CONSTRUCTION SAFETY AT BLOCK-VIII OF UPES CAMPUS

Summer Internship Report

Submitted by

SUNIL KUMAR R0810202111 in partial fulfillment for the award of the degree of

MASTER OF TECHNOLOGY IN HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENT

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENT COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING STUDIES UNIVERSITY OF PETROLEUM AND ENERGY STUDIES DEHRADUN, UTTARAKHAND, INDIA

AUGUST 2013
CERTIFICATE

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT (In 300 to 400 words/ not more than 2 pages)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER

TITLE

PAGE

ABSTRACT (ENGLISH) ACKNOWLEDGEMENT LIST OF TABLES LIST OF FIGURES LIST OF SYMBOLS AND ABBREVIATIONS

iii vii xi xii xiii

INTRODUCTION 1.1 1.2 1.3 GENERAL NEED FOR THE STUDY OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

1 1 2 3

LITERATURE REVIEW 2.1 2.2 2.3 ABSORBENT HYGIENE PRODUCTS FUNCTIONAL REQUIREMENTS OF ABSORBENT HYGIENE PRODUCTS COMPONENTS OF AHP 2.3.1 Top sheet or facing 2.3.2 Acquisition and distribution layer 2.3.3 Absorbent layer 2.3.4 Back sheet or outer cover

4 4

4 5 5 5 7 7

2.4

COMPOSITION OF AHP 2.4.1 Composition of baby diapers 2.4.3 Composition of feminine protection pads

8 8 8 9 9 9

2.5

AHP WASTES 2.5.1 Healthcare hygiene wastes 2.5.2 Non-healthcare hygiene wastes

2.6

AHP WASTE MANAGEMENT 2.6.1 Regulatory requirements for management of AHP wastes 2.6.2 Landfilling of AHP wastes 2.6.3 Incineration of AHP wastes 2.6.4 Biological treatment of AHP wastes 2.6.5 Recycling of AHP wastes

10

10 14 14 15 16

METHODOLOGY 3.1 3.2 GENERAL DETERMINING THE AHP WASTE GENERATION RATE 3.3 CHARACTERIZING THE AHP WASTES 3.3.1 Physical composition and characteristics of the AHP wastes 3.3.2 Determining the chemical characteristics of AHP wastes

17 17

17 19

19

20

3.4

ASSESSING THE BIODEGRADABILITY OF AHP WASTES 3.4.1 Shredding of AHP wastes 3.4.2 Activators for composting 3.4.3 Preparation of waste mix 3.4.4 Preparation of compost bins 3.4.5 Method of analysis 21 21 21 22 22 23 25

3.5

DEVELOPMENT OF MANAGEMENT PLAN

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 4.1 AHP WASTE GENERATION RATE 4.1.1 Sanitary napkin waste 4.1.2 Diaper waste 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 AHP disposal practices CHARACTERIZATION OF WASTES BIODEGRADABILITY OF AHP WASTES MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR AHP WASTES

26 26 26 28 29 30 33 38

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION 5.1 5.2 5.3 SUMMARY CONCLUSION SCOPE FOR FURTHER STUDY

41 41 41 42

REFERENCES APPENDIX

43 45

LIST OF TABLES

TABLE 1.1 2.1 2.2 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7

TITLE Subgroups of absorbent hygiene products EWC code applicable to healthcare hygiene wastes EWC code applicable for non-healthcare hygiene wastes Details of households surveyed Summary of samples collected Characteristics of AHP wastes C/N ratio and moisture content of each component Composition of waste mix Details of the compost bins TOC, TKN and C/N ratio of the waste mix during composting

PAGE

1 10 10 27 31 32 33 34 34 36

LIST OF FIGURES

FIGURE 2.1 2.2 2.2 3.1 3.2 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 4.8 4.9

TITLE Structure of a modern baby diaper Average composition of baby diapers Average composition of ultra-thin feminine protection pads Overview of the methodology Flow chart for the composting of AHP wastes

PAGE 6 8 9 18 23 27 28 29 31 35 35 37 39

Usage of sanitary napkins among different income groups Per capita usage of napkin in a month Disposal method adopted by different income group residents Segregated and shredded AHP sample for analysis Compost bins Waste mix prepared for testing C/N ratio Variations in C/N ratio of the waste mix during composting Management plan for AHP wastes

