CE-703-C Integrated Waste Management - Dec 2025 Question Paper

Under each question, How to answer lists the points an answer should cover, outlined by CampusPrep from the syllabus. Check the details against your textbook.

1. 7 Marks
   aDiscuss the environmental problems causes by improper disposal of solid waste by providing at least five examples.
   How to answer

   • Define improper disposal and its pathways to environment
   • Discuss air, water, soil pollution, health hazards, aesthetics with examples
   • Give at least five concrete examples e.g. open dumping, burning, leachate, clogged drains, vector breeding
   • Conclude need for integrated management
2. 7 Marks
   bWhat are the main categories of solid waste based on composition? Describe each category.
   How to answer

   • Define classification by composition
   • List main categories: organic, recyclable, inert, hazardous, etc.
   • Describe characteristics and examples of each
   • Mention significance for treatment/disposal choice
3. 7 Marks
   aExplain chemical and biological characteristics of solid waste?
   How to answer

   • Define chemical characteristics: moisture, volatile solids, calorific value, C/N ratio, pH
   • Define biological characteristics: biodegradability, pathogens, BOD, microbial population
   • Explain relevance to composting, incineration, landfilling
   • Give typical ranges/examples
4. 7 Marks
   bExplain the key factors to consider when designing a waste collection system in a city with a rapidly growing population.
   How to answer

   • List factors: population growth, waste generation rate, composition, topography, collection frequency
   • Discuss vehicle type, route, transfer stations, cost, manpower
   • Consider public participation and future expansion
   • Summarize design criteria for growing city
5. 7 Marks
   aWhat are the challenges faced in the collection and transportation of solid waste in a growing urban setting, and how can these challenges be minimized?
   How to answer

   • List challenges: traffic, narrow roads, mixed waste, labour, vehicle breakdown, cost
   • Explain impact on efficiency and public health
   • Suggest minimization: segregation at source, route planning, mechanization, public awareness
   • Conclude with integrated approach
6. 7 Marks
   bA recycling facility recycles 8,000 tons of plastic waste annually. If the recovery rate of the facility is 70%, calculate the total weight of plastic that was recovered in one year.
   How to answer

   • State formula: recovered = total processed x recovery rate
   • Substitute 8000 tons and 70%
   • Calculate 5600 tons recovered
   • Interpret annual recovery result
7. 7 Marks
   aDiscuss the various methods used for the segregation of materials at a transfer station?
   How to answer

   • Define transfer station and need for segregation
   • Describe manual, mechanical, magnetic, screening, air classification methods
   • Explain equipment used for each method
   • Discuss efficiency and resource recovery benefits
8. 7 Marks
   bWhat are the potential environmental risks associated with the site selection of transfer stations?
   How to answer

   • List siting criteria: proximity, land use, hydrology
   • Discuss risks: odour, noise, leachate, traffic, air pollution, health
   • Explain impact on groundwater, soil, nearby community
   • Suggest mitigation/EIA measures
9. 7 Marks
   aExplain the role of mechanical and manual sorting techniques in the segregation of solid waste at transfer stations?
   How to answer

   • Define mechanical sorting: trommel, magnet, eddy current, air classifier
   • Define manual sorting: hand picking, role of labour
   • Compare speed, cost, efficiency, safety
   • Explain combined use at transfer stations
10. 7 Marks
    bIf the moisture content of the organic waste entering a composting facility is 50%, and after composting, the moisture content decreases to 30%, calculate the amount of water evaporated during the composting process for a batch of 100 tons of waste.
    How to answer

    • State initial water = 100 tons x 50% = 50 tons
    • Apply dry solids balance to find final mass or simplified difference
    • Calculate water evaporated ~20-28.6 tons depending on basis
    • Show steps with mass balance formula
11. 7 Marks
    aDiscuss the role of microorganisms in the composting process. How do bacteria and fungi help in the breakdown of organic materials?
    How to answer

    • Define composting phases and microbial succession
    • Explain role of bacteria in initial decomposition and heat generation
    • Explain role of fungi in lignin/cellulose breakdown
    • Mention factors: temperature, moisture, C/N, aeration
12. 7 Marks
    bExplain the different methods of incineration, such as fluidized bed combustion and pyrolysis?
    How to answer

    • Define incineration and its purpose
    • Explain fluidized bed combustion principle and advantages
    • Explain pyrolysis process, products and conditions
    • Compare applications and emissions
13. 7 Marks
    aWhat is deep well injection, and how is it used for the disposal of liquid hazardous waste?
    How to answer

    • Define deep well injection and suitable geology
    • Describe construction: casing, injection zone, confining layer
    • Explain procedure for liquid hazardous waste disposal
    • Mention monitoring, risks and regulations
14. 7 Marks
    bA landfill is designed to accommodate a maximum of 500,000 tons of waste. The compaction rate is 1.8 tons per cubic meter, and the landfill has a total area of 200,000 $m^2$. If the height of the landfill is expected to be 12 meters, calculate the required volume of the landfill to accommodate the waste?
    How to answer

    • State formula: Volume = Mass / Density (compaction rate)
    • Substitute 500,000 tons / 1.8 t/m3
    • Calculate required volume ~277,778 m3 and check against area x height
    • Conclude adequacy of landfill dimensions
15. 14 Marks
    Write any **two** of the following:

    1. a)Operation of landfills
    2. b)Anaerobic composting and Vermi composting
    3. c)Role of transfer stations in a city's solid waste management system
    4. d)Importance of handling at the source
    How to answer

    • Select any two topics from (a)-(d)
    • Define concept and key principles for each chosen topic
    • Explain process/steps, advantages and limitations
    • Give examples and relevance to integrated waste management