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YEN- Zambia
Evans Tembo & Billy Lombe
2013
THE 4R’S OF SOLID WASTE
MANAGEMENT
A guide for Secondary Schools
Project funded by European Union
i
Foreword
ii
Contact Information
Author: Evans Tembo and Billy Lombe
Youth Environment Network (YEN) – Zambia
SEDB House, Cairo Road Southend
Box 30865, Lusaka, Zambia
Mobile: +260-977-344689
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: www.facebook.com/yenzambia
Submitted to: CeLIM
Mongu Office DMDC Premises, Senanga Road P.O Box 910177 Mongu Tel: +260-217-221169 E-mail: [email protected]
Mongu Municipal Council
Box 910026 Mongu Tel: +260-217-221039
iii
Acknowledgement
The authors of this booklet wishes to express their gratitude to Mongu
Municipal Council (MCC) and CeLIM,(i.e. the implementers of the
integrated solid waste management project in Mongu with funding
from the European Union) for the existing long lasting collaboration in
striving to make Mongu a clean city for all.
Specifically, the logistical and technical contributions from Ms. Samia
Shehab and Mr. Simataa Nakamboa from CeLIM as well as Mr. Kayula
Brian and Ms. Lusale Tina from MCC could not go without being
acknowledged.
On the other hand, we wish to acknowledge Mr. Kabaso Nkandu and
Ms. Sofie Nanyangwe(i.e. student interns from Mulungushi University)
for their valuable contribution as well as Peter Chuulu for the drawing
of all the cartoons.
Last but not the least, thank you to the following institutions for their
substantial contributions and input in to the draft booklet including;
Secondary Schools (Kambule Technical and Saint Johns’), Basic Schools
(Imwiko, Mulambwa, Malengwa, Tungi, Kanyonyo and Mongu),
Market Chairpersons (Green Market ,Main Market, Bus Station Outlet
and Mulambwa),ZANIS, Radio Lyambayi and Youth Action for
Sustainable Development.
iv
Acronyms
YEN - Youth Environment Network
MCC - Mongu Municipal Council
ZANIS - Zambia National Information Service
SWM - Solid waste management
MSW - Municipal Solid Waste
v
Content
Contact Information ......................................................................... ii
Acknowledgement .......................................................................... iii
Acronyms ........................................................................................ iv
Content ............................................................................................ v
Overview ...................................................................................... viii
Learning Objectives ......................................................................... ix
UNIT 1: Introduction to solid waste .................................................. 1
1.1 Introduction ...................................................................................... 1
1.2 What is waste? .................................................................................. 1
1.3 What is solid waste? ......................................................................... 2
1.3.1 Two types of solid waste ................................................................... 2
UNIT 2: Common sources of solid waste ........................................... 4
2.1 Sources of wastes .............................................................................. 4
2.1.1 Schools .............................................................................................. 4
2.1.2 Households........................................................................................ 4
2.1.3 Commerce and Industry .................................................................... 5
2.1.4 Agriculture......................................................................................... 5
2.1.5 Fisheries ............................................................................................ 5
2.1.6 Markets ............................................................................................. 6
UNIT 3: Steps used in solid waste management ................................ 7
3.1 What is solid waste management? ................................................... 7
3.2 Use of the 4R’s principles in dealing with solid waste in schools ..... 7
3.2.1 Reduce............................................................................................... 7
3.2.2 Reuse ................................................................................................. 8
vi
3.2.3 Recycling ........................................................................................... 9
3.2.4 Rot ...................................................................................................10
3.3 Steps in managing solid waste in schools .......................................10
3.3.1 Components of solid waste management ......................................11
i. Collection ........................................................................................11
ii. Waste handling and separation, storage and processing at the
source ..............................................................................................11
iii. Separation and processing and transformation of solid wastes .....11
iv. Transfer and transport ....................................................................12
UNIT 4: Solid waste disposal methods ............................................ 13
4.1 What is waste disposal? ..................................................................13
4.1.1 Bad waste disposal methods include the following; .......................14
4.2.2 Good waste disposal methods include the following; ....................15
UNIT 5: Health effects of solid waste .............................................. 18
5.1 Introduction ....................................................................................18
5.2 Human and Environmental costs ....................................................18
5.3 Economic costs ................................................................................19
UNIT 7: Legal aspects of solid waste management .......................... 21
7.1 introduction ....................................................................................21
7.1.1 Public Health Act .............................................................................21
7.1.2 Penal Code Cap 87 ..........................................................................21
7.13 Local Government Act Cap 213 .......................................................22
7.1.4 Markets Act Cap 290 .......................................................................22
UNIT 8: Things to remember ........................................................... 23
8.2 What you can do to protect yourself (…going green…) ..................23
i. At home; ..........................................................................................23
ii. At school; ........................................................................................23
vii
iii. On the go .........................................................................................24
Reference ...................................................................................... 25
viii
Overview
Solid waste management in schools within Zambia still remains a big
challenge. For instance, most schools in Mongu are characterised by
lack of bins in classrooms as well as within school’s premises. The
situation has been worsened by lack of sensitisation amongst the
pupils and teachers respectively. For this reason, most of the schools
have waste pits at the rear side of the schools where pupils do
inconsistently throw their litter coupled with open air burning. Such
practices may have long lasting negative environmental and human
health effects.
