Statistical analysis of the gravimetric characterization of household solid waste: a case study from the city of Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil

ABSTRACT

Much of the solid waste collected in Brazilian municipalities is still inappropriately destined, resulting in disorders related to quality of life and public health. Thus, the gravimetric characterization of household solid wastes is an important instrument of integrated management, since it quantitatively indicates the fractions generated. In this sense, the present study aims to analyse statistically the gravimetric composition of solid household waste from Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil, generated in 2015 regarding the seven urban regions of the city and the domestic income of the population. Statistical tests of hypothesis were carried out at 5% significance in comparative assessments, as well as correlation tests for organic and recyclable fractions and their respective domestic incomes. The results indicated that the organic fraction corresponds to 43.81% of the solid waste generated in the municipality, 31.74% is the recyclable fraction, 14.36% to potentially contaminant wastes and 10.10% of others. It was observed a trend of greater generation of recyclables in regions with higher socioeconomic status; on the other hand, regions with a predominance of families with lower incomes there was an increase in organic fraction. The high incidence of organic and recyclable materials indicates a potential to be explored, pointing out the need of re-evaluating the structure of the selective collection and the possible installation of a composting plant by a technical and economical feasibility study. Therefore, it is expected that the study supports the local public power, guiding the plan and design of solid waste collection, treatment and disposal systems, as well as environmental education projects and serving as a model for other municipalities.

Keywords:
gravimetry; domestic solid waste; municipal waste management; statistical analysis