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Solid waste generation model validation and economic loss estimation due lack of recycling
Caio T Áspet1, David M Dias2, Carlos B Martinez3,4
1Universidade Federal do Mato Grosso do Sul/UFMS, Faculdade de Engenharias, Arquitetura e Urbanismo e Geografia/FAENG, Laboratório de Geoprocessamento para Aplicações Ambientais, Cidade Universitária, Av. Costa e Silva, s/n, Pioneiros, 79070-900 Campo Grande, MS, Brazil.
Urban solid waste management is crucial for sustainable cities and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study validates a model to predict waste generation and quantifies economic losses from a lack of recycling, highlighting significant financial impacts.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Urban Planning
- Waste Management
Background:
- Urban Solid Waste Management (USWM) is integral to sustainable city development and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Effective waste management strategies are essential for environmental protection and resource conservation in urban areas.
Purpose of the Study:
- To validate a mathematical model for projecting solid waste generation in Campo Grande, Brazil, using socioeconomic indicators.
- To estimate the economic losses incurred due to the absence of selective collection and recycling of Household Solid Waste (HSW).
Main Methods:
- Utilized a mathematical model developed by Dias et al. (2012) to forecast waste generation based on per capita income, social classes, and population size.
- Conducted gravimetric characterization of waste composition to determine the value and share of recyclable materials.
- Compared model projections with actual collected Household Solid Waste (HSW) data for validation.
Main Results:
- The mathematical model demonstrated a strong correlation with the actual mass of Household Solid Waste (HSW) collected.
- Estimated economic losses due to the lack of selective collection approximate 9.6 million US dollars annually.
- Calculated per capita economic loss due to insufficient recycling is approximately 11 US dollars per person per year.
Conclusions:
- The validated model provides a reliable tool for projecting urban solid waste generation.
- The study quantifies substantial economic losses resulting from inadequate recycling infrastructure.
- Findings offer valuable support for economic evaluations of public policies and projects in Urban Solid Waste Management (USWM) for cities with similar characteristics.
