Characterization of Market Solid Waste at Source in Kolhapur City, Maharashtra, India

Abstract

Increasing quantity of municipal solid waste is a problem for many nations to manage it properly. There is a need for environmentally sound management practices of the wastes. Kolhapur is one of the rapidly growing cities in the state of Maharashtra, in India. Kolhapur city is famous for very ancient Mahalaxmi temple. Many pilgrims visit the temple every year. Kolhapur is having main central market area around Mahalaxmi temple. Four major vegetable markets are placed in 1.5 km periphery of the temple. These markets are mainly of vegetable, fruit, and flower markets. The aim of this study is to find out the characterization as well as composition of municipal solid waste generated in these marketplaces. Focus of the work is to treat the waste in the same area by sustainable manner. Daily analysis made over these four market waste for one week for physical and chemical parameters. After analysis the results show that the organic content and ph of Kapil Tirth Market were 88 and 7.9%, that of Runmukteshwar Market were 72 and 7.0%, that of Shingoshi Market were 78 and 7.8%, and that of Mahalaxmi Mandir flower market were 81.2 and 8.0%. Chemical analysis show the moisture content 30% and volatile solids for Kapil Tirth Market 35%, for Runmukteshwar Market were 30 and 33%, for Shingoshi Market were 35 and 26.7%, and for Mahalaxmi Mandir flower market were 40 and 32%. The average density of solid waste of four marketplaces was 790 kg/m³. A large amount of organic wastes are found in these market waste bins. If the organic waste is to be treated in that premises only, then the cost of collection, transportation, and treatment on dumping site would get reduced directly and the final by-product would get after processing the waste is of good quality manure.