Solid waste management is a challenge in most cities and towns of India. The word ‘Solid Waste Management’ covers all the activities that are required to manage solid wastes from its source till its final disposal. In simple words, it is the collection, transportation, processing and disposal of solid wastes in an ecological friendly manner. It provides clean environment for a healthy living and promotes recycling of wastes.
Essay on Solid Waste Management, Types, Methods, Advantages
Solid Waste is defined as any garbage or refuse or sludge from a waste treatment plant, water supply plant, or air pollution control facility and other discarded material including solid, liquid, semisolid or contained gaseous materials resulting from industrial, commercial, mining and agricultural operations or community activities.
Importance of Solid Waste Management
Solid waste management is an important topic to be understood by every individual. It is the responsibility of every one to manage the solid wastes arising in their homes, offices or other establishments properly. The importance of proper Solid Waste Management has several reasons
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Advantages of Solid Waste Management
Solid waste disposal also helps to save our natural resources. It also helps to reduce the generation of methane gas in landfills. Methane gas is one of the greenhouse gases which are responsible for global warming. So, proper Solid Waste Management will help us to preserve our environment and save it from harmful effects due to Global Warming
Disadvantages of Solid Waste Management
Our environment is polluted due to improper Solid Waste Management. When we dump wastes into our surroundings, it starts emitting harmful gases which are responsible for several health issues. It also reduces the fertility of soil and thus affects farming practices as well as health of farmers.
In addition, improper solid waste management can also affect tourism industry since most tourists prefer clean and pollution free environment to enjoy their holidays
Types & Methods of Solid Waste Management:
The different methods of Solid Waste Management are described below. These methods can be applied separately or together depending upon the requirements. All these steps should be carried out in an integrated manner to achieve better results
Collection: It involves collection of waste from source like households, hotels, commercial establishments etc. Also formation of groups for collecting wastes is very essential. The people should be made aware of the importance of collecting wastes It involves collection of waste from source like households, hotels, commercial establishments etc. Also formation of groups for collecting wastes is very essential. The people should be made aware of the importance of collecting wastes
Segregation: It involves segregation at source i.e., at household level. This would help to tackle the situation of mixed wastes. Wastes should be segregated properly at source like, dry and wet wastes, hazardous and non-hazardous etc. It involves segregation at source i.e., at household level. This would help to tackle the situation of mixed wastes. Wastes should be segregated properly at source like, dry and wet wastes, hazardous and non-hazardous etc.
Selection: It refers to selection of treatment or disposal methods. Such methods may be aerobic or anaerobic treatment, composting, recycling etc.
Handling: Handling of wastes refers to the activities like collection, transportation, transfer and storage handling of wastes refers to the activities like collection, transportation, transfer and storage
Collection: Collection should be done in such a manner that the waste which is recyclable is not diverted to the landfills. Collection of wastes should be done in such a manner that it can be transported easily in vehicles Collection should be done in such a manner that the waste which is recyclable is not diverted to the landfills. Collection of wastes should be done in such a manner that it can be transported easily in vehicles
Transportation: After collection, it should be transferred and transported safely to the disposal site. It is very important to make arrangements for safe transportation of wastes as accidents can occur during transportation which might harm the environment and people living nearby. Also this may create problems like traffic jams etc. After collection, it should be transferred and transported safely to the disposal site. It is very important to make arrangements for safe transportation of wastes as accidents can occur during transportation which might harm the environment and people living nearby. Also this may create problems like traffic jams etc.
Storage: Waste should be stored in a scientific manner so that it does not pose any threat to humans or animals, or cause any air or water pollution. Storage of wastes should be done in such a manner that it does not affect the health and safety of workers and general public
Disposal: This is perhaps the most important step as only after disposal, we can achieve better results and healthier environment. It includes safe disposal of wastes to landfills, dumping grounds. There are many methods which can be adopted for disposal of wastes into landfills. It includes incineration, gasification etc. This is perhaps the most important step as only after disposal, we can achieve better results and healthier environment. It includes safe disposal of wastes to landfills, dumping grounds. There are many methods which can be adopted for disposal of wastes into landfills. It includes incineration, gasification etc.
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Conclusion
It is important to improve Solid Waste Management so that citizens can lead a healthy life. It is the responsibility of every citizen to contribute towards this initiative. Proper segregation of garbage at source is important for it makes easy management, recycling and disposal of waste in an environment friendly way.