The use of natural resources generates waste that can be classified by source or type.
Sources of Solid Waste
- Domestic (Household):
- Food scraps, packaging, plastics, paper, textiles, glass, and electronics.
- Industrial:
- Construction debris, hazardous chemicals, manufacturing waste.
- Agricultural:
- Crop residues, manure, and pesticides.
- Commercial:
- Waste from businesses, retail stores, and restaurants.
- Biomedical:
- Medical waste like syringes, bandages, and expired medicines.
Types of Solid Waste
- Biodegradable:
- Organic materials like food waste and garden clippings.
- Non-Biodegradable:
- Plastics, metals, glass, and e-waste.
- Hazardous:
- Toxic, flammable, or radioactive substances.
- Recyclable:
- Paper, cardboard, metals, and some plastics.
Ecosystems can absorb some waste, but pollution occurs when harmful substances are added to an environment at a rate faster than they are transformed into harmless substances.
Solid Domestic Waste (SDW)
Solid domestic waste (SDW) encompasses a wide range of materials discarded from households and commercial establishments. The composition of SDW varies significantly depending on factors such as location, economic development, cultural practices, and consumption patterns.
Common Types of SDW:
- Paper and cardboard
- Plastics
- Glass
- Metals
- Organic waste (food scraps, yard trimmings)
- Textiles
- Wood
- Construction and demolition debris
- Electronic waste (e-waste)
In a typical urban household in a developed country, the SDW composition might be:
- Paper and cardboard: 25%
- Organic waste: 30%
- Plastics: 15%
- Glass: 5%
- Metals: 5%
- Others (textiles, e-waste, etc.): 20%
Promoting Sustainable Management of SDW
- Circular Economy Principles:
- Prioritize reuse, recycling, and resource recovery over disposal.
- Community Involvement:
- Encourage local initiatives like composting and zero-waste programs.
- Government Policies:
- Provide subsidies for sustainable practices and enforce regulations.
- Technological Innovations:
- Use smart bins for waste segregation and waste-to-energy plants.
Impacts of Waste Production and Management
1. Environmental Impacts:
- Pollution: Landfills emit methane, a potent greenhouse gas; incineration can release toxic gases.
- Water Contamination: Leachate from improperly managed waste pollutes groundwater and rivers.
- Biodiversity Loss: Dumping in natural habitats destroys ecosystems.
2. Social Impacts:
- Health Risks: Exposure to toxic waste and polluted air or water causes diseases.
