Characteristics and characterization methodologies of msw at source - a review

Rapid economic growth, increasing population and change in lifestyle contribute to increasing the generation of municipal solid waste (MSW). Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) are waste which consist of components such as papers, glass, metal, plastics, rubber and leather, textiles, yard waste, food waste and miscellaneous inorganic wastes. This paper presents a review on the characteristics and characterization methodologies of Municipal solid waste at sources. The method used to determine the characteristics of MSW is sampling. Materials are collected at different sources and are separated. The material is then characterized by its physical and chemical characteristics. Chemical characteristics of municipal solid waste are determined by chemical analysis. Landfilling is a one of the municipal solid waste management strategy. Landfilling produces landfill gas which contaminates the nature and also society. Methane and Carbon dioxide are the major component in landfill gas. Methane is collected and reuse as a new energy. Proper characterization of municipal solid waste is fundamental for the planning of municipal waste management services