INTRODUCTION

Waste (or wastes) are unwanted or unusable materials. Waste is any substance
which is discarded after primary use, or is worthless, defective and of no use. A
by-product by contrast is a joint product of relatively minor.

Waste is a product or substance which is no longer suited for its intended use.
Whereas in natural ecosystems waste (i.e. oxygen, carbon dioxide and dead
organic matter) is used as food or a reactant, waste materials resulting from human
activities are often highly resilient and take a long time to decompose.

Examples include municipal solid waste (household trash/refuse), hazardous waste,

wastewater (such as sewage, which contains bodily wastes (feces and urine) and
surface runoff), radioactive waste, and others.

DEFINITION OF WASTE

Waste has been defined in most countries and is generally tied to the concept of
disposal.

According to Article 5 of the Basel Convention “ ‘Wastes’ are substances or

objects which are disposed of or are intended to be disposed of or are required to
be disposed of by the provisions of national law”.

Waste are substances or objects, other than radioactive materials covered by other
international agreements, which: I) are disposed of or are being recovered; or ii)
are intended to be disposed of or recovered; or iii) are required, by the provisions
of national law, to be disposed of or recovered.

According to waste Framework Directive of the European Union, Article 3:

“‘Waste’ means any substance or object which the holder discards or intends or is
required to discard.”

SOURCES OF WASTE

Sources of waste can be broadly classified into seven types: Industrial,

Commercial, domestic, agricultural, bio chemical, nuclear and mineral.

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  Industrial Waste
These are the wastes created in factories and industries. Most industries dump their
wastes in rivers and seas which cause a lot of pollution.

Example: plastic, glass, etc.

 Commercial Waste

Commercial wastes are produced in schools, colleges, shops, and offices.

Example: plastic, paper, etc.

 Domestic Waste

The different household wastes which are collected during household activities like
cooking, cleaning, etc. are known as domestic wastes.

Example: leaves, vegetable peels, excreta, etc.

 Agricultural Waste

Various wastes produced in the agricultural field are known as agricultural wastes.

Example: cattle waste, weed, husk, etc.

 Biomedical waste

From hospitals, nursing homes, pathological, laboratories, pharmaceuticals.

 Nuclear waste

From nuclear power plants radioactive elements.

 Mineral waste

Includes heavy metal residues found in and around mines like lead, arsenic,
cadmium, etc.

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TYPES OF WASTE

Commonly waste is classified into two types: Biodegradable and Non-

biodegradable waste. These two kinds of wastes are explained below:

1. Biodegradable waste

These are the wastes that come from our kitchen and it includes food remains,
garden waste, etc. Biodegradable waste is also known as moist waste. This can be
composted to obtain manure. Biodegradable wastes decompose themselves over a
period of time depending on the material.

2. Non-biodegradable waste

These are the wastes which include old newspapers, broken glass pieces, plastics,
etc. Non-biodegradable waste is known as dry waste. Dry wastes can be recycled
and can be reused. Non-biodegradable wastes do not decompose by themselves
and hence are major pollutants.

Advantages of Waste

1. It can be decomposed and used as manure for plants.

2. Some certain waste product can be recycled to produce new products.

3. It can be recycled to produce energy

Disadvantages of Waste

1. It can lead to soil, water and air contamination.

2. It causes harm towards animal and marine Life.

3. It causes environmental pollution.

4. It causes spread of bacteria which can lead to sickness in human.

Waste collection
Waste collection is a part of the process of waste management. It is the transfer of
solid waste from the point of use and disposal to the point of treatment or landfill.
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Waste collection also includes the curbside collection of recyclable materials that
technically are not waste, as part of a municipal landfill diversion program.

Methods to Dispose Waste

Dustbins aren’t the only method to throw waste away. Here are few alternatives:

A. Burial Pits/Landfills:

Throwing daily wastes in burial pits or what are also known as landfills is an
alternative for dustbins and is the popular waste disposal method. It looks after
burying waste in the ground and eliminating foul smell coming from the wastes.

