Evaluation of Unprocessed Municipal Solid Waste Composition in Different Wards of Pallavaram in Pallavapuram Municipality Area in Chennai

A survey was conducted at different wards of Pallavaram in Pallavapuram municipality area located in Chennai for the purpose of identification of waste composition including physical and chemical characterization. The study was carried out continuously for a week in 10 different wards belonging to Pallavaram using ASTM D5231-92 (2003) standard method and RCRA Waste Draft Technical Guidance. Manual sorting was used for classifying the collected unprocessed municipal solid wastes into the following categories like food, garden, glass, metal, paper, textile, rubber, plastic and inert materials and the study was carried out at the transfer stations. Metals such as lead, cadmium, chromium and copper of composite samples of solid waste were found and reported. The compost collected from the solid waste processed site was also analysed for chemical composition. All the elements were found within the range as per CPCB Schedule.