An environmental issue

Solid
Waste
Pollution
 Solid Waste
According to the US EPA (2024), Resource
Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) states
that "solid waste" means any garbage or refuse,
sludge from a wastewater treatment plant, water
supply treatment plant, or air pollution control
facility and other discarded material, resulting
from industrial, commercial, mining, and
agricultural operations, and from community
activities.
 8 types of Solid Waste
According to US EPA (2024)
 Types of Solid Waste

Household Hazardous Waste (HHW)

Household hazardous wastes (HHW) are materials found in residential
wastes that would be regulated as hazardous wastes if they were
generated outside of a household. These household wastes can be
flammable, toxic, corrosive, or reactive and can be dangerous if
handled improperly.
 Types of Solid Waste
Construction and Demolition Debris
Construction and demolition debris are uncontaminated solid waste
resulting from the construction, remodeling, repair and demolition of
utilities, structures and roads; and uncontaminated solid waste
resulting from land clearing.
 Types of Solid Waste
Industrial/Commercial Waste
Industrial waste means solid waste generated by manufacturing or industrial
processes.
 Types of Solid Waste

Hazardous Waste Lamps

Waste light bulbs and lamps may be
hazardous waste because of the
materials that they contain.
Fluorescent lamps are often hazardous
wastes due to their mercury content
and LED light bulbs may be hazardous
waste due to the lead solder used in
their circuit boards.
 Types of Solid Waste
Regulated Medical Waste
Regulated medical waste (RMW) is material
generated in research, production and testing of
biologicals or health care such as:
Infectious animal waste
Human pathological waste
Human blood and blood products
Needles and syringes (sharps)
Cultures and stocks (microbiological
materials)
Other infectious waste
 Types of Solid Waste

Used Electronic Equipment

Used electronic equipment contains
hazardous elements and compounds,
including lead, mercury, and cadmium,
which can be toxic if released into the
environment.
 Types of Solid Waste

Used Oil
Used oil is any oil, whether refined from
crude or synthetic, that has been
contaminated by physical or chemical
impurities as a result of use.
 Types of Solid Waste
Waste Tires
Significant air pollution results from the incomplete combustion of the tires
creating a thick, black, foul-smelling smoke. Additionally, as many of the tires
melt and partially burn, an oily discharge usually occurs that can flow into
nearby streams, ditches and waterways or can seep into the groundwater.
What is Pollution?
Pollution is when the air, water, or
land becomes dirty or
contaminated. This happens when
harmful substances are introduced
into the environment, causing
damage to living things and their
surroundings.
What is Solid Waste
Pollution?
Solid Waste Pollution refers to any
type of wasted substance that is
neither a liquid nor a gas. It includes
waste from households and industries
as well as hazardous garbage. (Tyagi,
2023)
What causes Solid
Waste Pollution?
(Vipin, 2024)
Improper Waste Disposal
Improper waste disposal is the number one cause of
solid waste pollution. When people throw garbage away
in landfills, dumps, or incinerators without properly
treating it, it can contaminate the air, water, and soil.
 Littering
Littering is another major cause of solid waste
pollution. Cigarette butts, plastic bags, and
other types of litter can end up in waterways
and landfills, where they can contaminate the
environment.
 Accidental Spills
Accidental spills of hazardous materials can also
cause solid waste pollution. For example, when
oil or chemicals are spilled into waterways, they
can contaminate the water and make it unsafe
for people and wildlife.
 Environmental Impacts

According to Abubakar et al. (2022) these

are the different methods of handling waste
affect air, water, and land quality:
Environmental Impacts
Air
Landfills: Release methane, a
greenhouse gas that accelerates
climate change.
Incineration: Produces pollutants like
CO₂ and dioxins, harming air quality.

Composting: Can release CO₂ and

odors if mismanaged.
Environmental Impacts
Water Landfills : Leachate from landfills
can contaminate groundwater with
toxic chemicals.