B. Incineration:

Burning of waste at high temperatures and converting them into residue or gaseous
products is known as ‘Incineration’. It’s a better alternative to dustbins since the
volume of waste here decreases by 20-30%.

C. Recycling:

The process of reusing the discarded materials and converting them into something
new is known as ‘Recycling’. It’s the third main element in the process of ‘Reduce,
Reuse and Recycle’. Recycling reduces the harmful effect of greenhouse gases and
helps in conservation of resources for future.

D. Composting:

When organic wastes are kept in a pit for a long period of time the microbes start
decomposing the waste. If the compost is nutrient rich then it becomes a better
manure for plants.

WASTE RECYCLING

Recycling is the process of converting waste materials into new materials and
objects.

Recycling is the process of collecting and processing materials that would

otherwise be thrown away as trash and turning them into new products.

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Recyclable materials include many kinds of glass, paper, cardboard, metal, plastic,
tires, textiles, batteries, and electronics etc.

Recycling is considered as one of the best solutions to reduce garbage output and
its impact on the environment. But although its definition is simple, which is re-
using old or waste products or turning them into something completely new,
getting it done is anything but. What is even more shocking, however, is that
recycling is not all good. Although it helps reduce energy usage, consumption of
raw materials, and air and water pollution, it does have its drawbacks.

There are two broad types of recycling operations: internal and external.

Internal Recycling is the reuse in a manufacturing process of materials that are a

waste product of that process. Internal recycling is common in the metals industry,
for example. The manufacture of copper tubing results in a certain amount of waste
in the form of tube ends and trimmings; this material is re-melted and recast.
Another form of internal recycling is seen in the distilling industry, in which, after
the distillation, spent grain mash is dried and processed into an edible foodstuff for
cattle.

External Recycling is the reclaiming of materials from a product that has been
worn out or rendered obsolete. An example of external recycling is the collection
of old newspapers and magazines for re-pulping and their manufacture into new
paper products. Aluminum cans and glass bottles are other examples of everyday
objects that are externally recycled on a wide scale.

Advantages of Recycling

1. Environmental Conservation and Protection.

The continuous use of paper means trees are cut down continually, but not when
paper made from certain trees are re-used repeatedly. This will help minimize
deforestation or felling. Along with the production of paper from sustainable trees,
forests can be preserved before they are completely wiped out.

Considering that trees help prevent floods, provide raw materials and nourishment,
and improve air, we need to keep as many of them around as possible. If other

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natural resources can be reused in the same way, the environment and everyone
relying on it would greatly benefit.

2. Reduce Consumption Of Energy.

Transporting raw materials involves the use of energy, and a huge one at that.
Processing raw materials also requires a significant amount of energy to get from
source to destination. Put them together and the level of energy consumption just
adds up. So why not recycle? Recycling paper consumes less energy than
processing trees. The same thing it’s true when recycling or re-purposing wood.

3. Reduce Air And Water Pollution.

A major source of pollution today is industrial waste that comes from factories
producing plastics and cans. If both products are re-used, instead of manufactured
from scratch repeatedly, pollution can be reduced significantly. Recycling also
promotes responsible and proper management and disposal of plastics and cans.

4. Global Warming Mitigation.

Production of plastic cans and other items can involve burning massive waste that
will lead to greenhouse gas emissions at staggering amount. Considering the
effects of global warming, doing anything possible to mitigate them would be very
beneficial. This includes recycling to keep the process of burning at a minimum,
and reduce waste generation. Converting waste into useful and eco-friendly
products would also help mitigate harmful environmental impacts.

5. Limit Waste In Landfills.

A majority of non-biodegradable products all over the world are thrown in

landfills. As they take years or decades to decompose, landfills would not only be
filled, literally, but also overflowing. This results in pollution, environmental
problems and contamination of water and its surrounding areas, especially because
overflowing rubbish can reach the oceans. Waste in landfills will also seep through
soil and contaminate it. Through recycling, whatever problems associated with
landfills will be addressed.

