Solid Waste Generation and Characterization Studies in Yangon, Myanmar

Solid waste generation rate and characteristics such as density and composition are very important factors in solid waste management planning. Waste generation rate determines the volume required for on-site storage, transportation, transfer facilities and disposal of solid wastes while waste characterization determines the appropriate methods for collection and disposal and the identification of the recycling and resource recovery potential of solid wastes. This paper discusses the solid waste generation and characterization studies in Yangon, Myanmar in 200S. Seventy five (75) households from different income levels in South Okkalapa Township were randomly selected for sampling. The wastes generated were collected once a day at a fixed time for eight successive days to allow variation in waste generation over a week. The total quantity of solid wastes generated in Yangon is about 1,912 tons/day or 0.465 kg/capita/day. In terms of the solid waste characteristics, the bulk density is 0.25 kg/l or 250 kg/m' that is composed mainly of kitchen wastes and garden trimmings (65 percent); plastics, papers and cardboards (18 percent). and; glass, cans, leather and rubber, and textile (17 percent). This information serves as input to the formulation of the strategic solid waste management plan for Yangon City