Solid waste generation model validation and economic loss estimation due lack of recycling

Abstract

Urban Solid Waste Management (USWM) is one of the components that influences in the sustainable cities. It is a fundamental factor in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), 2030 agenda. This paper work aims to validate a mathematical model for solid waste generation and to estimate the economic loss due lack of recycling in the city of Campo Grande, State of Mato Grosso do Sul/Brazil. The model adopted was developed by Dias et. al. (2012), which allows projecting the mass of waste to be generated by the inhabitants from socioeconomic indicators, such as per capita income, social classes and size of population in a specific urban territory. Besides, waste composition was analyzed to determinate the value and share of the gravimetric characterization, in order to estimate the economic loss in areas, which there are no selective collection of Household Solid Waste (HSW). The model showed strong adherence, when compared to the real mass of HSW collected. The economic loss due to selective collection approaches nearly 9.6 million US$, or about 11 US$ per person per year. The study can provide support for economic evaluation of project sand public policies related to USWM executed in any other city with similar characteristics.

Key words
Household solid waste; urban solid waste management; waste generation model; validation of mathematical model