Disposal methods for AHP wastes chosen by bulk generators 30

LIST OF SYMBOLS AND ABBREVIATIONS

ADL AGM AHP CO2 COSHH

Acquisition and Distribution Layer Absorbent Gelling Material Absorbent Hygiene Products Carbon Dioxide Control of Substances Hazardous To Health Regulations

CPC EM EWC g Kg MSW m3 NI PCR PE PET PP SAP UK VOC C/N

Central Product Classification Effective Microorganism European Waste Catalogue Grams Kilogram Municipal Solid Waste Cubic meter Northern Ireland Product Category Catalogue Polyethylene Polyethylene Teraphthalene Polypropylene Superabsorbent Polymer United Kingdom Volatile Organic Compounds Carbon to Nitrogen

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LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 ABSORBENT HYGIENE PRODUCTS The disposable absorbent hygiene products sector covers products for baby care, feminine hygiene and adult incontinence management. The evolution and development of these three main groups of hygiene products have followed related but different timetables to arrive at the products that are available today. These products are all linked by the same basic requirement that they have to first and foremost be absorbent structures; however, they differ from each other because of the differences in the volumes and characteristics of the fluids that they are required to absorb. 2.2 FUNCTIONAL REQUIREMENTS OF ABSORBENT HYGIENE PRODUCTS Most of the products currently available are produced by creating a number of layers within the overall structure in an attempt to achieve better fluid management. Absorbent hygiene products have to fulfill a number of functions in order to be satisfactory in use. Thus, the functional requirements of AHP are to: 1. keep the surface layer as dry as possible in order to facilitate good skin care conditions. 2. transfer fluids from the surface through to an effective storage layer. 3. absorb and store transmitted fluids in such a way that they will not be released back through the structure to the surface. 4. provide an efficient containment system to contain the absorbent layers in order to protect the users environment.

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5. be capable of appropriate and environmentally compatible disposal after use. 2.2 COMPONENTS OF ABSORBENT HYGIENE PRODUCTS There are four principal functional layers, each of which is engineered to optimize overall product performance (EDANA, 2008). The structure of a modern baby diaper is shown in Figure 2.1. 2.3.1 Top sheet or facing The layer next to the users skin must be capable of allowing fluid to pass readily through to the next layer. It is important that fluid is not retained within the structure of this layer so that the amount of time that moisture is in contact with the skin is kept to the minimum. Softness of feel is a critical attribute for skin contact material. 2.3.2 Acquisition and distribution layer (ADL) Fluid passes through the top-sheet into the Acquisition and Distribution Layer where it is temporarily stored whilst capillary action causes it to spread over a larger area. This facilitates maximum utilization of the absorbent core structure. Therefore, this layer consists of material called super absorbent polymers. SAP is defined as, organic materials with lightly cross-linked threedimensional structure possessing high to very high swelling capacity in aqueous media. As most Superabsorbent Polymers (SAP) can take a few moments to fully absorb fluid, the ADL plays an important role in managing fluid during this critical stage. Any absorbent hygiene product with a high superabsorbent and low content, such as a baby diaper, will place high demands on ADL performance. Products with high fluff pulp or low SAP levels can often function without a separate ADL due to the good capillary properties of the fluff fibers.

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Figure 2.1 Structure of a modern baby diaper Source: (White, 2003)

2.3.3 Absorbent layer The fluid storage layer typically relies on an appropriate blend of fiberized fluff pulp and superabsorbent polymer to absorb and retain urine or menstrual fluids. Total capacity can be engineered to a level appropriate for any individual product application. Twin cores can also be used to manage high fluid levels in heavy incontinence products. Many modern ultra-thin feminine hygiene products use an engineered air-laid substrate as an absorbent

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layer. This is generally a pre-combined structure of multiple layers, containing both SAP and fluff pulp or other suitable capillary fibers. The resultant product is extremely thin and discreet in use. The absorbent core in modern tampons is made of cellulose-based absorbent material, of either rayon (viscose) or cotton, or a mixture of both. 2.3.4 Back sheet or outer cover The function of the back-sheet is to provide a fluid impervious barrier so that moisture is contained within the structure of the absorbent hygiene product. Many types of films are suited to this application, most commonly used is low gauge polyethylene. Many products are subsequently enhanced by the addition of soft nonwoven covers to the polyethylene, which can be colored or printed on to suit market needs. It is also generally accepted that a breathable film or nonwoven layer is of benefit in maintaining good skin condition, particularly in baby diapers and panty-liners. Polyethylene can be made breathable at the film extrusion stage by creating micro-pores in the substrate, and fibers in the nonwoven layer can be treated to be hydrophobic. These two processes allow air to pass through the film whilst maintaining an effective fluid barrier.

