Assist.Lecture Alaa Hussein AbdUlameer
Plastic consumption in Egypt has increased significantly in recent years. The increase in annual plastic consumption to one million tons annually has revealed the extent of the need to get rid of the mountains of waste resulting from various sources. Plastic is also a waste that does not decompose easily over time if it is buried, so it has become a major burden on the environment and has necessitated the need to recycle and reuse plastic, which is the ideal way to reduce the amount of plastic waste that is difficult to dispose of. In addition to other economic, environmental and social benefits resulting from recycling operations. The need emerged to develop a strategy and action plan to develop the plastic recycling sector in Egypt (a study by the Plastic Technology Center - Industrial Modernization Center). Egypt produces about 16.2 million tons of waste annually. Only 30% is recycled. Also, 5% reuse, which is equivalent to 49 thousand tons. The rest of the waste, which represents 65%, is turned into fertilizer, and some of it is buried and burned, whether correctly or incorrectly, which leads to pollution of the surrounding environment. Missing quantities are not collected. Plastic represents about 6% of this amount, which is equivalent to 970 thousand tons of plastic waste annually.
the study Problem
The problem of solid waste is one of the most important contemporary environmental problems facing countries of the world, especially developing countries, because it is one of the most important sources of pollution in these countries. The presence of waste contributes directly to environmental pollution, and this in turn has negative effects on human health and productivity. With the increase in population, high standard of living, and rapid industrial and technical progress, the quantities of waste resulting from various human activities have diversified and increased, and disposal of them has become one of the most prominent problems facing cities and human settlements. Solid waste is divided according to its quantity in Egypt into 25% household waste, 7% demolition and construction waste, 10% industrial waste, 6% agricultural waste, 3% sludge, and 49% waste from clearing canals and drains.
As for domestic solid waste, it is the waste resulting from a person’s daily activities in the home, and it varies in its quantities, nature, and percentage of its components from one society to another. This depends on the size of the population, the economic situation, the high level of income, and the prevalence of food consumption habits on special occasions. Traditional systems based on waste management have become unable to meet the needs of society of all segments in terms of achieving an acceptable level of cleanliness, reducing health risks and negative environmental impacts, and providing a general civilized appearance.
. Study questions
1. Is the problem of solid waste one of the most important environmental problems in Egypt, for which a clear mechanism must be developed for its safe disposal and reuse through recycling in different ways?
2. Does not using different methods of recycling and safe disposal lead to bad environmental, economic and health impacts?
3. Is there a relationship between recycling processes and modern development in the operation of the solid waste management system that results in an economic return and leads to environmental preservation and economic support for the state in general and Gharbia Governorate in particular?
Objectives of the study
Does solid waste have economic value, and how can this value be maximized? To answer this question, the study focused on many issues related to solid waste, including recycling and manufacturing plastic, final disposal through sanitary burial, as well as developing a master plan for developing an integrated solid waste management system that takes into account the following:
1. Identify the obstacles and challenges facing this important environmental economic activity.
2. Identify the foundations of success that can be taken into consideration so that this system can fulfill its assigned role within the framework of the comprehensive modernization of the state, especially Gharbia Governorate.
3. Identifying the ideal model that can be replicated for decision-makers in both rural and urban areas, taking into account the existing negatives and challenges, the incentives that can be provided, and the expected success factors, to provide experience in an integrated system to solve the problem of solid waste and encourage investment in the areas of recycling. The importance of the study: As a person lives, he leaves behind solid waste. The accumulation of household solid waste and not disposing of it properly in accordance with environmental requirements results in many health and environmental risks, such as the emission of unpleasant odors and the generation of Flies and disease vectors, such as rodents and harmful animals, in addition to the harmful effect they can have on values. Aesthetic and lack of material benefit from this waste.
Sources of plastic waste
First: Plastic waste before use What is produced during polymer manufacturing What is produced during the polymer mixing process What is produced in plastic factories Second: Plastic waste after use.
1. Municipal household waste: Plastic contributes a small percentage to municipal solid waste, and in this case, materials need polymer sorting and cleaning before they can be recycled.
2. Waste from packaging plastic: The sector considers it second in the production of plastic waste after municipal solid waste. In this sector, the collection process is easier than collecting it from families, as the materials are of one type of plastic material.
3. Agricultural plastic waste -: Agriculture uses materials that are usually short and medium-lived, such as greenhouses and fertilizer packaging sheds