Incineration: Ash may leach harmful

substances into water if improperly
stored.

Composting: Runoff from compost

piles may pollute nearby water
sources.
Environmental Impacts
Land Landfills : Large areas of land are
occupied, often causing habitat loss.

Incineration: : Ash can contaminate

soil if not handled safely.

Composting: Generally beneficial,

though excessive composting may
affect soil balance.
 Health Impacts

The physical, mental, and social health of

communities is affected by waste
processing activities. (Abubakar et al.,
2022)
 Health Impacts

Physical Health

Respiratory Issues : Airborne Toxic Exposure : Chemicals in waste Infections: Poor waste management
pollutants from waste sites increase (e.g., dioxins, heavy metals) can attracts pests, increasing disease
risks for asthma and bronchitis. cause long-term health issues. spread.
 Health Impacts

Mental Health

Stress and Anxiety: People near Social Stigma: Living near waste Worker Stress: Waste management
waste sites may feel stress over sites often brings stigma and employees may experience job-
odors and pollution risks. isolation. related stress.
 Health Impacts

Social Health

Community Displacement: Waste Quality of Life: Noise, odors, and Economic Impact: Health problems
facilities sometimes lead to pests from waste sites reduce life related to waste can raise family
community relocations. quality. medical costs.
 Economic
Impact of Solid
Waste Pollution
 Waste Management
and Disposal Costs

Costs to Collect, Transport and Treatment

and Disposal in relation to Waste
Management-Urban populations greatly
increase these wastes collection, transport
Healthcare Expenditure
and the treatment and disposal-related
Health expenditure increases cost
due to a range of health issues
associated with the effects of
pollution
Environment Restoration Costs

The cost of reviving the damaged

ecological systems caused by waste
pollution is astronomical
Lost Economic Potential

This, among other things, discourages

tourism and investment in the affected
regions, especially for tourist-based
economies
Lowered Property Values

Properties near waste management

facilities or polluted areas lessen in
value because of an inferior quality
of life driven by the smell, the pests,
and other odoriferous waste.
 Loss of Recycling Income and
Higher Raw Material

Poor waste management leads to losses of recyclable

materials. These materials can raise funds and reduce
the demand for raw materials
Impacts on Fisheries and
Agriculture

Pollution is having devastating

impacts on fisheries and
agriculture through the
degradation of both water and
soil quality
 Steps to a Greener Future

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Renewable Energy Sources Tree Planting

Reducing, reusing, and recycling Switching to renewable energy Tree planting improves air quality,
reduce waste and conserve resources. sources, such as solar and wind, is protects water sources, and fosters
By composting, recycling, and essential to reduce greenhouse gas biodiversity, creating healthier
supporting the circular economy, we emissions and slow climate change. ecosystems and reducing pollution.
can minimize landfill use and Investing in clean energy supports a
environmental impact. sustainable future.
Steps to a Greener Future

Stop Burning of Solid Waste Educate Yourself and Others

Burning solid waste releases toxic Environmental education empowers
pollutants and greenhouse gases, harming people to make informed choices, join
air quality and contributing to climate clean-up efforts, and advocate for
change. Sustainable practices like reducing, green policies, creating a culture of
reusing, and recycling are safer alternatives stewardship and lasting change.
to protect health and the environment.
 Conclusion
Solid waste pollution poses a significant threat to ecosystems,
communities, and economies worldwide, affecting soil, water, and air
quality, and leading to health risks and financial burdens. Effective
solutions require a collaborative approach focused on sustainable waste
management through reducing, reusing, and recycling, as well as
adopting renewable energy sources.

By making simple, eco-friendly choices and supporting community

initiatives, we can minimize waste and its environmental impact. Tackling
solid waste pollution is a shared responsibility that fosters global
awareness and commitment to sustainability, ultimately leading to
cleaner, healthier, and more resilient communities for future generations.