Domestic Solid Waste Generation Rate Throughout 140 Continuous Days and Dissimilarity Between 2007 and 2021 in Erbil City

Abstract

Improper management of the domestic solid waste produced has a crucial impact on the environment. The quantity, components, and generation rate (GR) of domestic solid waste have been influenced by the population number, lifestyle, income, management, etc. This research is focused on the variation of a domestic solid waste GR for a duration of 140 continuous days, and the variation of GR between 2007 and 2021 for the same domestic solid waste was studied. Furthermore, the density of the domestic solid waste formed was examined as well. The domestic solid waste samples were collected constantly from 28 June 2021 to 14 November 2021. The domestic solid waste GRs for each day of the week were observed over a period of 20 weeks. The results show that the average GR and density in 2021 were 915.56 gram per capita per day (g/C/d) and 109.40 kg/m³, respectively. Whereas in 2007, GR and the density for the same family were 620.50 g/C/d and 124.98 kg/m³, correspondingly. GR from 2007 to 2021 has increased by 147.55%. The GR on holidays was higher than on the other days of the week. The recycling of cartons, plastics and metals in Erbil City reduced the density of domestic waste by 12.47% in 2021, thereby reducing the GR and the environmental pollution.