2.4 COMPOSITION OF ABSORBENT HYGIENE PRODUCTS 2.4.1 Baby diapers Diapers are made in a wide range of sizes and can fit babies up to 36 months old. There are also many supplementary product ranges available such as training pants and overnight pants to assist in the toilet training process as well as youth diapers for children with ongoing continence problems. A typical maxi-size baby diaper weighs approximately 40-42 grams. Over the last two

14

decades diapers have evolved to become thinner, lighter, and more efficient. The 2006 average diaper composition is given in figure 2.2.

Figure 2.2 Average diapers composition Source: (EDANA, 2007) 2.4.2 Feminine protection pads In addition to the four principal functional layers of an absorbent hygiene product, pads and panty-liners either have a removable sheet made from siliconized paper which protects the glue underneath the bottom layer or a siliconized polyethylene, which works as a single-wrap protection. The average composition for an ultrathin sanitary pad is illustrated in figure 2.3.

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Figure 2.3 Average ultra-thin pads composition Source: (EDANA, 2007) 2.5 ABSORBENT HYGIENE PRODUCT WASTES Best practice guidance for the management of hygiene waste defines hygiene wastes as wastes produced from human hygiene activities and includes items used for feminine hygiene purposes and for human incontinence. The European waste catalogue (EWC) differentiates between hygiene wastes produced as a result of healthcare activities and hygiene waste produced from other sources. 2.5.1 Healthcare hygiene wastes Hygiene waste produced as a result of the delivery of healthcare services should be classified as healthcare hygiene waste. The EWC code applicable to hygiene waste produced from healthcare activities are given in Table 2.1. Table 2.1 EWC code applicable to healthcare hygiene wastes EWC code 18 01 04 18 02 03 Source: (SNIFFER, 2007) 2.5.2 Non-healthcare hygiene wastes Hygiene waste produced as a result of personal care should be classified as non-healthcare hygiene waste. The EWC code applicable to hygiene waste produced from non-healthcare activities are given in Table 2.2. Description of waste Healthcare hygiene waste from humans Healthcare hygiene waste from animals

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Table 2.2 EWC code applicable to non-healthcare hygiene wastes EWC code 20 0199 18 02 03 Source: (SNIFFER, 2007) 2.6 ABSORBENT HYGIENE PRODUCTS WASTE MANAGEMENT 2.6.1 Regulatory requirements for management of absorbent hygiene wastes In order to effectively manage hygiene wastes, it is essential to understand and comply with the requirements of relevant health and safety and waste legislation. Best guidance for key producers of hygiene waste in Scotland and Ireland provides a summary of the key regulatory requirements. Those who produce hygiene wastes or have responsibility for its management have a duty of care to ensure that it is classified, packaged, stored and disposed of appropriately. The first stage of duty of care process is classification and it is one of the most important. Producers of hygiene waste should have a clear understanding of the definition of hygiene waste and its relationship with other waste management definitions such as clinical wastes. The Environmental Protection Duty of Care Regulations 1991 and the Controlled waste (Duty of care) regulations (Northern Ireland) 2002 place a responsibility on all involved in the management of the waste, including waste producers, to ensure that waste is managed appropriately. The duty of care requires all waste producers to take reasonable steps in their capacity to comply. The waste must be stored in a suitable container, designed to Description of waste Non-healthcare hygiene waste placed in dedicated bins Non- healthcare hygiene waste mixed with municipal solid wastes

17

safeguard against corrosion, spillage, adverse weather and scavenging. Producers of waste may transport their own waste without the need to be a registered waste carrier. However contracted parties must be registered as a waste carrier in accordance with the controlled waste (regulations of Carrier and seizure of vehicles) regulations 1991 and Controlled waste (Registration of carrier and seizure vehicles) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1999. Producers should check to ensure that carriers of waste are registered. Waste can only be transferred to a licensed or suitably authorized waste management facility. Before transferring waste, the producer must check that the facility accepting the waste has an appropriate license (or other authorization) to accept the waste. The waste must be accompanied by an adequate description to help any subsequent holder manage the waste appropriately. A transfer note must be completed, signed and kept by all parties involved in the management of the waste and should include details of: What the waste is, referencing the appropriate European Waste Catalogue (EWC) code; The quantity of waste to be transferred; How it is packed (sacks, wheelie bins, etc); The name and address of the people or companies involved in the transfer and details of their status e.g. producer, carrier, disposal facility; The certificate number of the registered waste carrier (if applicable); and The waste management license (or authorization) number, of the receiving waste management facility.

