Waste Disposal, Management & Incineration

Waste disposal means the removal, disposal, recycling, or destruction of unwanted substances called waste from agricultural, household, or industrial products. If you follow the right method of waste disposal, you can reduce pollution and environmental hazards. Steps that include proper waste collection and scientific treatment that can reduce their contribution to water, soil, and air pollution require proper waste management.

Keyterms: Water, Air, Soil, Fertilizer, Waste, Pollution, Industrial products, Agriculture, Environment, Incineration, Biogas, Vermiculture

Also Read: Ecology and Environment

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Waste Disposal: Overview

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There are many types of waste, and most of the waste generated today is non-biodegradable waste. Globalization and industrialization have contributed significantly to this. Landfills that contain toxic substances in their waste can emit toxic smoke and vapours. Therefore, certain types of waste require proper disposal. For example, incinerating all types of waste can cause the above problems and can cause physical damage. In addition, without proper management, drainage into rivers and land reclamation of land depressions are not encouraged. Wastes such as plastics, batteries, medical devices, and petroleum products should be disposed of properly.

• Waste management is an important term related to waste treatment, and the two work together to maintain a clean environment. Therefore, the definition of waste treatment should also include the waste management system. 
• The seven ‘R’s associated with waste management are rejection, reuse, reduction, health, corruption, recycling, and rethinking. By following each of these steps in the waste treatment process, you can lead a hygienic and healthy life. 
• It is needed not only for us but for future generations. It also prevents waste disposal workers, landfill workers, and other related workers from mitigating the risks associated with improper waste management. It can cause blood infections, respiratory and growth problems, skin irritation, etc. 
• Therefore, waste disposal should not depend on workers, but concerns should start with all households. Waste disposal needs to be done everywhere, including homes and businesses. Separation of biodegradable waste, non-biodegradable and toxic products must be followed.

Also Read: Types of Waste

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How to Get Rid of Waste?

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The various known disposal methods are:

• Garbage Dump
• Incineration
• Biogas production
• Compaction of Waste
• Compost
• Vermi composition

Methods of Waste Disposal

1. Garbage Dump

• In this process, waste types include non-recyclable materials distributed on land or in certain low altitude thin layers. These areas are dug deep where the debris is removed internally, and then a layer of soil is used to cover it. 
• These areas have been declared unsuitable for activities such as building construction for the next 20 years. 
• This site may be used to build parks and playgrounds soon. 
• This is one of the most common ways to remove large amounts of waste.

2. Incineration

• Incineration is the treatment or disposal of waste by incineration, which converts waste into non-combustible substances such as gas and ash. 

• Incinerators are considered to be extremely dangerous to the environment, as by-products are placed in landfills and ultimately are heavy metals that pollute the air, water, and soil. However, this process has many advantages, including reduced waste volume, energy, and heat generation, reduced pollution, elimination of waste transport, noise and odour control, and elimination of chemical and harmful bacteria. 

3. Biogas Production

• Food, animal waste, municipal waste, vegetable/fruit peels, and organic industrial waste are biodegradable wastes that can be degraded by bacteria and other organisms. 
• This waste produces biogas on a small to large scale, and bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms can easily break down the substance. Biodegradable organic materials that break down or need to break down serve as food for microorganisms. 
• The biogas production process can be carried out anaerobically, i.e. without oxygen, and aerobically, i.e. with oxygen. As a result, biogas is used as fuel and the surplus is used as compost in fields and plantations. 
• Biogas is mainly a mixed gas of methane and carbon dioxide. This type of disposal method is advantageous because it is used to produce useful waste.

4. Compaction of waste

• Waste compression includes the proper technique of crushing the waste, pressing it, mixing it well, and arranging it to fill the gap. Higher waste densities lead to reduced waste volume and size, which ultimately reduces pollution to the environment. 
• Recycling is also one of the best ways to reduce waste and can be used in cans, PET bottles, cardboard, paper, metals, textiles, electronics, batteries, tires, and more. This type of waste can be reused by recycling.

5. Compost

• Compost is one of the waste methods that started in our kitchen. 
• It processes all organic matter such as food waste, food waste, fruit and vegetable peels. 
• If these substances are buried and left underground for several days, they will be decomposed by the action of microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi. As a result, decomposition occurs, forming a hummus-like substance called compost. 
• It is very beneficial to use as compost or fertilizer because it is rich in nutrients that can replenish the soil to grow crops and plants. It is also known to improve the water retention of soil and is the best alternative to harmful chemical fertilizers.

6. Vermi Composition

• Vermicomposting, also known as earthworm composting, is a method of removing waste that uses white worms, red mosquitoes, earthworms, and other insects to break down organic matter such as plants and food waste. 
• It is done by the process. Vermicast is the final product resulting from the decomposition of organic waste by earthworms. 
• Vermicompost or vermicompost is used as a fertilizer because it is highly water-soluble and functions as an excellent source of nutrients. It is regularly mixed with soil in standard proportions or added as a liquid fertilizer.

Also check:

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Things to Remember

• Waste treatment means the removal, disposal, recycling, or destruction of unwanted substances called waste from agricultural, household, or industrial products.
• Most of the waste generated today is non-biodegradable waste. Globalization and industrialization have contributed significantly to this. Landfills that contain toxic substances in their waste can emit toxic smoke and vapours. Therefore, certain types of waste require proper disposal.
• The seven ‘R’s associated with waste management are rejection, reuse, reduction, health, corruption, recycling, and rethinking.
• The various known disposal methods are Garbage Dump, Incineration, Biogas production, Compaction of Waste, Compost, and Vermi composition.

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Previous Year Questions

• Ultraviolet radiations from sunlight causes a reaction that produces...[NEET 1993]
• What is the intensity of sound in normal conversation?….[NEET 2001]
• Which of the following are most suitable indicators of SO2 pollution in the environment?…[NEET 2015]
• World Ozone Day is celebrated on...[NEET 2018]
• Which one of the following statement is not valid for aerosols?...[NEET2017]
• Which one of the following is a wrong statement...[NEET 1980]
• Which one of the following gases contributes maximum to the 'green house effect' on the earth?...[NEET 1994]
• Which one is not a pollutant normally?...[NEET 1992]
• Which of the following statements about ozone is correct?...[NEET 2019]
• Which of the following pairs of gases is mainly responsible for green house effect?...[NEET 2019]
• Gas released during Bhopal tragedy was… [NEET 1990]
• Global agreement in specific control strategies to reduce the release of ozone depleting substances was adopted by... [NEET 2009]
• Global warming can be controlled by...[NEET 2013]
• High value of BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand) indicates that...[NEET 2015]
• Kyoto Protocol was endorsed at..[NEET 2013]
• Lead concentration in blood is considered alarming if it is...[NEET 2004]
• MAB stands for... [NEET 1997]
• Major aerosol pollutant in jet plane emission is...[NEET 1990]