Feasibility study of biological treatment of organic waste in Tsumeb Municipality, Namibia.

Abstract: This study is part of a larger project in which the Tsumeb municipality, Falun municipality and Falu Energi & Vatten AB work together to change the currently used controlled waste dumping site in Tsumeb into a sanitary landfill. This study aims to recommend a MSWM solution that will divert the organic waste from going to the landfill. The study consist out of a literature study in order to establish a theoretical background for the MSWM solution; a field study in which the current waste flows of Tsumeb were quantified, by using current data, and characterized, by performing a hand-picking analyses according to the UNEP methodology; and an analyses section in which an appropriate MWSM solution was proposed. The current waste consist out of 70% sand and stones, 17% grass and leaves, 6% prunings and trimmings, 4% sewage sludge, 3% branches and stumps, and 1% of other waste. This paper concludes that 99% of the organic waste in Tsumeb can be recycled, by using it as covering material, as biofuel and turning it into compost. This paper also shows that there is a potential for Tsumeb to start economically sound composting facility.