Environmental risk assessment of dry solid waste separation in urban districts using FMEA: a case study in Karaj city

Background & Aims:The interaction of household waste with many waste materials that are now used in various forms in industries and residential homes, and their lack of separation, has doubled the problems of garbage collection and disposal.This study aimed to assess the environmental risks associated with dry solid waste separation at a designated hall in District 10 of Karaj, Iran, utilizing the Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) method . Materials & Methods:The FMEA method was employed to identify and evaluate potential environmental hazards, including soil and groundwater pollution, air pollution, noise pollution, and reduced fuel resources.Risk Priority Numbers (RPNs) were calculated for each hazard based on severity, occurrence, and detectability. Results:The results indicated that soil pollution from salon washwater (RPN 504), air pollution from burning dry waste (RPN 441), and groundwater pollution from salon washwater (RPN 448) posed the highest risks.Other significant risks included soil pollution from spraying (RPN 288), groundwater pollution from pesticide spraying (RPN 294), and reduced fuel resources (RPN 280) . Conclusion:The findings emphasize the need for critical control measures, such as installing a standard septic tank, prohibiting the burning of waste, improving the hall's flooring and drainage system, and implementing proper waste disposal and disinfection practices.This study underscores the importance of a comprehensive risk assessment approach for effective waste management and environmental protection in urban areas.