Market waste composition analysis and resource recovery potential in Kumasi, Ghana: Fid-Bau Portal

Market waste composition analysis and resource recovery potential in Kumasi, Ghana

Addae, Gloria / Oduro-Kwarteng, Sampson / Fei-Baffoe, Bernard / Rockson, Mizpah Ama Dziedzorm / Ribeiro, Joseph Xavier Francisco / Antwi, Edward

Abstract

Municipal solid waste constitutes significant quantities of waste generated in markets. Markets produce substantial quantities of fruit and vegetable waste, a source of nuisance in landfills. In Ghana, market waste (MW) appears to be unexplored and has limited data available. The need for MW valorization in the face of a circular economy requires reliable knowledge of MW properties. The study determined the waste compositions of selected major markets from two different classes of settlement in Kumasi and the seasonal effect on the compositions. The chemical properties of organics were determined via proximate and ultimate analyses and the theoretical biomethane potential, with the Buswell equation. From the results, MW composition in the wet season is 59.6% organic, 11.4% plastics, 8.3% paper, 5.3% textiles, 4.7% inert, 4.1% miscellaneous, 2.1% metal, 1.8% glass and 2.8% leather. The dry season values are 45.8% organic, 14.6% plastics, 12.7% paper, 7.3% textiles, 6.4% inert, 4.3% miscellaneous, 2.3% metal, 2.6% glass and 3.9% leather. An ANOVA indicates significant differences between the two seasons and some waste components; organics, plastics, paper and cardboard, leather, and inert. The high calorific values recorded ranged from 14.8 MJ kg⁻¹ to 16.6 MJ kg⁻¹. The biogas potential and biomethane content ranged from 775.3 l/kgVS to 828.9 L/kgVS and 50% to 57% respectively.

Implications: Market waste (MW) in Ghana appears to be an unchartered area and there is limited data on market generation and composition. The need for MW valorization requires reliable knowledge on MW properties. This study explores MW characteristics of six major market from two different classes of settlements in a developing country. Study findings suggest that the quantities of market organics are higher than household waste. Again, MW composition can be influenced by season and geographical location. Furthermore, the study establishes the potential of MW in considerable quantities of biogas and methane generation, in comparison with household waste.