Minimizing odor impact from urban waste by digital transformation in the city of Córdoba

Abstract

Management of municipal urban waste remains challenging in societies and constitutes a key issue within the frame of “Smart cities” and sustainable development. Optimal schedule and operational procedure have traditionally depended on: filling level and economic savings, as an example of conditions for collection. Nowadays, control of odor emissions is increasingly becoming crucial due to its significant effects on both air quality and well-being in the lifestyle of developed countries (Pan et al., 2023). Enhanced efforts and increased citizens awareness are necessary for effective and selective separation of waste, aiming to meet the objectives outlined by the new national waste law (Law 7/2022) and for valorization of different waste fractions.

In this research study (carried out in collaboration with the Sanitation Company of Córdoba (SADECO) and within the National R+D+I Project PID2020-117438RB-I00), organic and inorganic fractions of solid urban waste collected in the city of Córdoba (Spain) were characterized to determine the relationship between its physical-chemical characterization and odorous emissions, thus being able to advise on strategies and tools for more efficient waste collection and less social impact. The city was divided into 8 sampling areas or districts. Three samplings were carried out at throughout 2023, including different seasons. A total of 228 samples were withdrawn from selective (organic and inorganic) waste containers. Odor samples were taken from the headspace of the containers, while temperature and filling level were also monitored. The physical-chemical characterization of the solid samples was conducted following the methodology proposed by the US Department of Agriculture and the US Composting Council (2002). Dynamic olfactometry was used to determine the odor concentration (ouE/m3) in each gaseous sample (UNE-EN 13725).