Title: Analysis of the generation of household solid wastes, household hazardous wastes and sustainable alternative handling

Authors: M. Neftalí Rojas-Valencia; Hugo Nájera-Aguilar

Addresses: National Autonomous University of Mexico, Institute of Engineering, Coordination of Environmental Engineering, P.B. 70-472, Coyoacán 04510, Mexico D.F., Mexico ' National Autonomous University of Mexico, Institute of Engineering, Coordination of Environmental Engineering, P.B. 70-472, Coyoacán 04510, Mexico D.F., Mexico.

Abstract: In the southern part of Mexico City, household solid wastes (HSWs) were examined qualitatively and quantitatively. The purpose of this work was to determine the dynamics of HSW and hazardous waste generation and create in households a responsible attitude towards environmental conservation. For this analysis, the population was categorised into three socioeconomic strata (lower, middle and upper). The results show that in Mexico City an average urban family (consisting of four persons) generates monthly 1 m3 of waste (6 kg/family/day; 2,190 kg/family/year). Waste characterisation revealed that 0.5 kg/family/8 days of hazardous waste were generated. From a total of 21,600 kg/450 houses/8 days, 82 by-products were identified: 13 non-reusable, 17 recyclable and 52 hazardous wastes, their production being independent from the income level. It is extremely important that the suggestions offered in this work be incorporated in households throughout the world to help create a clean and sustainable planet.

Keywords: waste generation; household waste; solid wastes; hazardous wastes; sustainable alternatives; alternative handling; Mexico City; responsible attitudes; environmental conservation; socioeconomic strata; average families; urban families; waste characterisation; non-reusable by-products; recyclable by-products; income levels; sustainable society; sustainability; sustainable development.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSSOC.2012.047282

International Journal of Sustainable Society, 2012 Vol.4 No.3, pp.280 - 299

Published online: 31 Dec 2014 *

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