It’s against this background that this booklet “The 4R’s of Solid Waste
Management: A Guide for Secondary School” has been developed to
engage pupils and teachers in integrated solid waste management in
schools.
Knowledge and practicing of the 4R’s (reduce, reuse, recycle and rot)
by the pupils, teachers and the community will not only result in
having clean, green and healthy schools but will also lead to improved
health of the pupils, teachers and the surrounding communities at
large.
ix
Learning Objectives
After reading this booklet, pupils and teachers should be able to:
i. Explain what solid waste is and give examples;
ii. Differentiate between waste and solid waste;
iii. State and practice the 4R’s (i.e. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and
Rot) solid waste management principles;
iv. Identify the safe ways of disposing solid waste;
v. Demonstrate the safe ways of solid waste disposal;
vi. Discuss the impact of solid waste on human health and
environment; and
vii. Mention the basic legal aspects of solid waste management.
UNIT 1: Introduction to solid waste
1.1 Introduction
Humans have always produced trash and have always disposed of it in
some way, so solid waste management is not a new issue. What have
changed are the types and amounts of waste produced, the methods
of disposal, and the human values and perceptions of what should be
done with it (Urban Development Sector Unit - East Asia and Pacific
Region, 1999).
1.2 What is waste?
Waste means anything that is unwanted at that point of time. It also
means raw materials to a wrong person at a wrong time in a wrong
place. The waste is a term that means useless, unwanted or discarded
material. (Gaur, 2008:87)
Figure1: Examples of waste
1
2
1.3 What is solid waste?
Solid waste is defined as any garbage, refuse, or other materials,
including solids and semisolids, coming from schools, shops, lodges,
markets, habours, industries, commercials and agricultural activities.
1.3.1 Two types of solid waste
i. Municipal solid waste (MSW)
The garbage that is managed by local authorities is known as municipal
solid waste (MSW). Specifically, MSW is waste generated by
commercial and household sources.
This is solid waste which consists of small and moderately sized solid
waste items from homes, schools, shops, markets, lodges, motels,
hotels, restaurants, offices, clinics, hospitals, and other various
institutions.
It is the responsibility of the individuals with the help of the
municipality to make sure that such wastes are dealt with properly in
their premises.
Furthermore, it should be noted that solid waste from industrial
processes and sewage are generally not considered "municipal"
however they need to be taken into account when dealing with solid
waste as they often end up in the municipal solid waste stream.
3
i. Examples of solid waste:
• Garbage (food wastes)
• Rubbish (paper, plastics, wood, metal, throw away containers,
glass).
• Dead animals and other discarded materials.
ii. Bulky waste
This consists of larger items of solid waste, such as mattresses and
electrical appliances, as well as smaller items generated in large
quantity in a short time, such as roofing shingles. Bulky waste is also
called C&D (construction and demolition) waste.
Bulky waste may include:–
• Demolition products (bricks, concrete, pipes),
• Waste from the construction site(e.g. stadium and roads).
Figure 2: examples of bulk waste
4
UNIT 2: Common sources of solid waste
2.1 Sources of wastes
Solid waste can come from different sources which include the
following:
2.1.1 Schools
Figure 3: examples of solid waste generated in schools
Other examples are hazardous expired laboratory chemicals
(e.g.Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH), Sulphuric Acid (H2SO4) etc).
