Solid Waste Management System in UTP Academic Complex

The present work is a case study on solid waste collection and management in Academic
Complex of Universiti Teknologi Petronas, Tronoh Perak. The implementation of a
suitable solid waste management programme with appropriate methods of recycling as an
inherent element is important to the alleviation of the problems associated with solid
waste generation, handling and disposal and environmental conservation. The amount and
types of domestic waste generated, management and processing of the waste generated,
identification of existing problems related to the implementation of the recycling
programme, formed the basis of this study. Surveys and on-site solid waste analysis were
conducted in two different period; (I) Semester-break, (2) Semester-open to gather
information on the solid waste collection practice of the university. The analysis was
conducted in six related academic building according to different courses programme and
in concrete laboratory (Building 13) based on weight-volume analysis method introduced
by George Tchobanoglous, 1993.Aesthetically displeasing sites and a lack of public
awareness were problems of major concern. The results was analysed and it has been
found that paper, plastic and cardboard were dominating solid waste composition. An
average of 6.1 kg of waste was disposed everyday in each building and 8.2 tonne of
concrete waste has been generated. To cater with the problem faced and issue related to
solid waste management in UTP, suggestions and recommendations have been made.