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Title: Characterization of urban solid waste in Chihuahua, Mexico

Journal Article · · Waste Management
 [1];  [1];  [2];  [1]
  1. Departament d'Enginyeria Quimica, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, 43007 Tarragona (Spain)
  2. Facultad de Ciencias Quimicas, Universidad Autonoma de Chihuahua, 31310 Chihuahua (Mexico)

The characterization of urban solid waste generation is fundamental for adequate decision making in the management strategy of urban solid waste in a city. The objective of this study is to characterize the waste generated in the households of Chihuahua city, and to compare the results obtained in areas of the city with three different socioeconomic levels. In order to identify the different socioeconomic trends in waste generation and characterization, 560 samples of solid waste were collected during 1 week from 80 households in Chihuahua and were hand sorted and classified into 15 weighted fractions. The average waste generation in Chihuahua calculated in this study was 0.676 kg per capita per day in April 2006. The main fractions were: organic (48%), paper (16%) and plastic (12%). Results show an increased waste generation associated with the socioeconomic level. The characterization in amount and composition of urban waste is the first step needed for the successful implementation of an integral waste management system.

OSTI ID:
21215941
Journal Information:
Waste Management, Vol. 28, Issue 12; Other Information: DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2007.10.023; PII: S0956-053X(07)00412-6; Copyright (c) 2007 Elsevier Science B.V., Amsterdam, The Netherlands, All rights reserved; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0956-053X
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English