Case Study on the Recent Solid Waste Management Scenario in Rajshahi City, Bangladesh

Abstract

A healthy life, cleaner city and a better environment are the logical demands for the city dwellers. The Rajshahi City Corporation was considered as 'Dustbin free city' because of the past state of the environment of the city. But in the recent times, it has been difficult to say it because of the lack of the proper knowledge about the waste management and the unmanaged implementation of rules and regulations during the process of management. The study has been carried out on the present state of solid waste management condition of the Rajshahi City Corporation. It has been found that total 170 tons of solid wastes of different type are being generated daily. The responsibility of the management is of them is mostly an authority in community system and a few on the house owner. Of the total quantity 40-50 percent is collected efficiently and the rest is left. It is broadly estimated that between 10-15 percent of the total municipal budget is used for solid waste management corresponding to approx. Tk. 20/- per capita each year. Moreover, surprisingly the number of cleaners per thousand populations in Rajshahi is nearly 1.0. Waste densities (350 to 450 Kg/m3) and moisture contents (50% to 70%) by weight are much higher than that of the wastes in industrialized countries. The solid waste of Rajshahi generally has a high organic content (60% to 70%) and a low proportion of combustible matter. The wastes, which remain uncollected, are dumped in open spaces, street and drains, clogging the drainage system, which create serious environmental degradation and health risks. The collected waste is presently being disposed off mainly in a low-lying area about 3 km from the corporation area. In Rajshahi, wastes, which have market value, are being reclaimed or salvaged for recycling. The unmanaged solid waste should be collected and managed properly and the authority should be more concerned about that feature for making the city healthiest and livable.