THE EFFECTIVENESS OF PROPOSED DESIGN RUBBISH TRAP

SYSTEM
Muhammad Khairul Fitri Bin Sarimin1, Muhammad Taufiq Bin A. Jalil2, Juliza Binti Abu Bakar3, Nurul Fattiha
Binti Ishak4, Jahaya Bin Kesot5, Ir. Junadi Apandi Bin Jemain6
E-mail: aa130943@siswa.uthm.edu.my1, aa130004@siswa.uthm.edu.my2, aa130214@siswa.uthm.edu.my3,
aa130242@siswa.uthm.edu.my4, jahaya@uthm.edu.my5, junadi@waterselangor.gov.my6

Abstract
This paper discusses the effectiveness of the proposed design of a rubbish trap that will be located in Sungai Bakau,
Rawang, Selangor. It is designed to retain and collect rubbish or debris in rivers. Many types of rubbish trap have
been used in Malaysia today. In this project, a type of simple rubbish trap structure has been modeled which is
known as Roll & Trap Gate (RTG). The main purpose of this project is to evaluate the efficiency of using the
rubbish trap in terms of trapping rubbish and impact to the river profile. Storm water problems have become more
severe due to the increase in urbanization. The increase in the amount of impervious surface in urban areas produces
more storm water runoff. The higher runoff volume also carries more pollutants from contributing catchment area.
Guidelines for selection and implementation of structural treatment measures involves determine objectives, site
identification, short-listed and compare potential treatments and detailed design. The suggested solution consists of
primary screen and secondary screen. The procedures of the system are most of the rubbish will move according to
the flow rate of the river, it then met the primary screen with rotation mode in inclined of 30 degree. The structure
allows the rubbish to flow to the collection area with the help of roll able steel bar. For the right way of disposal, the
rubbish is then collected by the excavator via ramp and dump into collection vehicles to be transported to landfill.
This system is using water flow as the natural energy to allow the rubbish flow. In the end of this study, the
effectiveness of the proposed design rubbish trap in retaining and collecting rubbish and impact to the river profile
will know.
Keywords: river, storm water, rubbish trap, pollutants, runoff, catchment area, screen, natural energy

1.0

Introduction

The river is one of the most important awards bestowed by the Almighty. Disposal of solid
waste garbage into the river or into the drainage system will interrupt the flow of the drain water flowing
into open areas. This phenomenon is what causes the occurrence of clogged drains and cause flash floods
in certain areas as a result of the drain cannot drain the water [1]. In addition, the disposal of garbage is
also one of the contributors to the decline in water quality due to the presence of organic and inorganic
materials. Therefore, as a solution to this problem, the waste trap system has been designed to withstand
these contaminants get into a drainage system such as a river or drain [2].
The main objective of this project is to minimize river pollution that caused by pollutants such
as rubbish throwing from nearest residential, sediments, and construction waste. Apart from that, the
effectiveness of RTG is suggested to the authorities of Department of Irrigation and Drainage (JPS) for
public use. Energy need and construction cost reduce for the whole procedures includes collecting the
rubbish from the collection area [3].

1,2,3,4

Student, Department of Civil Engineering, Centre of Diploma Studies, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia
Lecturer, Centre of Diploma Studies, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, Johor, Malaysia
6
District Engineer, Department of Irrigation and Drainage, Gombak, Selangor, Malaysia
5

2.0

Problem Statement

Studies Department of Environment (DOE) in year 2015, found most of the rivers in this country
suffer from contamination even increased 49 percent last year. Of the 45 rivers in the study JPS identified
13 rivers severely polluted, 23 slightly polluted and nine rivers are declared clean. Processing plant oil
palm and rubber are among the main causes of pollution in the country [4]. Most factory owners did not
have the typical catchment system to retain impurities otherwise dispose of waste into the river. Disposal
of solid waste, residual impurities, tin and carcass caused the authorities, including the Department of
Irrigation and Drainage (JPS) is not capable of handling the problem is because of the tons of waste
accumulated in the river. In October 2015, theres an article stated in the local newspaper that JPS had to
carry an estimated 20,000 tons of garbage and solid waste from the Klang River annually. DOE also
identified 2,250 industrial sources in the country that produces hazardous waste and of these,
approximately 630 tons of waste produced each year. Malaysia produced 300,000 tons of industrial waste
per year, mostly toxic. Like it or not, people need to recognize the source of water supply in the country
are declining. It stems from the problem of uncontrolled development, pollution and erosion is
widespread so natural water sources disappear [5].

3.0

Materials and Methods

3.1

Survey Alignment
In this project, we have carried out the survey alignment of the Bakau river which involves
measured by pacing the approximate distance along the alignment and the magnetic bearings of the
traverse legs (open traverse) and noted in the field book while for the alignment, an index map was
prepared. This survey was done with few other procedures [6].
3.2

Flow Rate of the River

Moreover, the base flow of the river has been determined by collecting the information and
hydrological analysis from RBM Engineering Consultant. Further analyze has also been done to get the
runoff estimation data needed for proceeding this project.
3.3

Hydrological of the Catchment Area

A catchment area is a hydrological unit. Each drop of precipitation that falls into a catchment area
eventually ends up in the same river going to the sea if it doesnt evaporate. Catchment areas are
separated from each other by watersheds. A watershed is natural division line along the highest points in
an area. Catchments are divided into sub catchments, also along the lines of elevation. This method is
important as it shows a theoretical catchment area with flow paths of precipitation.
3.4

Estimation of Waste Generated

Waste generated estimation involves two conditions which are maximum and minimum
condition. The maximum condition is needed to plan and design the restricted limit of collection area
according to month. From that, duration of maintenance works also can be predicted so that RTG is
durable and well-monitored [7].

