Proceedings of the International Conference on Sustainable Solid Waste Management,

5 - 7 September 2007, Chennai, India. pp.118-125

An Overview on Waste Generation Characteristics in some Selected

Local Authorities in Malaysia
Muhammad Abu Eusuf1, Che Musa Che Omar2,
Shamzani Affendi Mohd. Din1 and Mansor Ibrahim2
1
Department of Building Technology and Engineering, Department of Urban and Regional Planning
Kulliyyah of Architecture and Environmental Design, International Islamic University Malaysia
Email: abueusuf@iiu.edu.my, eusuf2001@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

The research focuses on existing waste management of selected local authorities & forecast the
future aspect of the study& the environmental effects related to solid waste management. This
paper focuses on the existing waste management criteria of local authority, evaluate the
situation and forecast for the future aspects. As a case study, we have considered three local
authorities or Municipalities in Selangor State such as Selayang Municipal council, Klang
Municipal Council and Subang Jaya Municipal Council from West Malaysia. There are total
147 local authorities out of which 98 in West Malaysia and 49 in East Malaysia.

Keywords: interdisciplinary approach, recycling method, analytical representation, quantities

& composition of the SW, business potentials, Definition of SW.

1.0 INTRODUCTION

The emphasis of the research is the generation of municipal solid waste and to give analytical
representation between the population group & quantities of solid waste generated, specific sources of
waste generation and overall dependence on landfills as a tool to calculate the individual generation
solid waste. SWM means control of generation, storage, collection, transfer & transport, processing
and finally disposing in accordance to the principle of public health, economics, environmental and
aesthetics principle. After 1990, SWM was privatized and increase of the SW along with the increase
in development. The aim and objectives of this study are highlighted in the following articles.

2.0 AIM AND OBJECTIVES OF THIS STUDY

The aim of the study is to evaluate the generation characteristics of total waste in local authorities.
For the purpose to reduce the volume of study three representative local authorities Selayang, Subang
and Klang have been selected. The objectives of this study are as-
i) To study the Municipal Solid Waste includes composition and characteristics;
ii) To study the effect of Solid Waste Generation such as public health, etc. Solid waste may contains
pathogens;
iii) To evaluate the quantities and composition of residential solid waste generated in selected local

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authorities in Malaysia at the source of generation;

iv) To characterize the composition of generated solid waste;
v) To identify the sources of generated solid waste in a particular local authority; and
vi) To identify the potential business related with solid waste generation strategy.

3.0 EVALUATION METHODS OF GENERATED SOLID WASTE

Estimation of present and future waste generation and composition of different types of wastes are
essential for long-term efficient and economical waste management planning. About 30% of the waste
arising is used as low-grade bulk fill and construction site engineering within the construction
industry. Waste properties have both engineering and economic significance. In addition to their
impact on the assessment of landfill performance, the unit weight and compressibility of waste
materials influence storage capacity and the resulting economic evaluation of landfill projects.

3.1 Municipal Solid Waste Constituent

MSW generally consists of many different constituents, and these constituents are often porous and
not fully saturated. Organic (O)- readily biodegradable- Food waste, Garden waste, Animal waste and
Material contaminated by such waste. Non-putrescible are high resistant polymers, slowly
biodegradable-Paper, Wood, Textiles, Leather, Plastic, Rubber, Paint, oil, grease, chemical, organic
sludge. Inorganic- Non-degradable (IN):-Glass, Ceramic, Mineral soil, Rubble, Tailing, Slims, Ash,
Concrete, masonry (Construction debris).

3.2 Governing Equation of Municipal Solid Waste

WW
1) Moisture contents in MSW- WD = 100 [WD = Dry gravimetric moisture content, % WW=
WS
Weight of Water; and WS= Dry weight of Solid Waste.]
WW
2) Moisture content in case of wet weight- W = 100 [ W = Wet gravimetric moisture
(WS + WW )
content, %; WW = Weight of Water; and WS = Dry weight of Solid Waste].
e n
3) Porosity of MSW- n = and e = [n = porosity of solid waste; and e = void ratio of
1+ e 1 n
solid waste] NB: The porosity of MSW varies typically from 0.40 to 0.67 depending on the
compaction and composition of the waste
4) Compressibility of MSW- H T = H i + H c + H [HT= total settlement; Hi=immediate
settlement; Hc = consolidation settlement; H = secondary compression or creep.]

