Delta-d technology - a green solution to unsorted urban solid waste (USW) disposal problems in Sri Lanka

Abstract

The terms “green” and “green technology” are used to highlight environmental conservation or minimal adverse impact on the environment. In this context, a green building could be defined as one, which has been designed, constructed and operated, ensuring, minimal adverse impact on the environment. Most modern green buildings are able to satisfy the term “green”, in respect of construction materials, construction technologies, energy efficient building operations and maintenance procedures. However, solid waste (SW) disposal methods used in many buildings cannot be termed as green, due to the use of several non green operations, such as, non segregation of SW, transport of SW over long distances and the disposal of SW into open dumps, resulting in; soil, water and air pollution; breeding of disease causing insects, pests and microorganisms; emission of greenhouse gases, such as, CO2 and CH4 due to aerobic and anaerobic micro-organic activity in solid waste dumps This paper describes, Delta-D Technology, a process invented and patented by the author, that can rapidly digest and convert all types of organic waste (OW) in unsorted urban solid waste (USW) into mineral rich organic fertilizer (OF), thereby, giving a green solution to USW disposal problems in buildings. The main advantages of Delta-D Technology are, automatic separation of recyclables from non-recyclables, rapid digestion of OW within 1 day, disinfection of OW so that there is no breeding of microorganisms, insects or pests, no bad odour and final conversion into a mineral rich organic fertiliser powder, that can be used for domestic agriculture or sold for cash, thereby making the Delta-D Technology Based USW Disposal Process an income earner. The high cost of transport of USW to open dumps and the emission of large quantities of CO2 from garbage trucks are also eliminated due to this technology. Furthermore, emissions of malodorous gases, as well as, greenhouse gases CO2 and CH4 in garbage dumps can be completely eliminated by this technology.