Municipal Solid Waste Characterization and Management Assessment in Bhiwani City, Haryana, India

Abstract

Municipal solid waste generation has escalated due to urbanization and altering consumption habits, posing major urban waste management challenges. The study presents the status of municipal solid waste management in Bhiwani City, Haryana, with an emphasis on waste quantification, its composition, physico-chemical properties, and available collection, transportation, treatment, and disposal approaches. Primary data were collected through field survey and a short-term waste audit executed during 2024, followed by laboratory analysis of representative waste samples to evaluate pH of leachate, moisture content, bulk density, dry density, and calorific value. Secondary data were obtained from national regulatory guidelines, census data, and municipal records. During the study period, the per capita waste generation rate was determined to be 0.460 kg/person/day, corresponding to approximately 128 tonnes of solid waste produced in the city. The high moisture content (49%) and pH (4.5) in waste stream demonstrated the predominance of biodegradable organic fractions. The bulk density and dry density were determined as 311.52 kg/m³ and 214.4 kg/m³, correspondingly, whereas the calorific value was determined as relatively low (870.23 cal/g). Field survey showed limited source segregation, unplanned bin placement, uncovered transportation services, open dumping, and minimal material recovery facilities. The results establish a baseline dataset for municipal solid waste management planning and highlight key areas requiring improvement for sustainable waste management.