18

The transfer note should be signed by all parties and copies of the note should be kept for a minimum of two years. There are number of health and safety regulatory requirements that apply to the management of the hygiene waste: The Management of Health at Work Regulation; The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations; and The Health and Safety at Work and Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations. The Management of Health at Work Regulations 1999 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations (NI) 2000 provide a framework for managing risks at work, including risks from waste. The Control of Substances Hazardous to health Regulations 2002 (COSHH) and the Control of Substances hazardous to health (NI) Regulations 2003 require employers to assess the risk posed to employees by activities at work. COSHH assessments will apply to hygiene waste and specifically require those dealing with waste to assess the risk posed to both their staff and the public who come in contact with it. In practice this involves the development of risk assessment policies and procedures. The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Health and safety at Work (NI) Order 1978 states that employers have a general duty to ensure, so far as reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of their employers at work and the general public who use their facilities (if appropriate). The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 and the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations (NI) 1993 expand on these duties and are intended to protect the health and safety of everyone in the workplace and to ensure that adequate welfare facilities are provided for people at work. They apply to a wide range of

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workplaces, including hospitals and healthcare facilities, hotels and places of entertainment. The term workplace also includes the common parts of shared building, private roads and paths on industrial estates and business parks and temporary work sites (but not construction sites). These regulations place a legal requirement on employers to provide appropriate facilities for their employees at the place of work. In relation to hygiene waste the regulations advice: in case of water closets used by women, suitable means should be provided for the disposal of sanitary dressings. The Water Industry (Scotland) Act 2002 and the Water (NI) Order 1999 state that no items should be flushed that could cause a blockage within the sewer or drain. The water industry (UK wide) sponsors the Bag it and Bin it campaign encouraging people to dispose of hygiene waste in a responsible manner and to avoid disposal to sewer. The Carriage of Dangerous Goods Regulations and use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations 2004 specify the way in which dangerous should be classified, packaged and transported (including driver training requirements). Hygiene waste is not classified as a dangerous good and the requirements of the Carriage Regulations do not apply. 2.5.2 Landfilling of AHP wastes Absorbent hygiene products behave like other forms of MSW and are readily compressed and contained in landfills. Neither their ingredients nor the waste they contain can migrate from properly constructed and maintained landfills. Tests conducted with diapers under a variety of conditions simulating landfills demonstrate that these materials do not present any public health or environmental safety risk.

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Light et al. (1994) have proposed that AHPs do not affect landfill volume, based on experiments which found that AHPs do not affect compression of municipal waste where they represent less than 10% of total volume. Since a large number of AHPs are likely to enter the garbage trucks from a few homes where babies and women live, it is unlikely that AHPs will be uniformly distributed throughout the garbage; hence it is still important to consider total mass of solid waste. 2.5.3 Incineration of AHP wastes Absorbent hygiene products can be incinerated in all modern incinerators, including those designed for energy recovery. Relative to average municipal solid waste, they do not adversely affect safety or regulated emissions from waste to energy incineration processes, and are compatible with waste to energy operations and energy recovery systems in incinerator plants. In fact they can positively contribute to the effectiveness of thermal treatment because: The high quality of absorbent hygiene product materials positively affects the overall ash quality in terms of heavy metal load because of the low or undetectable amounts of heavy metals compared to average municipal solid waste; The low ash content of absorbent hygiene products ensures a very high weight/volume reduction (approximately 90 percent) during incineration. Ash production from absorbent hygiene products is less than 10 percent by weight compared to 25 percent or more for average municipal solid waste.

2.5.4 Biological treatment of AHP wastes

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The raw material composition of todays absorbent hygiene product is compatible with composting provided there is appropriate technology available to separate the biodegradable, cellulose-based parts from the synthetic pieces. Although there are operations in Europe that accept AHPs as part of the compostable household waste, in most cases, EDANA does not actively recommend that absorbent hygiene products should be composted with other household bio-waste. Absorbent hygiene products are unsuitable for garden composting because of the difficulty in separating the biodegradable and synthetic components of the product. Kerry et al. (2005) investigated the relative breakdown rates of AHP wastes. It was reported that temperature and soil organic content were important influences on the breakdown of the AHP wastes. Nutrient addition enhanced decay for all products. Depth of burial was not important in determining the degree to which products decayed.

