Design of an appropriate resource recovery option for the solid waste generated at Makerere College School, Mulawa.

Abstract

Solid waste generated in academic institutions is usually not disposed of in an effective and economical way, resulting into its accumulation and littering. This study was carried out with aim of assessing the resource recovery potential and designing an appropriate resource recovery option for the solid waste generated at Makerere College School (Mulawa campus). Field observations, questionnaires and interviews were used to assess the current solid waste management practices in the school. Field measurements and laboratory tests were also used to determine the density, composition and characteristics of the solid waste generated in this institution. According to the findings, both the students and staff members are interested in seeing improvements in the current solid waste management system. Problems such as inadequate dustbins, limited source separation, open dumping and open burning of the waste were observed. The total amount of solid waste generated on the campus was estimated to be 106.1 kg/day and the per capita generation rate was determined as 0.15 kg/capita/day. 45.6% of the waste was made up of organics, 28.1% was plastics and 24.1% was found to be paper. This indicates that there is high potential for recycling and composting.