Solid Waste Generation and Composition in Mexico： A Comparison between Rural and Urban Communities

This paper reports a generation and composition analysis of household solid waste in Mexico, using as a reference the characterization study performed in two communities, one urban and one rural. Data obtained are fundamental parameters for the planning of urban solid waste management systems in Mexico, complying this way with the established policy in the National Program for Waste Management and Prevention 2009-2012. The study was carried out during five days and two main parameters were assessed： （1） the daily generation rate per person and （2） the waste composition. The per capita waste generation was 0.958 kg for the urban community and 0.631 kg for the rural. The results showed that the mean composition of waste from both locations was statistically similar （a = 0.05）. In both locations the most important contribution was the fraction of food waste. In both locations more than 60% of the waste is potentially recyclable. The results of this study will be used by the municipal waste authorities in order to establish an integrated waste management plan.

Construction Waste Quantification and Benchmarking： A Study in Klang Valley, Malaysia

Construction industry is a major contributor of negative impact to the environment. Estimation of construction waste amount is crucial for implementing waste minimization program. Estimation of construction waste amount generated is a mean in assessing the potential for waste reduction. Decision-making should be based on quantified measurements expressed in numerical terms to effectively minimize waste produced. A better understanding of C＆D waste generation in terms of causes and sources can be achieved. Lack of benchmarking will hinder the implementation of more sustainable practices in the industry. The aim of this paper is to establish benchmarks on construction waste generation rate in Klang Valley （greater Kuala Lumpur）, Malaysia using appropriate waste quantification method. Nine projects in Klang Valley constructed between 2006-2010 have been selected for this study, which include residential and commercial building projects conducted by a wide range of contractors employing conventional and IBS systems. Wastage level and waste index approaches had been employed in this study as tools for quantifying waste and also for environmental assessment. Types of waste that generated at significant amount, such as concrete, timber, reinforcement bars, tiles, screeds, and plaster are considered. Other factors, such as waste management provision, Environmental Management System （EMS） employed, record-keeping, contractors＇ profile and other related policies are also assessed by conducting interviews with construction personnel. Based on the findings, overall site-management, size of project, and awareness of waste management among construction personnel are the most significant factors that contribute to construction waste generation. Currently, there is still relatively lack of waste minimization awareness among construction players in Malaysia as reflected by poor waste record-keeping, lack of waste sorting and recycling practice, low usage of IBS systems, and lack of supports from top management, clients, and authorities. The roles of construction authorities are essential in achieving the desired benchmark in waste generation rate for Malaysian context. Construction authorities as the policy maker and enforcer could develop and issue new regulations or incentives to stimulate and encourage waste management practices and the use of green building technology, establishing formally standardized systems in record-keeping of quantitative data, introduce useful guidelines and measures, conduct education and training to achieve sustainability and better environmental awareness among Malaysian construction players.

Diagnostic Analysis of Mechanical Conditions of Small-Scale Incinerators in the Healthcare Facilities in Tanzania

This paper provides analytical diagnosis of mechanical conditions of medical waste incinerators used for healthcare waste (HCW) treatment in Tanzania. The main features assessed were types of incinerators, features of incinerators and incinerator house. The assessment was conducted in three levels of health care facilities (HCFs), that is, Regional, district hospitals and health centers, existed in 26 regions of Tanzania. Questionnaires, interview and checklists were used as tools for data collection. It was observed that High-Tech incinerators are mainly used in regional hospitals, while district hospital and health center use both High-Tech and De-Montfort incinerators. About 60% of the incinerators have defective doors. More than 55% of incinerators are corroded in regional and district hospitals. The chimney, top plates and grate which are good condition are 55.6% and 60% in regional hospitals and health centers, respectively. The situation is below 50% in district hospitals. The leakage of the roof and loose structures were observed in district hospitals and health center to be more than 50% of the incinerator houses. On other hand, the performance of burners and incinerator housing cleanliness are generally good. It was concluded that the incinerators in the HCFs are in bad conditions, necessitating maintenance.