An Analysis of Solid Waste Generation and Characterization in Thika Municipality of Kiambu County, Kenya

Abstract

The rapid increase in population in Thika has led to increase in municipal solid waste generation, which has posed challenges in the waste disposal and management. This study was carried out to quantify and characterize the waste generated within Thika municipality. Six months data (between March 2014 and August 2014) of waste stream at the dumpsite was reviewed and analyzed. The survey indicated that 66.95% ± 0.34% of the total waste dumped originated from the municipal council of Thika (MCT). It constitutes of domestic, commercial and institutional waste. 33.05% is industrial waste. Sixty eight percent (68%) of the waste consisted primarily of four components: paper, plastic, organics and food. Food accounted for 15.51% ± 0.95%, paper 18.31% ± 1.7%, plastics 17.89% ± 0.81% and organics other than food 16.51% ± 1.01%, respectively obtained at 95% confidence level. Each of the components has some level of recovery. Some of the reusable and recyclable materials were being recovered, food waste had the highest recovery rate of 23% ± 1.7% and was used as animal feed, while plastic (soft plastic) 17% ± 0.93% was sold to recyclers. Recovery of materials for recycling and composting was estimated at 10.21 tonnes or 11.35% of daily generation, leaving 76.44 tonnes per day that can be converted into useful energy. The study shows waste in this dumpsite can be exploited to by converting it to energy thus a good solution for waste management.