3.5

Project Description

Figure 1: Roll & Trap Gate (RTG) Plan View

System of Roll & Trap Gate (RTG):
1) The water flowing will bring along the trash on the river.
2) The water and trash will face the primary screen. The velocity of the water flow will
make the cylinder on the primary screen rotate.
3) The inclination and rotation of the cylinder will bring the trash to the trash collector area.
All the trash will be collected at the trash collector area.
4) Meanwhile the water will pass the primary screen and secondary screen to the outlet.
5) The excavator will collect the trapped trash via ramp and put it to the lorry.

3000

2540

12000

Figure 2: Primary Screen of RTG System

120

Bar

60

Holder

150

40

40

150

20

Figure 3: Cross Section of Primary Screen

Cylinder

3000

5000

Figure 4: Secondary Screen of RTG System

150

25

80

35

35
40

Figure 5: Cross Section of Secondary Screen

4.0

Result & Analysis

4.1
Runoff Estimation
Given area, curve number current, time of concentration, tc and base flow (m3/s) that had been analyzed
by RBM Engineering Consultant:

Sub Catchment
ID
2
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
Total

Table 1: Summary of Sub Catchment Parameter

Curve Number
Time of concentration, tc
Area (km2)
Current
(minutes)
0.65
85
0.61
1.15
85
0.54
0.70
80
0.38
0.86
75
0.61
0.31
65
0.27
0.45
65
0.36
0.77
75
0.62
0.57
90
0.47
5.46
620
3.86

Base flow (m3/s)

0.076
0.124
0.081
0.097
0.041
0.055
0.088
0.068
0.63

Source: (RBM Engineering Consultant, 2015)

*This Bakau river conveys flow from all 8 catchments.

Base Flow (m3/s)

0.2
0.1
Base flow (m3/s)

0
2

11

12

13

14

15

Base flow (m3/s)

16

17

Chart 1: Base Flow of Bakau River

4.2
Waste Generated Estimation
To find the mass of waste generated per week, calculations are as follow:
4
,
)(
)

= ,

By planning restriction limits, the height of the collection area, calculations are as follow:
, /
(
) = , 3 /
1

, /3
1000
3
, = , 2 /

i.

Maximum Condition
A population of 1000 person generates 25 kg per household per week. By assuming the density of
waste is 700 kg/m3, 4 persons per household, and calculations has been done, by converting the
units, it becomes 25 tonne/month. Planned restriction limits, the height of the collection area to
3.0 m, thus, 11.9 m2 of area needed to collect the maximum waste generated per month.

ii.

Minimum Condition
A population of 300 person generates 25 kg per household per week. By assuming the density of
waste is 700 kg/m3, 4 persons per household, and calculations has been done, by converting the
units, it becomes 7.5 tonne/month. Planned restriction limits, the height of the collection area to
3.0 m, thus, 3.6 m2 of area needed to collect the minimum waste generated per month.

5.0

Conclusion

From model Roll and Trap Gate, rubbish trap structure built to show effectiveness in trapping
waste and its impact on river flows. This debris has demonstrated a high level of effectiveness in trapping
trash in which almost all the waste that goes into drains, garbage retained in the trap [8]. Of the tests done,
all the rubbish that has been declared intolerable in a high percentage. It shows the structure effective in
trapping all kinds of garbage. However, this rubbish traps designed to accommodate is limited to a certain
amount of waste. Therefore, maintenance and cleaning should be done regularly to keep debris to
function properly and effectively [9].

References
[1] J. P. d. Saliran, Urban Stormwater Management Manual for Malaysia (MASMA), 2000.
[2] V. S. Committee, Urban Stormwater: Best-Practice Environmental Management Guidelines, Csiro Publishing,
1999.
[3] M. J. Stiff, River Pollution Control, Sussex: Ellis Horwood Limited, 1980.
[4] J. L. Schnoor, Environmental Modeling: Fate and Transport of Pollutants in Water, Air and Soil, New York:
Wiley, 1996.
[5] J. D. Sharon, Sewage and Industrial Wastes, Washington, D.C: Water Pollution Control Federation, Vol. 1, no.
1, 1928.
[6] Basak, Irrigation Engineering, Tata McGraw-Hill Education, 1999.
[7] A. Technologies, "Rubbish Traps > Floating Rubbish Traps," Aquatic Site Maintenance Pty Ltd., [Online].
Available: http://www.aquatic.net.au/products/rubbish-traps/Floating-traps.htm.
[8] N. E. &. Heritage, "Pollution Traps | NSW Environment & Heritage," Office of Environment & Heritage (OEH),
2011. [Online]. Available: http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/stormwater/whatis/pollutiontrap.htm.
[9] A. Tope, "Sediment traps & Litter traps are cleaning up waterways in Australia," Eco Citizen Australia, 2012.
[Online]. Available: http://www.ecocitizenaustralia.com.au/litter-and-sediment-traps/.