NAME: Agustin, Ivy G.

SUBJECT: Environmental Science

YEAR/SECTION&BLOCK: BSCE-2[BLK-2] DAY&TIME: Saturday(2:00-5:00 PM)
STUDENT NO.: 00034622 CHECK-UP PERMIT NO.: 00119847

Waste Management

I. Definition

Waste management refers to the responsible and efficient handling,

treatment, disposal, and recycling of waste materials. It involves a comprehensive
approach to minimizing the adverse impacts of waste on the environment, public
health, and sustainability. Waste management aims to reduce waste generation,
promote recycling and recovery, encourage proper segregation and collection, and
ensure the safe and environmentally sound disposal of waste that cannot be reused
or recycled. It encompasses various strategies and practices, including waste
reduction, reuse, recycling, composting, landfills, waste-to-energy facilities, and
hazardous waste management, all to achieve a cleaner and more sustainable future.

II. Purpose of Waste Management

Waste management aims to minimize the negative impacts of waste on the

environment, public health, and sustainability. It aims to efficiently handle, treat,
dispose of, and responsibly recycle waste materials. The overall goal is to reduce
waste generation, promote recycling and recovery, ensure proper segregation and
collection, and safely and environmentally soundly dispose of waste that cannot be
reused or recycled. Waste management also plays a crucial role in conserving
natural resources, preventing pollution, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and
promoting a cleaner and healthier environment for current and future generations.

III. Types of Waste Management

A. Landfill

1. Definition

A landfill is a designated area where solid waste and other materials

are disposed of and buried underground. It is a common method of waste
management and is used to control and contain waste materials to prevent
pollution and health hazards.
2. Procedure

a. Site selection and preparation

The first step is to carefully select a suitable location for the
landfill. Factors such as proximity to the source of waste,
environmental impact, and geological suitability are considered. The
selected site is then cleared of vegetation and prepared for
construction.

b. Construction of cells
Landfills are constructed in cells or sections. Each cell
typically consists of a baseline, which is made of clay or synthetic
materials to prevent contamination of soil and groundwater. The
sides of the cell are lined with impermeable barriers to contain the
waste materials.

c. Waste disposal and compaction

Once the cells are ready, waste materials are brought to the
landfill site. Trucks and other vehicles deposit the waste in
designated areas within the cells. The waste is compacted using
heavy machinery, such as bulldozers or landfill compactors, to
reduce its volume and maximize the use of available space. This
compaction also helps to prevent the spread of odor and reduces the
potential for pests and vermin.

d. Covering and capping

After a cell is filled with waste, it is covered with a layer of
compacted soil or other materials to prevent water infiltration and
control odor. This covering, known as a daily cover, also helps to
control pests and prevent the waste from being blown away. Once
the landfill reaches its capacity or is no longer in use, a final cover,
which may include several layers of soil, clay, and synthetic
materials, is applied to permanently seal the landfill and minimize
the release of gas and leachate.

e. Landfill gas management

As waste decomposes, it produces landfill gas, which mainly
consists of methane and carbon dioxide. To reduce greenhouse gas
 emissions and prevent the buildup of flammable gases, modern
landfills have gas collection systems. These systems include wells
and pipes that capture the gas, which can then be utilized for energy
generation or flaring to minimize its environmental impact.

f. Monitoring and maintenance

Landfills require ongoing monitoring and maintenance to
ensure compliance with environmental regulations. This includes
groundwater monitoring, leachate management, and regular
inspections to detect any signs of pollution or potential risks.

It's important to note that modern landfills prioritize environmental

protection and use advanced techniques to minimize negative impacts such
as leachate contamination and gas emissions.

B. Recycling

1. Definition

Recycling is the process of converting waste materials into reusable

materials to create new products. It involves collecting, sorting, cleaning,
and processing waste materials like paper, plastic, glass, and metal so that
they can be transformed into raw materials for manufacturing new products,
thereby conserving resources and reducing the need for virgin materials.
Recycling is a key component of sustainable waste management and plays a
critical role in reducing environmental pollution and promoting a circular
economy.

