Waste Characterization in the Bafoussam II Municipality of Cameroon

This research paper presents the findings of waste characterization in three residential neighborhoods (Tyo-Ville, Djeleng 3 and Petit Paris) in the Bafoussam II municipality of Cameroon. Primary data source involved field survey, direct observatios, structured and unstructured questionnaires and interviews. Inventories of the different waste fractions, the quality and quantity were determined through pre-collect, sorting and weighing with a mechanical balance. The criteria for selecting 51 persons from 10 households during the random survey were based on the proximity of homes to wastes dump, access to collection services and economic and social status. The results showed a daily total of 777.5 kg of household waste generated giving a per capita household waste generation of 1.05 kg/persons/day. This value is high compared to municipalities in other developing countries. The study revealed that waste generation was significantly different amongst residents in the lower socio- economic class with more wastes being produced compared to the other two socio economic classes. Of particular interest is the biodegradable solid waste fraction (93.4 %) by weight) with possibility of transforming it into organic compost for use in agriculture and aquaculture.