2.1.2 Households
Figure 4: Examples of solid waste generate in homes
5
2.1.3 Commerce and Industry
Figure 5: Examples of solid waste generate by industries
Industrial refuse: contains wastes ranging from completely non-
reactive (inert) materials to highly toxic and explosive compounds.
2.1.4 Agriculture
Figure 6: examples of solid waste generate by agriculture
2.1.5 Fisheries
Figure 7: Examples of solid waste generated by fisheries
6
2.1.6 Markets
Figure 8: Examples of solid waste generated in markets
7
UNIT 3: Steps used in solid waste management
3.1 What is solid waste management?
Waste management is the collection, transport, processing or disposal,
managing and monitoring of waste materials. The term usually relates
to materials produced by human activity, and the process is generally
undertaken to reduce their effect on health, the environment or
aesthetics.
3.2 Use of the 4R’s principles in dealing with solid waste in schools
The 4R’s stands for;
Reduce means minimize on the amount of waste generated at all
cost,
Reuse means using what seems to be waste again and again,
Recycle means taking back waste to industries to make new
materials.
Rot means composting waste in to manure which can be used in
gardens or decompose the organic waste to produce bio-gas
(methane) which can be used for cooking at school or in homes.
3.2.1 Reduce
Probably the most important component of any effective integrated
waste management system is reducing the amount of refuse produced
8
in the first place. Reducing waste at source includes any action that
reduces the volume or toxicity of solid waste prior to recycling or
disposal. For this reason, communities, markets, schools, lodges, shops
and other commercial institutions are encouraged to reduce waste
before producing it in the first place. The best way to decrease the
amount of rubbish we produce is not to produce it in the first place.
The best way to do that is:
Using rechargeable batteries;
Using both sides of paper or using scrap paper;
Reusing boxes, packaging, and envelopes for mailing;
Use refillable items for juice bottles, lunch-boxes;
Reuse plastic bags; and
To advocate for policies restricting the use of material that do
not rot easily;
3.2.2 Reuse
Reuse means to use an item again after it has been used. Some ways
on how you reuse:
• Give away or resell the old toys, clothing and books;
• Make useful presents, toy and ornaments from discarded
plastics or metal containers;
• Use junk material to create some awesome art; etc
9
Figure 9: Examples of solid waste generate which can be reused
3.2.3 Recycling
This method is a resource recovery practice that refers to the
collection and reuse of waste materials such as empty beverage
containers. The materials from which the items are made can be
reprocessed into new products. The most common consumer products
recycled include aluminum such as beverage cans, copper such as
wire, steel food and spray cans, old steel furnishings or equipment,
polyethylene, glass bottles and jars, paperboard cartons, newspapers,
magazines and light paper, and corrugated fiberboard boxes.
In other words, recycling is when materials from waste products are
reused to make new and sometimes different product.
The following items can be recycled:
• Plastic items; Paper; Glass bottles; Clothing; Used motor oils;
Car parts
• Aluminum and steel can
10
Figure 10: Examples of solid waste generate which can be recycled
3.2.4 Rot
Decomposition (or rotting) is the process by which organic substances
are broken down into simpler forms of matter by microorganism e.g.
fungi and bacteria.
3.3 Steps in managing solid waste in schools
Figure 11: Steps in managing solid waste
prevention
re use
recycling
energy recovery
disposal
Most favoured option
Leastfavoured option
11
3.3.1 Components of solid waste management
The primary steps involved in waste management are generation,
collection, sorting and separation, transfer, and disposal. Activities in
which materials are identified as no longer being of value and are
either thrown out or gathered together for disposal.
i. Collection
The functional element of collection includes not only the gathering of
solid waste and recyclable materials, but also the transport of these
materials, after collection, to the dump site or landfill.
ii. Waste handling and separation, storage and processing at the
source
Waste handling and separation involves activities associated with
waste management until the waste is placed in storage containers for
collection. Handling also encompasses the movement of loaded bins /
containers to the point of collection. Separating different types of
waste components is an important step in the handling and storage of
solid waste at the source.
iii. Separation and processing and transformation of solid wastes
The types of means and facilities that are now used for the recovery of
waste materials that have been separated at the source. The
separation and processing of wastes that have been separated at the
source and the separation of wastes usually occur at a materials
12
recovery facility (bio gas production), transfer stations and disposal
sites.
iv. Transfer and transport
This element involves two main steps. First, the waste is transferred
from a smaller collection vehicle (e.g. tractor) to larger transport
equipment. The waste is then transported, usually over long distances,
to a processing or disposal site.
