Advancement of waste management strategies in developing nations (Costa Rica).

Planning a comprehensive waste management strategy in developing nations can be both difficult and markedly different from established waste practices in developed nations. Commonly accepted data sampling methods and approaches to waste management may have to be modified extensively to suit an area\u27s unique characteristics. This thesis proposes a waste sampling protocol and a waste management strategy appropriate for developing nations. The proposed methods of study were tested with data from the cities of San Pablo and San Isidro in Costa Rica at the Las Joyas dumpsite. Volume based sampling was found to be a reasonable approach where truck weigh scales, common in many developed nations, are absent. A waste management strategy emphasizing public awareness, increased source separation, simple recovery operations, the innovative use or re-use of existing waste facilities, composting, and employing locally available labour is most likely to succeed. The forced closure of the Las Joyas site has altered the solid waste management operations for the cities of San Pablo and San Isidro. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering. Paper copy at Leddy Library: Theses & Major Papers - Basement, West Bldg. / Call Number: Thesis2004 .A47. Source: Masters Abstracts International, Volume: 43-05, page: 1769. Adviser: Edwin Tam. Thesis (M.A.Sc.)--University of Windsor (Canada), 2004