Global Journal of Engineering, Design & Technology
Open Access

Abstract

Municipal Solid Waste Composition and Characteristics Relevant to the Waste –to-energy Disposal Method for Nairobi City

Eyinda M. Khamala & Aganda A. Alex

The composition and thermo-physicochemical analysis of residential solid waste of Nairobi city are presented. Waste sampling in three city zones (residential) selected on the basis of population density and the city centre was done according to the ASTM D 5231-92 with 90% confidence level. The results showed high percentage of organic matter, followed by plastics, paper and others. The high density zones had the highest percentage of organic matter while low density zones had high content of plastics. The moisture content averaged a high value of 68.9% and was fairly uniform over the sampled zones. The Bulk density, determined using a 1m cubed box showed small variations and averaged 296 kg/m3 . The Calorific value, determined according to British Standard 1016; part 5: 1967 had an average value of 12.48 MJ/kg excluding plastics. These characteristics are important in the feasibility and development of a waste - to - energy disposal method.