.No



Q8. Which problems do you meet in solid waste management in your working area?

Q9. Can you propose solution for these problems?

Q10. What is your preferable site for disposing solid wastes produced in this city?

Q11. Why do you choose this site?

III. Questionnaire reserved to households members

Q1. Number of members into a house…………..

Q2. What is the income source of the head of household?

Q3. What are the types of solid waste do you produce?

Q4. What are the types of methods do you use to overcome the wastes?

Q5. Are you happy with the methods?

Q6. Approximate the volume of your usable container in kg…. or litters

Q7. What problem do you encountered in collection of refuse from home?

Q8. If the respondent does not transfer the refuse to a public collection point what means do you

use to dispose your refuse?

Q9. Would have any give your remarks on how collection of refuse from your household should

be done if you are not satisfied?

Q10. Do you have any other activity in which you re- utilize the solid waste (if any state it)

Q11. How much money do you pay or contribute?

Q12. How much money you willing to contribute every month?

Q13. What is your preferable site for disposing solid wastes produced in this city?

Analysis of domestic solidwaste in Gicumbi District

Documents