Waste Management: Principles and Practices

by Yuvi K - December 16, 2023

Waste Management – Principles and Practices

Waste management is the process of collection, treatment and disposal of solid waste, with the main aim of creating a safe and clean environment for the effective functioning of the public health and economic activities of a society. Waste management practices involve engineering, monitoring, managing and disposal activities for both hazardous and non-hazardous wastes. A successful waste management plan addresses all the components of the waste stream, including collection, transport, storage, processing and disposal. The goal is to reduce and eventually eliminate waste through recycling, reuse and recovery behaviours.

Overview

Waste creation is an inevitable consequence of industrial and human activities. According to the World Bank, 1.3 billion tons of solid waste is generated annually across the world, of which 1.2 billion tons is disposed and managed. Improper waste management can have a major environmental and health risk due to the generation of greenhouse gases, soil contamination, air and water contamination and subsequent health risks.

The approach taken by countries for waste management depends on their economic development and urbanisation levels. Developed countries have a larger percentage of waste being disposed via recycling processes, whereas developing countries tend to have higher percentages of uncollected waste and burn more solid waste.

Principles of Waste Management

Effective waste management is based on the principles of Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.

Reduce (कम करें):

Reducing the quantity of waste generated is the most effective and efficient way to manage solid waste. It involves adopting strategies that will reduce the amount of waste produced, manufacturing and producing fewer things or transporting and using more efficient materials.

Reuse (पुनर्उपयोग करें):

Reuse is the process of using a product more than once before ultimately recycling it or disposing of it. Reusing products reduces the need to mine, harvest, refine and manufacture new materials, reducing the amount of energy used, as well as costs.

Recycle (पुनर्स्थापित करें):

Recycling is the process of collecting, sorting, processing and then using materials from waste streams. It involves using materials to create new products that can be used again or disposed of safely. Recycling helps reduce pollution, conserve resources and reduce the use of landfills.

Waste Management Practices

Segregation (विभाजन):

Segregation is the process of collecting, sorting and separating waste materials according to the type of waste, such as organic, recyclable and hazardous waste. This helps to reduce the amount of waste that has to be disposed of, conserves resources and ensures that the correct method of disposal is being used.

Collection (संग्रहण):

Collection is the process of collecting and transporting the waste from the source of generation to a safe disposal site. Waste collection can be done either manually or using specialized equipment and vehicles, depending on the type and amount of waste being collected. Effective waste collection helps ensure that the material is disposed of in the right way and that the environment remains free from pollution and health risks.

Composting (संयंत्रीकरण):

Composting is a process of breakdown and decomposition of organic waste such as food scraps, yard clippings and agricultural waste into nutrient-rich soil. Composting helps to reduce the amount of waste going to landfills, improves soil health and reduces the need for chemical fertilizers.

Incineration (जलभेद):

Incineration is the process of burning waste at high temperatures, resulting in the production of heat energy and ash. Incineration is one of the most efficient ways of disposing of solid waste as the heat generated can be used as a source of energy. However, the process can also release toxic pollutants into the air and must be monitored closely to ensure it is done safely.

Landfills (कुशाग्र डिपोजिट):

Landfills are sites where the solid waste is contained in engineered cells, sealed in liners and then covered with a layer of soil to prevent exposure to the environment. Landfills must be designed to protect both surface and ground water by preventing contamination from leached waste.

Conclusion

The adoption of sustainable waste management principles and practices is a key requirement for the protection of the environment and public health. Scientifically sound waste management plans must be developed and implemented to reduce the generation of waste, ensure proper collection and disposal of waste, and encourage practices such as recycling and composting to reduce the amount of waste going to landfills.