2. Procedure

a. Sorting
The first step in the recycling process is sorting. Recyclable
materials like paper, plastic, glass, and metal are separated from
non-recyclable waste. This can be done through manual sorting or
automated sorting machines.

b. Cleaning
Once materials are sorted, they need to be cleaned to remove
any contaminants. For example, paper may be de-inked or plastic
 might be washed to remove residue. This step ensures that the
recycled materials are of high quality.
c. Shredding or Crushing
After cleaning, materials like paper or plastic may be
shredded or crushed into smaller pieces. This helps in the processing
and manufacturing of recycled products.

d. Melting or Reprocessing
The shredded or crushed materials are then melted or
reprocessed into raw materials that can be used to make new
products. For example, melted plastic can be used to create new
plastic bottles or other plastic products.

Throughout the recycling process, it is important to adhere to

specific guidelines and regulations to ensure that the recycled materials are
of high quality and safe for use. Recycling plays a crucial role in reducing
the consumption of resources and minimizing the negative impact on the
environment.

C. Composting

1. Definition

Composting is the process of decomposing organic materials, such

as food scraps and yard waste, to create nutrient-rich compost that can be
used as fertilizer for plants and gardens. It is a natural and environmentally
friendly way to recycle organic waste.

2. Procedure

a. Collecting organic waste

Organic waste materials such as fruit and vegetable scraps,
coffee grounds, eggshells, leaves, and grass clippings are collected
and stored in a compost bin or pile.

b. Layering and mixing

The collected organic waste is layered with other materials
like dry leaves, shredded paper, or wood chips to provide a balanced
carbon-to-nitrogen ratio. Mixing or turning the pile periodically
helps to aerate it and speed up the decomposition process.
 c. Moisture management
The compost pile should be kept moist, but not overly wet.
Regular watering or covering it during rain can help maintain the
right moisture level.

d. Decomposition and turning

Over time, microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, and worms
break down the organic material, generating heat in the process. The
pile should be turned or mixed occasionally to provide oxygen and
promote even decomposition.

Through the natural decomposition process, the organic waste

materials transform into nutrient-rich compost that can be used to improve
soil fertility, add nutrients to plants, and reduce the need for synthetic
fertilizers. Composting is a sustainable practice that reduces the amount of
waste sent to landfills and supports healthy ecosystems.

D. Incineration

1. Definition

Incineration is the process of burning waste materials at high

temperatures to convert them into ash, gas, and heat energy. It is a method
of waste disposal used to reduce the volume of waste and generate energy.

2. Procedure

a. Waste collection
Municipal solid waste (MSW) and other non-recyclable
waste materials are collected and transported to an incineration
facility.

b. Waste preparation
The waste is sorted and processed to remove any
non-combustible materials such as metals, glass, and certain plastics.

c. Combustion and energy recovery

 The waste is burned in a controlled combustion chamber,
known as an incinerator, at high temperatures. The heat generated
during combustion is used to produce steam, which can be converted
into electricity or used for heating purposes.

d. Ash treatment
The remaining ash after combustion is collected and may
undergo further treatment to remove any hazardous components and
reduce its volume for disposal.

Incineration is primarily used for waste that cannot be recycled or

composted. While it reduces the volume of waste and produces energy,
incineration also has environmental concerns associated with emissions,
such as air pollution and the release of greenhouse gases. Proper emission
control measures are required to minimize the impact on air quality and
ensure the safe disposal of any potential pollutants.

Question:
Which of the types of waste management is the most doable and effective? Why?

For me, the most doable and effective type of waste management is waste
reduction or minimization. This is because it focuses on reducing the amount of waste
generated in the first place. By promoting conscious consumption, sustainable packaging
practices, and the use of reusable products, we can significantly decrease the volume of
waste that needs to be managed and disposed of waste reduction is a proactive approach
that not only conserves resources but also minimizes the environmental impact associated
with waste generation and disposal.