Design and fabrication of an eco-friendly waste bin for household solid waste segregation, storage and composting

Abstract

Waste is a global issue and if not properly dealt with, poses threats to both public health and the environment. Storing of mixed wastes especially from homes, enables biodegradable materials to rot and decompose under improper, unhygienic and uncontrolled conditions. The study aimed at developing an eco-friendly waste bin for effective household solid waste storage, segregation and composting of the biodegradable wastes. Household solid waste composition was assessed from 32 households in three contrasting areas: Oluyole estate (Low-density area); Foko (High-density area) and Molete (Middle-density area), for four weeks to determine the quantity of wastes generated at household level. The generation rate for household solid waste was also determined and thereafter a waste bin (2ft X 2ft X 3ft) made from galvanized steel sheets that were purchased locally was fabricated and installed in one randomly selected household and tested for its suitability for storing and segregating solid wastes at source, with the biodegradable wastes converted into compost, using a family of 5 - 6 persons. The fabricated waste bin was made to store the waste for about 4 weeks and the compost quality observed at the end of 60 days. The analysis of the household waste composition showed food waste as the major component of the solid waste stream (39.9% - 48.6%). The household solid waste generation rate ranged between 0.45 - 0.60 kg/household/day. Compost was obtained from the biodegradable wastes after maturation, showing pH value of 9.28, nitrogen of 0.82%, organic carbon of 7.86%, potassium level of 43.61 Cmol/kg and available phosphorus 317.65 mg/g; indicating its suitability for both household gardening and farmland fertilizer. The time required for compost formation depends on the nature of the waste, the amount, and the ambient temperature. A major advantage of the bin as observed was that adequate control of the contents and process, prevent smell and fly nuisance commonly observed with other bins. The bin can conveniently be placed indoor or outdoor for use. For good housekeeping, the contents may be removed, the bin washed and set again for use. This type of onsite source segregation and composting waste bin is suitable for storage, segregation and composting of solid wastes at household level, as it prevents the attraction of vermin to wastes. The fabricated bin which can be made at affordable costs is quite easy to use and maintained. In addition, households can save the cost of engaging private service for their waste disposal as this bin allows for easy segregation of solid wastes at source in one device, including composting of the biodegradable materials. We recommend that the use of this bin should be adopted at household, community and institutional levels for management of solid waste, view to reducing the associated public health challenges.