Characterization and evaluation of the fertilizer valorization potential of municipal solid waste in Hosanna town, Hadiya zone, central Ethiopia

The rapid urbanization and socioeconomic growth of Ethiopian cities generate substantial quantities of municipal solid waste (MSW), which causes serious urban environmental problems such as air, water, and soil pollution, disease spreading, drainage blockage and flooding. While resource recovery efforts have been studied across Ethiopia, previous studies, especially in Hosanna, Hadiya zone, central Ethiopia, have not provided comprehensive information on MSW generation rates, physical compositions, management practices, and fertilizer valorization potential. This study was aimed at evaluating the generation rates, physical composition, management practices, and fertilizer potential of MSW in Hosanna town. A mixed research design – combining both quantitative and qualitative approaches was used to collect data from three purposely selected Kebeles. Quantification of the MSW generation rate revealed 0.45 kg/person/day in households, while the commercial and institutional sectors generate 2.65 kg/shop/day and 2.85 kg/m 2 /day, respectively. Moderate correlation was observed between waste generation and socioeconomic characteristics such as family size, education, and income levels. The physical composition analysis of MSW revealed that 74% of the waste was biodegradable organic matter, suggesting encouraging potential for resource recovery. Further characterization of its composted physicochemical characteristics showed promising essential nutrients (TN, NO 3 − , NH 4 + , TP, PO 4 3− , K, S, SO 4 2− , Ca, Mg, B, Mn, Zn, Fe, and Cu), which may serve as eco-friendly organic fertilizer. However, more long-term research is needed to assess source-segregation efficiency, seasonal variations in waste generation and composition, and the presence of other chemical and biological pollutants that restrict its safety uses to foster broader implementation of MSW resource recovery and support sustainable socioeconomic and environmental development.