H C
C/ = =
t 2 1 + e0
H 0 log
t1
/
[ C , C = Secondary compression index and Modified secondary Compression index; and t1, t2=
Starting and ending time of secondary settlement respectively.]

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 An Overview on Waste Generation Characteristics in some Selected Local Authorities in Malaysia

4.0 DATA ACQUISITION

Due to constraints of time, experience man power and quality data sources a complete overview of
MSW is difficult. Definitions of solid waste and solid waste generation vary among the local
authorities. Three local authorities Selayang, Klang, and Subang from Selangor state were selected as
sample (Figures 1 and 2).

Figure 1 Klang Municipal Figure 2 Subang Municipal Authority Structural Plan

Authority Structural Plan

5.0 METHODOLOGY

Development of method for determining the unprocessed municipal waste taking into account the
heterogeneity of MSW. The calculation is the ultra process beginning with simple mean & standard
deviation for waste components. Data are often reported as one or even several of the following: Total
waste arising; Total household waste; Total Municipal waste; Total residual waste; Total collected
waste; Total land field waste; Other permutations, which depend on the local circumstances. This
research is required to prepare a comprehensive overview report on the generation of municipal solid
waste in the Municipalities of Selayang, Klang and Subang Jaya.

5.1 Design Aspects of Mathematical Model

A model has to be designed on the following aspects.

Calculate the parameters of generation rate for the country.

Developed prediction flow chart based on the following parameters.
a) Inhabitants: Population, household, members per family
b) Related total consumer expenditure: Individual needs and habit: Cultural differences;
Consumer preferences; Religious; and Racial.
c) Characteristics of Local Authority

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5.2 Evaluation Sources

The methodology of this study was designed to meet the objectives stated within the study context. It
will be based on qualitative and quantitative methods. The data on waste composition is an extremely
dynamic phenomenon, changing from week to week, much less year to year and it characteristics
varies from region to region. The methodology has been divided into four phases: study plan, sample
plan, sampling, and data interpretation.

5.2.1 Study Plan

Standard source categories may include single-family and multi-family residential, mobile homes,
commercial, institutional, and industrial units. The number of sources selected for study is a function
of study objectives and waste load characteristics. A thorough investigation of contracting company
records, household records, and municipality information should provide the background information
necessary to identify all possible sources of waste generation. Changes to household categories to
reflect these source/generator categories may be considered to facilitate the composition study.

5.2.2 Demographic Study

Demographic information given in Table 1 is important to the sample selection procedure in order to
better characterize the waste of the entire area. Another use for this type of information is in the
projection of future trends, reducing the frequency of need for waste composition studies. Seasonal
and economic influences play a significant role in determining the types and amount of waste
generated in an area.

5.3 Questionnaire Design

The questionnaire was designed to determine the following information, in relation to both household
and Municipal Solid Waste:
What waste fractions are collected?
Which parts of the waste originate from the source household and which from other sources?
Whether wastes are collected by or on behalf of municipalities or by the private sector.

Data interpretation involves statistical procedures to relate the results of the waste composition study
back to the population. All of the sample weights for the different waste categories have a separate
mean and standard deviation associated with them. Recall that these are statistics that form the basis
for the characteristic parameters of the waste stream.

5.4 Statistics
The means and standard deviations for each of the waste categories can be aggregated together by
sample as a function of source.

6.0 RESULT AND DISCUSSION

The increase of solid waste quantity is directly proportional to the waste generation & the increase of
population as per the study report. The generation of solid wastes, which result from human activities,
varies in different types of dwelling, as well as in different socio-economic groups. The type produced
depends upon various factors, such as the standard of living, occupation and habits of the contributing
population, which in turn are affected by climatic and dietary habits.