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6. Spreads Environmental Awareness.

With calls to sort waste into biodegradable, non-biodegradable and recyclable,

people become aware of recycling, educating them of its importance, while
reducing environmental impact at the same time. When everyone becomes
accustomed to recycling, people will be more eco-conscious and more participative
of eco-friendly activities.

7. Make And Save Money.

Electronics, old water bottles, and other trash can be sold for cash. So if you sell
them, you not only save the environment, but make money as well. If you buy
recycled materials, which costs less than the new ones, you will also save money.
The more money you will make and save if you re-use some of the trash that your
home produces.

Disadvantages of Recycling

1. More Pollution and Energy Consumption.

It’s contradicting, but the reality is that recycling tons of garbage will require waste
to be transported, sorted, cleaned and processed in separate factories, all of which
need energy and may result in by-products that can pollute air, water or soil. When
more trucks are employed to pick up recyclable products, air pollution will also
increase. In fact, the exhaust of the 179,000 waste collection vehicles in 2009
contains three dozen toxins that are all airborne.

2. Result In Pollutants.

When waste materials break down, pollutants, such as chemical stews, will harm
the environment. Toxins and impurities from the original material, such as lead
paint or spray cans, could pass through recycling and then carried through the
recycled product. Worse, it could take years before we realize that the items we
have been using is contaminated. Recycled steel used in buildings in Taiwan, for
example, has caused gamma radiation poisoning for the past 12 years.

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3. Increased Processing Cost And Low-Quality Jobs.

Recycling cost can go thrice as much as the cost of putting garbage in landfills.
This is why it is often considered cost-inefficient, even if it is eco-friendly. The
process is also labor intensive. And even when the manpower requirement is high,
the kind of work involved can lead to low morale and poor quality of life, because
the pay is also low.

4. Require Stricter And More Stringent Implementation.

Recycling can have an adverse effect on health and the environment when not done
properly. Debris and toxic waste that is improperly handled can contaminate land,
air and the environment. This is why more stringent implementation must be
followed. When recycling companies abandon dump sites, waste left lying around
can have environmental effect.

5. Good Products Are Not Guaranteed.

Not all recycled items are of high quality or even safe to use. To recycle paper, for
example, bleach is used, which is a harsh chemical that is harmful to health and the
environment. As previously mentioned, recycled products may contain toxic
chemicals that were previously present with the original material.

6. Generally Ineffective.

As shown above, recycling results in more pollution, higher energy consumption,

and cost-inefficiency, making it less effective than what everyone wants to believe.
Moreover, recycling still failed to dent demands. The demands for aluminum, for
example, increase about 10% every year, but the amount of recycled aluminum
falls short. This means aluminum mining is still necessary.

The number of soda cans that need to be recycled is also many times more than
facilities can process. In America alone, the average individual drinks 2.5 can per
day, amounting to around 778 million cans that need to be recycled.

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Steps to Recycling Materials

Recycling includes the three steps below, which create a continuous loop,
represented by the familiar recycling symbol.

Step 1: Collection and Processing

After collection, recyclables are sent to a recovery facility to be sorted, cleaned and
processed into materials that can be used in manufacturing.

Step 2: Manufacturing

More and more of today's products are being manufactured with recycled content.
Common household items that contain recycled materials include the following:
Newspapers and paper towels, Aluminum, plastic, and glass soft drink containers,
Steel cans, Plastic laundry detergent bottles

Recycled materials are also used in new ways such as recovered glass in asphalt to
pave roads or recovered plastic in carpeting and park benches.

Step 3: Purchasing New Products Made from Recycled Materials

You help close the recycling loop by buying new products made from recycled
materials. There are thousands of products that contain recycled content. When you
go shopping, look for the following: Products that can be easily recycled, Products
that contain recycled content.

