J Environ Occup Sci 2013; 2(3):131-140 ISSN: 2146-8311 Journal of Environmental and Occupational Science available at www.scopemed.org Original Research Municipal solid waste management in El-Beheira Governorate, Egypt: a case study in Damanhour City Magda Magdy Abd El-Salam 1 Environmental Chemistry and Biology, Environmental Health Department, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Egypt 2 Public Health Sciences, Biology Department, College of Science and Humanity Studies, Salman bin Abdulaziz University, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Received: September 13, 2013 Accepted: September 16, 2013 Published: October 11, 2013 DOI : 10.5455/jeos.20130916100012 Corresponding Author: Magda Magdy Abd El-Salam, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Egypt mmagdy_hiph@yahoo.com Key words: Municipal solid waste, solid waste management, waste quantities, waste characteristics, waste management practices Abstract Aim: This study is aimed to evaluating the generation, characterization and the current management practices of municipal solid waste (MSW) in Damanhour City, El-Beheira Governorate, Egypt. Methods: Environmental and public health impacts of MSW management were also investigated. Sampling was selected by stratified random method, and the assessment was conducted using questionnaires, interviews with municipal officials and field observation. Physico-chemical characteristics of MSW were determined according to standard methods. Results: This study indicated that the quantity of MSW generated by households was with an average of 0.92 kg/capita/day. The survey results revealed that the management of the waste remains inefficient and inadequate for the amount generated daily. Wastes are dumped in open non-controlled dumpsites which are not accepted at the current time. It is also found that residents near a dump site affected by various diseases. It was concluded that the insufficiency in the current MSW management practices were mainly related to performance of municipality and citizens behavior. Integrated MSW management programs require cooperation between governorate and citizens. Conclusion: These results support the need for increasing public awareness and citizens' participation in waste sorting at generation source and implementation of integrated MSW management programs as part of the environmental action plan for the governorate. © 2013 GESDAV INTRODUCTION Solid waste management (SWM) in the world is a problem that continues to increase with the rapid growth of population, urbanization, industrialization and economic development [1]. Globally; municipal solid waste (MSW) generation is exceeded 2 billion tons per year [2]. The annual growth rate of MSW is 2–3% in developing countries while 3.2–4.5% in developed countries [3]. The rate of MSW generation in Egypt fluctuates between 1.0-1.3 kg/capita/day in big cities, 0.5-0.8 kg/capita/day in medium cities and about 0.25 kg/capita/day in small cities and rural areas [4]. Solid waste is one of the major causes of environmental pollution in Egypt. SWM continues to be a challenge, particularly prevention, collection, transport, treatment, recycling, recovery and final disposal. A waste management hierarchy based on the most environmentally sound criteria favours waste prevention/ minimization; waste re-use, recycling, and composting [5]. In Egypt, household waste and construction/demolition debris are being got rid into the streets by residents. The rapidly advancing random building movement after 25 January revolution is adding complexity to the situation. Previously such debris was carried to dumpsites to avoid penalties imposed by municipality supervisors. After this revolution, people chose an easy way for throwing such debris regardless of the http://www.jenvos.com 131