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 An Overview on Waste Generation Characteristics in some Selected Local Authorities in Malaysia

6.1 The Contracting Agency

Alam flora is a single largest waste management private company comprising the head quarters and
services areas situated at several strategic locations within concession area.

6.2 Waste Generation

Waste generation within Malaysia was found to depend very much on the sources of municipal solid
waste (MSW). The rate of generation varied greatly depending on the premises (house, shop, etc.)
affluence of population low income or high income), occupation or business.

Table 1. Total Tonnage by State of Malaysia during Year 2002

State Total bulky waste/ ton Ton/day %
Kuala Lumpur 11.700 32.1 83.6
Selangor 1.681 4.6 12.0
Pahang 619 1.7 4.42
Total 14.000 38.4 100%

Table 2. Population in 3 Local Authorities,

Selangor*
District / Year 2000
Selayang 416, 837
Klang 562, 239
Subang Jaya 437, 121
* Note: Information refer to the National
Statistic Department (03-888570000)

Figure 3 Waste Generation in Malaysia

Many factors could influence solid waste generation, namely, geographic location, season, of the year,
legislation, public attitudes, enforcement of anti-litter laws, police and efficiency of management of
solid waste, the extend of recycling and salvage operations, social, economic and cultural factors,
habits of people.

Table 3: Total Populations by Ethnic Group, Malaysia 2000*

Malaysian Citizens Non-
Local
Total Bumiputera Malaysian
Authority Total Chinese Indian Others
Total Malays Other Citizens
Selayang 416,837 399,264 215,801 212,528 3,273 114,218 62,057 7,188 17,573
Klang 562,239 538,536 256,961 252,624 4,337 177,166 100,642 3,767 23,703
Subang 437,121 420,578 163,578 158,568 5,010 197,721 55,193 4,086 16,543
Jaya
* Condensed from population and housing report, Census 2000, Dept. of statistics, Malaysia 2003

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Table 4. Classification of Age Groups in 3 Local Authorities Population

Local Authority
Age Group
Selayang Klang Subang
0~ 4 46,395 59,358 48,338
5~ 9 46,321 59,312 41,628
10~ 14 41,421 54,010 32,748
15~ 19 38,022 53,267 36,088
20~ 24 39,715 55,337 54,745
25~ 29 38,228 55,291 48,554
30~ 34 36,730 50,334 43,287
35~ 39 36,618 44,577 40,338
40~ 44 30,227 38,380 31,501
45~ 49 21,881 29,716 21,973
50~ 54 15,146 22,394 14,474
55~ 59 8,821 13,348 8,380
60~ 64 7,591 11,171 6,567
65~ 69 4,242 6,381 3,763
70~ 74 2,842 4,719 2,461
75~ 2,637 4,644 2,276
Total 416,837 562,239 437,121

Table 5. Amount of Waste Handled in Respect to Population, Year 2000

Total Amount Total Amount Solid Waste Solid Waste
Local of Solid of Solid Population Generation Generation
Authority Waste Waste (C) Rate Rate
(Ton/year) (Ton/day) (kg/c/Year) (kg/c/day)
Selayang 96,554 256 416,837 231,635 0.64
Subang Jaya 104,758 287 437,121 239,654 0.66
Klang 122,370 335 562,239 217,648 0.6

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 Table 6. Amount of Waste Handled during Year 2000
Amount of Waste Tonnes / Month Total Waste

An Overview on Waste Generation Characteristics in some Selected Local Authorities in Malaysia

Service Local
Area Authority TotalTon/ Average
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec %*
year Ton/day
SSA1 Selayang 7,500 7,145 7,630 7,413 7,816 7,631 8,297 8,309 7,952 8,561 8,645 9,655 96,554 256 6.2
SSA2 Subang 8,141 7,409 8,120 7,980 8,777 8,733 9,142 9,354 8,602 9,409 9,697 9,394 104,758 287 6.7
jaya
SSA2 Klang 9,285 10,068 9,977 14,628 9,309 8,663 9,253 9,781 10,968 10,195 10,128 10,115 122,370 335 7.9
Total 323,682 878 20.8
* Percentage has been set with total concession area of Alam Flora Sdn Bhd