Some of the common products you can find that can be made with recycled content
include the following:

Aluminum cans, Car bumpers, Carpeting, Cereal boxes, Comic books, Egg
cartons, Glass containers, Laundry detergent bottles, Motor oil, Nails, Newspapers,
Paper towels, Steel products, Trash bags etc.

What is Waste Management?

Waste management can be defined as all the activities that are required to manage
waste from the point of collecting the waste to recycling and monitoring.

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6 Elements of Waste Management

Waste management consists of 6 elements and activities:

1. Waste generation

Waste generation involves all the activities that identify if materials are no longer
usable and if they can be used for systematic disposal.

2. Onsite handling, storage and processing

After waste generation, there are activities to facilitate easier collection of the
waste, such as the use of dust bins and putting them at places where most waste is
being generated.

3. Collection of waste

Another phase of waste management is collecting waste. This, for example,

includes the placement of waste collection bins, collecting the waste by vehicles
and making sure the vehicles get to the right location where they are emptied.

4. Waste transfer and transport

Waste transfer and transport is the part of waste management where the focus is on
all the activities involved in getting waste from the smaller waste collection
locations to the bigger regional waste disposal stations. Crucial for transportation is
the availability of waste transport vehicles.

5. Waste processing and recovery

This part involves the facilities, techniques and equipment that are needed to
recover and recycle materials from the waste process. This part is also to improve
the effectiveness of the other elements and activities in waste management.

6. Waste disposal

Waste disposal is the final step in waste management and involves all the activities
that are needed for systematic disposal. In the following part, you’ll read about the
different methods of waste disposal.

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Advantages of Waste Management

1. This practice is highly lucrative.

2. Keeps the environment clean and fresh.

3. Saves the Earth and conserves energy.

4. Reduces environmental pollution.

5. Waste management will help you earn money.

6. Creates employment.

Disadvantages of Waste Management

1. The process is not always cost-effective.

2. The resultant product has a short life.

3. The sites are often dangerous.

4. The practices are not done uniformly.

5. Waste management can cause more problems.

CONCLUSION
In conclusion it has been seen that waste are products which are unwanted and as
so are been discarded, these waste can be gotten from different sources such as our
homes, industries, schools, shops, offices, agricultural fields, hospitals, laboratories
etc. and they are mainly of two types which are the biodegradable also known as
the wet/moist waste and the non-biodegradable also known as dry waste. Waste are
unwanted so they are been discarded, they are different ways in which it can be
discarded which include; dustbin, landfills/burial pits, incineration, recycling and
composting. Although, waste are been regarded as unwanted they still possess
certain advantages which include; they can be used as manure and they can also be
recycled to generate energy and new products. However, these waste are more on
the disadvantage side than advantage as they can lead to environmental pollution
and they are hazardous to human life. Recycling is a good way use to ensure that
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waste materials which are been discarded are been processed to produce new
products. Effective waste management is an asset to the economy. A lot of
environmental problems like water pollution, air pollution, land pollution, emission
of greenhouse gases can be reduced to a great extent through waste management.

RECOMMENDATION
More technical advancement should be made in terms of waste recycling and waste
management field so that more waste can be recycled effectively. Government
should conduct more awareness programs so that more people will be aware about
the benefits of proper waste recycling and waste management. Effective waste
management should start at every household. It can be practiced on a daily basis
which in turn reduces the waste considerably. The government too should support
the practices by easing the rules and encouraging all its citizens to practice the
same in their households and can also provide a reward for those who practice
these measures in an effective manner. Methods like vermicomposting, generating
energy from solar cells and e-wastes, using the recycled water for household
practices can be easily preached to the commoners in a simple way to follow. This
will aid and enhance the fertility of our soil, reduce environmental pollutions,
increase the groundwater level ultimately making our environment a safe haven to
live. This will be the real legacy we have to leave behind for the forthcoming
generations.

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APPENDIX

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