13
UNIT 4: Solid waste disposal methods
4.1 What is waste disposal?
Waste disposal is a way in which waste dumped in a manner that does
not lead to contamination of the environment and does not
compromise with human health (USAID, 2009).
Figure 12: Pupils throwing waste in a bin (drum)
Today, the disposal of wastes by land filling or land spreading is the
ultimate fate of all solid wastes, whether they are residential wastes
collected and transported directly to a landfill site, residual materials
from material recovery facilities (MRFs), compost, or other substances
from various solid waste processing facilities.
A modern sanitary landfill is not a dump; it is an engineered facility
used for disposing of solid wastes on land without creating nuisances
or hazards to public health or safety, such as the breeding of insects
and the contamination of ground water.
14
4.1.1 Bad waste disposal methods include the following;
i. uncontrolled throwing of solid waste
Figure 13: a woman and a boy are throwing waste along the road
ii. Rubbish pits
Figure 14: pupils are throwing their waste in the rubbish pit at the rear side
of the school
iii. Open air burning
Figure 15: two a pupils (left) and a woman (right) is burning waste
15
iv. Burial method
Figure 16: people are about to bury in a deep pit
4.2.2 Good waste disposal methods include the following;
i. Dumping in a dumpsite
Figure 17: Vehicles taking and offloading solid waste at the dumpsite
ii. Sanitary landfill
Disposal of waste in a landfill involves burying the waste, and this
remains a common practice in most countries. Landfills were often
established in abandoned or unused quarries, mining voids or borrow
pits. A properly designed and well-managed landfill can be a hygienic
and relatively inexpensive method of disposing of waste materials.
16
Figure 18: Sanitary landfill (Source: Encyclopedia Britannica, 1999)
iii. Incineration
Incineration is a disposal method in which solid organic wastes are
subjected to combustion at higher temperature so as to convert them
into residue and gaseous products. This is a practical method of
disposing of certain hazardous waste materials (such as biological
medical waste).This process reduces the volumes of solid waste to 20
to 30 percent of the original volume. It is used to dispose of solid,
liquid and gaseous waste (USAID, 2009).
iv. Composting:
It is a method of combined disposal of refuse and a layer of soil or
sludge. It is a process of nature where organic matter breaks down
under bacterial action resulting in formation of relatively stable humus
like material called the compost which has considerable value as
manure.
17
How composting takes place?
The principal by product when refuse and night soil is mixed are –
carbon dioxide, water and heat. The heat produced is 60 degree
centigrade or higher over a period of several days which destroys eggs
and larvae of flies, weed seeds and pathogenic agents. Compost is a
very good soil builder and has major plant nutrients.
v. Manure Pits
This is method in which organic or biodegradable waste is thrown in a
pit, of which after some time becomes manure.
In Mongu, manure pits can be dug up by different households where
cow dung, garbage, straw and leaves can be dumped and covered with
earth after each day’s dumping. Two such pits will be needed, when
one is closed, the other will be in use. This method of refuse disposal is
effective and relatively simple in rural communities.
18
UNIT 5: Health effects of solid waste
5.1 Introduction
Solid waste can pose not only serious human health problems but also
environmental challenges which can also indirectly lead to disease
outbreaks (USAID, 2009).
5.2 Human and Environmental costs
Waste attracts rodents and insects, which harbour gastrointestinal
parasites, yellow fever, worms, the plague and other conditions for
humans, and exposure to hazardous wastes, particularly when they
are burned, can cause various other diseases including cancers.
Figure 19: a diarrhoea patient admitted in the clinic
Waste can contaminate surface water, groundwater, soil, and air
which causes more problems for humans, other species, and
ecosystems.
19
Figure 20: Groundwater contamination by leachate from solid waste
Furthermore, waste treatment and disposal produces significant
greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, notably methane, which is
contributing significantly to climate change.
5.3 Economic costs
The economic costs of managing waste are high, and are often paid for
by municipal governments; money can often be saved with more
efficiently designed collection routes, modifying vehicles, and with
public education. Environmental policies such as polluter pay principle
and pay as you throw can reduce the cost of management and reduce
waste quantities.
Polluter pays principle - the Polluter Pays Principle is a principle where
the polluting party pays for the impact caused to the environment.
