Sustainable Recovery of Urban Organic Waste: A Case Study of Composting Waste from the Mfidi Market in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Abstract

Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the methods of solid waste management in the Mfidi market in order to detect the various problems and propose strategies to fight against insalubrity. Study Design: This research consists of four parts, an introduction with literature review, a description of the study environment, the methods used and finally the results obtained. Location and Duration of the Study: This study took place in the Mfidi market in Kinshasa from January 20 to May 15, 2023. Methodology: The methodological approach was based on observation and experimentation. The quantification consisted in characterizing the waste, recovering the biodegradable organic fraction by the technique of composting. Then test the effectiveness of this compost in its application in the field. Results: This study showed that the quantity of waste at the Mfidi market varies daily between 1,580 and 4,827 kg, with an average of 3,543.8 kg. With regard to the characteristics of the waste, we note that plants and others are the most important with an average proportion of 59.5%, followed respectively by cardboard and paper (16.6%), plastics (14.6 %), metals (5.4%), textiles (2.1%) and glass (1.9%). The organic fraction was recycled into compost, whose contribution to soil fertility was justified by the growth of the species Amaranthus hubridus sp. Conclusion: The establishment of an integrated solid waste management system within the Mfidi market can guarantee sanitation conditions in this market.