TYPES OF WASTE AND DISPOSAL METHODS: A STUDY BASED ON INDUSTRIES IN GAMPAHA DISTRICT

Abstract

The bulk of the industrial and service industry is concentrated in the Western Province of Sri Lanka. Moving toward a sustainable industrial activity requires an effective waste management that is
applicable and efficient for all different types of industrial wastes. It is vital to study the different
types of waste generated by industries, their method of disposal and treatment methods followed by
industries in Gampaha District. Twenty industries were taken for the study. Primary data were taken
from personal interviews with industries using a questionnaire. Results revealed that majority of the
industries were producing textile (25%). 85% of industries produced solid waste followed by 50%produced chemical wastes. 65% of the industries dumped their waste into the village side. Very few(5%) industries disposed their waste in to the compost bin. Only 25% of industries followed
regulations related to environment in a proper way. 50% of industries used chemical precipitation
and landfill as treatment methods. And 20% of industries used composting. Chi square results
revealed that a high significant association observed between the type of industry and liquid wastes
produced by industry (X
2=7.013, p < 0.01). And a high significant association observed between the
type of industry and dumping of waste in to the village side by industry (X
2=15.918, p < 0.01). It is
highly recommended that the Local authority must instruct industries to make compost and biogas
using their solid waste which is one of the major sources of water pollution in the study area.