Physical characteristics of solid waste

Physical characteristics of solid waste

1. Moisture content

Moisture content is defined as the ratio of weight of water to the total weight of wet waste.

Moisture content = wet weight – dry weight

Wet weight

Moisture increases the weight of solid waste

It is critical determinant in economic feasibility of waste treatment by incineration because wet waste consumes more energy for evaporation of water & raising the temperature of water vapour.

2. Particle size

The measurement of distribution of particle size of solid waste is important because of its significance in the design of mechanical separator and shredder.

3. Density

It is defined as mass per unit volume is known as density. It is important for design of all elements of solid waste management system.

4. Field capacity

Field capacity of solid waste is the total amount of moisture that can be retained in waste sample subject to downward pull of gravity.

Field capacity of critically important in determining the formation of leachate in landfill.

5. Permeability

The hydraulic conductivity of compacted waste is an important physical property to a large extent which governs movement of liquid and gases in landfill.