The Evaluation of the Geographical Distribution of the Garbage Containers in Nablus City and Planning for It Using Geographical Information System (GIS)

Solid waste disposal is considered as one of the most important contemporary environmental issues. Due to the population increase, the change in the ways of living and the consumption increase, produced waste quantity increased and its quality changed especially in cities. The quantity of solid waste produced every day in Nablus is estimated as 170 tons, thus, there is an urgent need to follow technical methods in managing solid waste in all its levels in order to maintain human health and protect the environment from pollution. The area of study is located at latitude 12ﹶ:32°north of the equator and longitude 16ﹶ:35°east of Greenwich. This study aimed to identify the characteristics of solid waste and the methods used to collect it. The study also gave an analysis of spatial distribution for garbage containers in the neighborhoods of Nablus City, and it offered plans for better places to containers which suit the population number and waste quantity using GIS technology. To accomplish this study, the researcher conducted a field survey for garbage containers at the area of the study. These containers were located by the GPS device and their characteristics were identified. A sample of filled containers was weighed, which showed a difference between the size of containers in neighborhoods. The researcher depended on the Statistical Analytical Method to use the data that has been obtained; he also usedanaerial photographof Nablus and through the (ARC GIS 10.1) programme, the data wereentered, processed, connected and analyzed using the analysis tools attached to the programme, and taking the various maps and shapes that serve the study. The study found that the number of current containers is enough if they are emptied daily and by performing the necessary maintenance and replacing damaged ones. However, the spatial distribution is not suitable with the waste quantity in some neighborhoods, as it’s the case in Ras Al-‘ain Block in which there is only 53% of the needed containers to get rid of produced waste. The analysis results pointed out that the current distribution of containers in the area of the study takes a gathering pattern that tends to be random. About 76% of containers spread over only on 28% of the study area, that’s due to lack of planning and failure to follow any criteria when distributing containers. The study recommended to place the containers in a balance way that fits well with the waste quantity for each region taking into consideration the nature of economic activities and the future of population growth. The study also recommended that it’s necessary to use the technique of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) in managing solid waste in all its aspects and stages, and rehabilitation of human resources to be able to deal with modern techniques and the preparation of strategic plans that represents a comprehensive database based on correct scientific bases.