Waste management in Hong Kong abattoirs

This paper reports the results of an extensive investigation on the waste m anagement in Hong Kong abattoirs with the following objectives: (i) to iden tify the existing waste management practices in relation to sources and qua ntity of wastes generated, methods of storage and handling of wastes, any i n-house treatment,and final disposal of wastes, (ii) to identify the proble ms of existing waste management practices, and (iii) to evaluate the future development. To obtain up-to-date data and reliable information, sire visi ts were conducted and the management of the abattoirs were interviewed in d etail about the operation and waste management practices. For each abattoir and one associated by-product plant, detailed material balances were estab lished for liquid and solid wastes. Complete quantitative results on waste loads, water consumption and material/waste flows are presented. Operationa l problems regarding wastewater treatment, as well as waste reduction and p otential for reuse or recycle of solid wastes are discussed in the context of Hong Kong. Finally, information on the proposed new slaughterhouse (desi gn capacity 5000 pigs and 400 cattle daily) is provided which will include a novel underground wastewater treatment plant. (C) 1999 IAWQ Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.