Characterisation Of Municipal Solid Waste Generated By The City Of Bhopal, India

The characteristics of municipal solid waste (MSW) is major factor, which considered as a basis for the design of efficient, cost effective and e nvrionmentally compatible waste management system. Solid waste management system requires a greater knowledge about composition of MSW. In present study, the compositions of Bhopal municipality waste were estimated and analysis for better MSW management . Inappropriate bin locations and poorly designed community bins, collection vehicles that are in poor condition, inadequate labour for collection and transport of waste, and lack of waste t reatment and disposal facilities were major problems in Bhopal. Thirteen samples were characterized physicochemically and their promixate, ultimate analyses and calorific value were done in the laboratory. The average values of various parameters were density=314.9 kg/m 3 , low and higher calorific values= 2244.2 and 2411.7 kcal/kg respectively, moisture content= 28.1 percent, ash= 15.6 percent, fixed carbon=9.5 percent, volatile matter = 46.6 percent, Carbon= 26.6 percent, Hydrogen=5.9 percent, Oxygen=47.7 percent, Nitrogen=1.1 percent, Sulphur=0.98 percent, Phosphorus= 0.84 percent, Potash=0.93 percent, C/N Ratio=26.6. Segregation helps inproper utilization of organic waste for composting. MSW in Bhopal has high moisture content and low calorific value, making aerobic composting the best treatment strategy.