Abstract
The aim of this research was to estimate waste amount and determine distinctive features and household waste flow in the city of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia based on site and questionnaire surveys. Recyclables amount to be sold, daily burnt waste, illegal waste, and municipal waste flow were estimated via public surveys and interviews with citizens.
The research was conducted based on identification of waste amounts and types in 18 households and two survey methods such as written questionnaire and oral interviews with residents, industries, and companies. The questionnaire was completed by 404 residents. Current waste management situation in the city and the key issues such as recycling management, environmental pollution and distinctive features of generated waste depending on the season were identified. The data retrieved from each participating household were further analyzed and the features of waste products were determined.
The findings of this study show that although there are six-fold more households in ger areas than in apartment areas, they pay the same fee for monthly waste service. Coal ash is generated by each ger household per day during the six months of winter, which occupies 84.71% of the total waste amount. 2.63 tons of toxic waste is produced every day, and air emissions from backyard burning in ger households are released directly to the atmosphere without being treated. The maximum illegal waste amount (152 tons) occurs in winter, because of the coal ash (122 tons) generated by ger households in the season. This has led to severe environmental pollution.