2.5.5 Recycling of AHP wastes While recycling as a waste treatment option might be technically conceivable for absorbent hygiene products, there is a high level of uncertainty about the marketability and acceptability of the re-use of the end products, as well as constraints on the environmental benefits for separate recycling in relation to the economic costs. A recent trial project in Belgium in 11 municipalities, where diaper waste was collected separately, concluded that there was insufficient data on the environmental gain to justify a separate collection for recycling purposes. This project confirmed that the economic feasibility of recycling absorbent

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hygiene products is constrained by the high costs of collecting the soiled products as an individual fraction of waste.

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION 5.1 SUMMARY The aim of the study was to develop a management plan for absorbent hygiene product wastes in the Chennai city. A survey was conducted to residents and bulk generators to estimate the generation rate of AHP waste in the city. The waste was characterized for various physical and chemical parameters. The biodegradability of AHP waste under composting condition was also assessed. 5.2 CONCLUSION The AHP waste generated in the city is estimated to be 0.5% of the total wastes, which is nearly 370 400 tonnes per month. The disposal method adopted by households and bulk generators estimated that almost 80% of wastes gets into the common MSW stream. Even though 40-45% of the households are willing to dispose the waste separately, the facility for the same is not available. About 30% of waste from hostels and malls are thermally treated in incinerators and disposed off.

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The moisture content in the AHP wastes ranges to 35-40%. Ash content is low ranging to 20-30%. AHP wastes has a calorific value of nearly 3500 kcal/kg. These characteristics makes it best suitable for thermal treatment. The AHP wastes are not biodegradable under composting condition unless they are pre-processed. Shredding and addition of microbial solution helps in biodegradation of fluff material in the AHP wastes though the non-woven and plastic covering remains as such. The management plan for AHP waste is developed based on the estimated generation rate and physical, chemical and biological characteristics of AHP waste. 5.3 SCOPE FOR FURTHER STUDY The study can be further extended to identification of the compatibility of AHP wastes with major waste management technologies. Alternatives to treatment technologies like thermal treatment and landfilling can be identified and focus can be given on material recovery. The economic perspectives of management of AHP waste are yet to be explored. The recycling and recovery potential of AHP wastes can be analyzed and incorporated in the management plan. Also identify opportunities for industry to take further responsibility for waste generated.

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REFERENCES

1. 2007-2008, Sustainability report, EDANA, International association serving the nonwovens and related industries, Belgium. 2. An upcoming opportunity for hygiene products, Helena Engqvist, India, assessed on 10 July 2011, http://www.engqvistconsulting.com
3. Annette Koehler and Caroline Wildbolz, (2009) , Comparing the

Environmental Footprints of Home-Care and Personal-Hygiene Products: The Relevance of Different Life-Cycle Phases , Environmental science and technology, Vol. 43, pp. 8643-8651 4. Department of environment and resource management, Queensland, accessed on 24 October 2011, www.derm.qld.gov.au 5. EDANA-Social dimension report, 2008, EDANA, International association serving the nonwovens and related industries, Belgium. 6. Kerry .L. Bridle, Kirkpatrick. J.B, (2005), An analysis of the breakdown of paper products (toilet paper, tissues and tampons) in natural environments, Journal of environmental management, Vol 74, pp. 21-30 7. Knowaste, (2011), Recycling of absorbent hygiene wastes , accessed on 7 July 2011 < http://www.knowaste.com/recycle_process.php >

