2009 Volume 20 Issue 2 Pages 99-110
In order to better understand the amount of self disposed waste materials, and what methods are generally being employed, we conducted a survey in central Iwate Prefecture on the composition of household waste. Our survey results indicate that the main method of self disposal is composting; measuring in at approximately 90 grams/person/dayby 2.6%. We then evaluated both environmental and economic effects of waste self disposal from the viewpoint of MSW management systems. In this evaluation, regional property of household waste disposal and the waste treatment structure had to be taken into account. Results show that, compared to the current scenario, the promotion of non-electric composters decreases GHG emissions, with final disposal lessened by 6.2% and a decrease of 6.5% in treatment costs seen. By contrast, the promotion of electric composters brings certain disadvantages with regard to GHG emission, SOx and NOx emissions, and treatment costs.