With respect to waste management, this generally refers to the
requirement for a waste generator to pay for appropriate disposal of
the unrecoverable material.
20
Waste recovery (that is, reduce, reuse, recycling and rot) can curb
economic costs because it avoids extracting raw materials and often
cuts transportation costs.
21
UNIT 7: Legal aspects of solid waste management
7.1 introduction
There are a number of pieces of legislations /regulations in Zambia
which are used in the control and management of solid waste in
communities, schools and markets as complied by the various Zambian
legislations including:
7.1.1 Public Health Act
• Section 64 prohibits causing of a nuisance.
• Section 65 stipulates the Duties of Local Authorities to maintain
cleanliness and prevent nuisances.
• Section 66 provides for the Duty of Local Authorities to prevent
or remedy danger to health arising from unsuitable dwellings.
7.1.2 Penal Code Cap 87
• Section 172 provides that it is an offence to cause a nuisance.
• It provides that; “Any person who does an act not authorised
by law or omits to discharge a legal duty and thereby causes
any common injury, or danger or annoyance, or obstructs or
causes inconvenience to the public in the exercise of common
rights, commits the misdemeanour termed a "common
nuisance" and is liable to imprisonment for one year.”
22
7.13 Local Government Act Cap 213
• The Local Government Act has given the powers to the council
to come up with by-laws that should be followed within the
council jurisdiction.
• Section 76 provides that; “Subject to the provisions of this Act,
a council may make by-laws for the good rule and government
of its area.”
7.1.4 Markets Act Cap 290
• Section 12 of the said act talks of removal of goods and waste
after the market has closed.
• Anything that remains after the close of the market becomes
the property of the local Authority.
7.1.5 Environmental Management Act 2011
• Section 15 provides for the powers of inspectors under the
Environmental Management Agency.
• Section 16 provides for the powers of arrest.
• Section 53 to 63 provides for management of waste.
23
UNIT 8: Things to remember
8.1 Remember the 4Rs;
Reduce,
Reuse,
Recycle, and
Rot.
8.2 What you can do to protect yourself (…going green…)
i. At home;
Say no to plastics at all times more when doing your purchases. Pack waste-free lunches by using permanent containers, reusable
utensils and cloth napkins. Avoid buying too many supplies by inventorying what’s already at
home. Rather than throw away unwanted items, gather up extra pens,
pencils, rubber bands, paper clips and the like for donation to a local elementary school or to nonprofit organizations that accept school supplies.
Create weekly meal plans in advance to stock the fridge in one trip, saving time and gas money and reducing congestion and pollution.
Choose tap water over bottled products to avoid plastic bottles as waste.
ii. At school;
Write on both sides of the paper! Use exercise books for end of term test instead of papers to reduce
on paper waste. Take good care of your pack, folders, cell phone and other items.
They’ll last longer, saving you money in the long run.
24
Prevent waste and unnecessary purchases by using pens until the ink runs out, holding on to pencils until they’re too short for writing and making use of each blank page in your notebook.
Connect with dorm mates ahead of time to determine which housewares – from dishes and hair dryers to furniture and electronics – you can share, cutting down on unnecessary purchases.
Reuse items from home when furnishing the dorm room. For remaining items still needed, check local thrift stores near the school.
iii. On the go
Choose products with more recycled content – paper with a higher percentage of post-consumer materials, for example – and less or no packaging. If the product comes with packaging, first ensure the wrapping or container includes recycled content and can be recycled.
Look for pens and pencils made with sustainably harvested wood or recycled content.
Check thrift stores for reusable school supplies such as binders and backpacks.
(Source: http://www.oregonmetro.gov/index.cfm/go/by.web/id=31086)
25
Reference
Evans,. T and Billy,.L.M (2013). Baseline Study Report on People’s
Perception Towards the Mongu Solid Waste Management Project
Urban Development Sector Unit - East Asia and Pacific Region
(1999).What a Waste:Solid WasteManagementin Asia. Accessed on 1st
September, 2013 from
http://web.mit.edu/urbanupgrading/urbanenvironment/resources/ref
erences/pdfs/WhatAWasteAsia.pdf
USAID (2009).Environmental Guidelines for Small-Scale Activities in
Africa (EGSSAA). Accessed on 1st September, 2013 from
http://www.encapafrica.org/EGSSAA/solidwaste.pdf
This booklet has been published with support from the
European Union.
“A clean school starts with you and me”
yen©2013