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8. Kousaku Ohkawa et al. (2004), Biodegradation of Electrospun poly non-woven fabrics by pure cultured soil filamentous fungi, Journal of polymers and the environment, Vol. 12. No. 4 9. Light.K.L, Chirmuley.D.G (1994) A Laboratory study of compaction characteristics of disposable diapers in the Landfill in Resources, Conservation and Recycling, Vol. 13 , pp 89 96 10. Maithili Kamat and Ram Malkani (2003), Disposable diapers: a hygienic Alternative, Indian journal of pediatrics, Vol. 70. 11. Managing offensive/hygiene waste 2011, Health and safety executive, accessed on November 2011,<www.hse.gov.uk/offensive.pdf> 12. Marty Visscher, MauricoOdio, Teresa Taylor, 2009, Skin care in the NICU patient: effects of wipes versus cloth and water on stratum, Neonatology, Vol. 96, pp. 226-234 13. Prafulla K. Shahoo (2005), Preparation, Characterization and biodegradability of Jute-based natural fiber composite super-absorbents, Advances in polymer technology, Vol. 24, No.3, pp. 208-214. 14. Recyclable and disposable nappies in Australia , accessed on July 2011,http://www.eng.uq.edu.au/environmental 15. Robert. G. Hunt (1995), LCA considerations of solid waste management alternatives for paper and plastics, Resources, Conservation and Recycling, Vol. 14 , pp. 225-231 16. SNIFFER, (2007), Best practices guidance for the management of hygiene waste for key producers in northern Ireland and Scotland , 2007, accessed on October 2011, www.sniffer.org.uk 17. UNSTATS, (2011), Product category rules for absorbent products, accessed on 8 July 2011, http://unstats.un.org/ pcr 18. White.C.F (2003), Engineered structures for use in disposable incontinence products, Journal of engineering in medicine, Part H, pp. 217- 243.

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19. Xingli Liu (2011), Modified acrylic based super-absorbents with hydrophobic monomers: synthesis, characterization and swelling behaviors, Polymer research, Vol. 18, pp. 897 -905 20. Zohuriaan-Mehr.M.J, Omidian.H, Doroudiani.S (2010), Advances in non-hygienic application of superabsorbent hydrogel materials, Material science, Springer.

APPENDIX SURVEY QUESTIONNAIRE AIM OF THE SURVEY To determine the generation rate of absorbent hygiene wastes by estimating the use and sales of AHP. A.1 HOUSEHOLD SURVEY QUESTIONNAIRE Dear Madam, You have been chosen to be a part of a study on management of absorbent hygiene wastes like diapers and sanitary napkins. All information given will be treated with strict confidentiality. Thank you for your assistance and cooperation.

1. Name:__________________________________________________

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2. Location of household: ____________________________________

3. Please tick the alphabet that corresponds to your annual income A. < 45000 INR B. 45000-2,15000 INR C. >2,15000 INR

4. Total number of persons in household: ________________________ 5. Number of female household members of age 15-54 years: _______

6. Do you use sanitary napkins during your menstrual cycle? Yes / No

7. How much Napkin waste is produced per month (select the range): A. 1-5 napkins B. 5-10 napkins C. >10 napkins

8. How do you dispose the used napkins? (Please tick) A. Disposed along with other household waste

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B. Disposed in a separate bin/cover C. Disposed by burning D. Other

9. Do you think there is a necessity to dispose used napkins separately? Yes /No

10. Do you prefer to segregate napkin waste at household level itself, using separate bin/ covers? Yes/ No

11. Are there any household members under the age 4 years? Yes / No (If you have answered to this question with 'yes', then please answer section 1 of this questionnaire) 12. What is your suggestion for proper management of AHP wastes? A. Treat and recycle B. Treat and dispose C. Dispose without treatment

SECTION-1 13. Number of babies under the age 4 years: ______________________

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14. Do you use diapers for your babies? Yes / No 15. How much diaper waste is produced (select the range): A. More than 7 per week B. 1-7 diapers week C. 5-6 per month 16. How do you dispose the used diapers? (Please tick) A. Disposed along with other household waste B. Disposed in a separate bin/cover C. Disposed by burning D. Other

17. Do you think there is a necessity to dispose used diapers separately? Yes /No

18. Do you prefer to segregate diaper waste at household level itself, using separate bin/ covers? Yes/ No

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A.2 BULK GENERATORS SURVEY QUESTIONNAIRE Dear Madam/Sir, You have been chosen to be a part of a study on management of absorbent hygiene wastes like diapers and sanitary napkins. All information given will be treated with strict confidentiality. Thank you for your assistance and cooperation. Please specify the category you belong to: offices / entertainment places/ institutions/hostels/nurseries Name & location: ___________________________________________ 1. Average number of female members of age 15-54 years : _________ 2. Amount of waste generated per day(in Kg): ____________________ 3. Do you think it is necessary to have a separate bins/covers for disposal of AHP waste in your premises (Please specify): Yes/ No 4. Are there any separate bins for disposing AHP waste in the toilets? Yes/No 5. Average amount of AHP waste disposed per day: _______________ 6. Do you have any processing facility for solid waste generated in your premises (please specify):______________________________ 7. If no then disposal method adopted:__________________________ 8. What is your suggestions for proper management of AHP waste: _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________

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