Alternative waste treatment technologies - the case of Sulaymaniyah City, Kurdistan Region of Iraq

The purpose of this thesis was to investigate municipal solid waste treatment in Sulaymaniyah City, in the Kurdistan region of Iraq, and to evaluate a mechanical-biological treatment facility as an alternative. Relevant literature was reviewed regarding the usage of mechanical-biological treatment, as well as its types, processes, products, and emissions. Existing literature was also reviewed on landfilling of municipal solid waste and the various impacts of open dumping and uncontrolled landfilling of mixed waste, including generation of landfill gas and leachate. A qualitative case study approach was used as the main research methodology. Semi-structured face-to-face interviews and additional field work were conducted as primary data acquisition sources. Interview scripts were analyzed through reflexive thematic analysis. Primary research data were collected in the form of three interviews with two government officials and the operations manager of an existing mechanical-biological treatment facility known as Ecocem. Additional primary data on Ecocem’s background, characteristics, and processes were obtained through field work. Whereas previously written works, such as scientific articles and public reports, were found on the internet and used as secondary sources of data. The study results suggested that the present waste disposal method in Sulaymaniyah City is open dumping and uncontrolled landfilling of unsorted municipal solid waste, while also highlighting several impacts of the method. Other results revealed the characteristics of Ecocem as a viable replacement to the current waste disposal method. It was discovered that Ecocem could considerably mitigate the environmental impacts and health risks of the current method and improve economic potentials of municipal solid waste through appropriate material recycling and fuel production. The research concluded that decision makers in Sulaymaniyah City must act quickly towards minimizing the effects of waste treatment, including easing the process of utilizing Ecocem for treating the city’s waste. Whereas academic experts should help familiarize both the authorities and the public with the mechanical-biological treatment concept, and the impacts of unsustainable municipal solid waste disposal methods