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Characterisation, Recovery and Recycling Potential of Solid Waste in a University of a Developing Economy

Author

Listed:
  • Oluwatobi Owojori

    (Department of Ecology and Resources Management, University of Venda, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa)

  • Joshua N. Edokpayi

    (Department of Hydrology and Water Resources, University of Venda, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa)

  • Ratshalingwa Mulaudzi

    (Department of Ecology and Resources Management, University of Venda, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa)

  • John O. Odiyo

    (Department of Hydrology and Water Resources, University of Venda, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa)

Abstract

The present decade of Sustainable Development Goals has influenced higher educational institutions to assess and harness their great potential for waste diversion, recovery, and recycling. Institutional solid waste management in South Africa as a developing economy is yet to receive the required attention compared to developed countries. The measurement of the characteristics, and composition of solid waste is a fundamental pre-requisite towards creating a sustainable and viable process of solid waste management systems across institutions as this provides adequate and reliable information on the waste generated. This study aimed to determine the variations of waste components in the University of Venda (UNIVEN) by characterisation of the waste generated. Solid waste samples were collected from key activity areas and characterised using the ASTM D5321-92 method for unprocessed municipal solid waste. The recyclable, compostable, and non-recoverable components of the waste generated were found to be 61.7%, 34.4%, and 3.9%, respectively. The results of the waste audit revealed a strong potential for recycling in the institution (61.7%). This would decrease the amount of waste sent to landfills and enable the monetisation of the recyclable waste recovered from the waste stream, in this manner prompting a circular economy and a sustainable campus thereby lowering the waste footprint of higher education institutions.

Suggested Citation

  • Oluwatobi Owojori & Joshua N. Edokpayi & Ratshalingwa Mulaudzi & John O. Odiyo, 2020. "Characterisation, Recovery and Recycling Potential of Solid Waste in a University of a Developing Economy," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(12), pages 1-17, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:12:p:5111-:d:375343
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ashenafi Yimam Kassaye, 2018. "Contemporary institutional solid waste management practices of Haramaya University, Eastern Ethiopia," African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 10(2), pages 219-238, February.
    2. Joshua N. Edokpayi & John O. Odiyo & Oluwaseun E. Popoola & Titus A. M. Msagati, 2016. "Assessment of Trace Metals Contamination of Surface Water and Sediment: A Case Study of Mvudi River, South Africa," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 8(2), pages 1-13, February.
    3. Asma Majeed & Syeda Adila Batool & Muhammad Nawaz Chaudhry, 2018. "Environmental Quantification of the Existing Waste Management System in a Developing World Municipality Using EaseTech: The Case of Bahawalpur, Pakistan," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(7), pages 1-22, July.
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    Cited by:

    1. Vhuthu Ndou & Isaac Tebogo Rampedi, 2022. "Bibliometric Analysis of Municipal Solid Waste Management Research: Global and South African Trends," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(16), pages 1-21, August.
    2. Ismaila Rimi Abubakar & Khandoker M. Maniruzzaman & Umar Lawal Dano & Faez S. AlShihri & Maher S. AlShammari & Sayed Mohammed S. Ahmed & Wadee Ahmed Ghanem Al-Gehlani & Tareq I. Alrawaf, 2022. "Environmental Sustainability Impacts of Solid Waste Management Practices in the Global South," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(19), pages 1-26, October.

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