Determination of Waste Content )A study on types and components of municipal solid waste in the public landfill of Makkah Al Mukarramah)

Abstract

This study aims to shed light on the current situation of solid waste generated by the general population in Makkah Al-Mukarramah, focusing on its collection, sorting, composition, quantities, and types. The gathered information contributes to the formulation of appropriate policies for solid waste management, encourages investment in recycling and energy recovery, and aims to derive economic benefits while mitigating negative environmental impacts. The study methodology relies on available data from waste collection points, utilizing daily reports on waste quantities, types, and sources. The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) method was employed for sample selection and waste component identification. The waste was categorized into general waste and building debris, with general waste encompassing household waste, commercial waste, large-sized waste, tree trimmings, slaughterhouse and poultry waste, and tire waste. The daily average of waste received at the general waste collection points in Makkah Al-Mukarramah (including general waste and building debris) was found to be 3,636 tons per day. The average for regular days was 2,804 tons per day, and the average for building debris was 832 tons per day. Anticipated increases in waste quantities during the Ramadan and Hajj seasons were highlighted due to the large number of visitors, especially pilgrims and Umrah performers, who heavily rely on prepackaged meals. Additionally, the distribution of free meals and beverages during these seasons contributes to a significant portion of waste, ending up in landfill bins. A comparative analysis with a 1997 study conducted by the Fiqh Center for Research and Development revealed a substantial increase in waste percentages during Ramadan (122% - 149%) and Hajj seasons (242% - 304%). Using the ASTM method for waste component identification, 32 random samples were selected from household and commercial waste in Makkah, distributed across 11 neighborhoods. The study also found a significant decrease in the organic wet waste component in household waste, dropping from 57% to 30% over a 25-year period, attributed to the successful environmental awareness project, "Preserving Blessings." This project, initiated several years ago, has effectively reduced the percentage of organic materials in waste components from 57% to 28%, promoting the Islamic values of conserving blessings and encouraging charity and assistance to the needy. The project collects surplus food through healthy and hygienic methods, redistributing it to the less fortunate. The study also identified a substantial increase in the percentage of plastic waste at the general waste collection points in Makkah Al-Mukarramah, reaching 24%, significantly higher than the 6% reported in the 1997 study. Plastic bags accounted for 67% of the plastic waste, indicating a significant rise in plastic consumption, especially plastic bags, over the past 25 years due to the growing plastic industry and increased population and income levels