Condensed from Annual operation performance report year, 2000, 31 Dec 2001, p. 12 of 56

Table 7. Amount of Waste Handled During Year 2002

Amount of Waste Tonnes / Month Total Waste
Service Local
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Area Authority TotalTon Average

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec %*
/year Ton/day
SSA1 Selayang 10,230 8,578 9,542 9,694 10,680 10,243 11,669 10,934 10,159 10,273 9,939 10,429 122,371 335 7.1
SSA2 Subang 11,801 9,702 10,550 11,801 10,487 10,120 11,920 11,111 10,730 11,522 11,208 11,041 131,994 362 7.6
jaya
SSA2 Klang 13,515 10,271 10,411 10,080 10,873 9,814 11,895 11,485 9,645 10,219 9,777 9,424 127,407 349 7.4
* Percentage has been set with total concession area of Alam Flora Sdn Bhd

Table 8. Amount of Waste Handled in Respect to Population, Year 2002

Total Amount of Total Amount of Solid Waste Solid Waste
Population
Local Authority Solid Waste Solid Waste Generation Rate Generation Rate
(C)
(Ton/year) (Ton/day) (kg/c/Year) (kg/c/day)
Selayang 122,371 335 441,847 276,953 0.76
Subang Jaya 131,994 362 463,348 284,870 0,78
Klang 127,407 349 595,973 213,780 0.60
Where the composition was as presented in Table 9.
 Sustainable Solid Waste Management

6.3 Disposal Site (Kundang Landfill)

Kundang Landfill is located in lot 3435, 3309 and 4795, Jalan Batu Arang in Kuala Lumpur. The
landfill area is 33 hectares; it has a capacity of 3.5 tonnes per day. It has an Environmental control
system consists of: gas vamps, new upgrade access road and groundwater monitoring wells.

Table 9. Composition of Table 10. Composition of Solid Waste Disposed in Kundang Landfill
Municipal Solid Wastes of
Kuala Lumpur MSW* Weight (kg)
Composition Density
Waste Type (Daily
Percentage % (wt) Average)
(kg/m)
Composition
Putrecible waste (%) 42.02 429.33 0.40
Food
Paper 59.2 12.9 131.83 0.076
Plastic
Plastic 12.6 24.74 252.83 0.21
Paper
Rubber 8.0 2.45 85.67 0.10
Yard
Textile 7.9 2.48 18.83 0.064
Wood
Metal 2.3 5.30 54.17 0.045
Textile
Glass 1.4 1.84 25.0 0.200
Rubber
Wood 0.7 5.74 25.33 0.044
Organic
Othersfine
(e.g. 4.0 2.53 25.83 0.350
Glass 1.6
disposable diapers)
Aluminium
Source: Alam Flora Bhd Sdn. 0.4
Ferrous 2.0
* Source: Alam Flora records, a study conducted by sivapalan kathiravale, et. Al., Municipal solid
waste characterization for the federal territories of Malaysia, (2001), this study was sponsored by the
ministry of housing and local government. The researchers were PG students from UPM and UKM.
7.0 POLICY AND REGULATION

It is an interdisciplinary approach which includes administrative, financial legal, planning &

engineering functions. Enactment of environmental quality act in 1974 which was amended in 1989 to
include environmental process.

8.0 CONCLUSION AND REMARK

Current SWM is mainly based on landfill method. However due to increase in population SWM needs
improved method like recycling.
Monitoring and evaluation unit at solid waste managements contracting companies should avoid
conflict of interest situations at their facilities. This is best done if the government obliged all
contracting companies to include a governmental M&E at their facilities for transparency and
optimum results.
Recycling programme is the most effective environmental method. A minimum of 10% should be
targeted in the near future.
More awareness on solid waste management should be applied to individuals, students and
organisation, in order that each household and each individual avoid wasting to increase reduction of
solid wastes.
Systematic safety and health procedures should be applied specially on worker and rag pickers.

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