Solid waste management

Role of individual and good habits in management of solid waste:
Following 3 R's - Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.
We should adopt good habits as far as solid waste management is concerned.
By spreading social awareness and personal discipline , the problem of solid waste disposal can be reduced.

1. Reduce : Waste generated should be reduced at the source . E.g. Use of paper or plastic can be reduced or kept at a minimal.
2. Reuse :   Using biodegradable material for composting or making notebooks from waste paper can be options for reuse.
Similarly, industrial wastes can be reused after proper techniques and processing.
3. Recycle : Recycling is using the same materials for the manufacture of others product. Plastic, metals, rubber, glass, etc.
can be sent to the respective recycling units.

Good habits in solid waste management :
Using dustbins and not throwing anything on the roads or in the open spaces or in our surroundings.
Use of eco-friendly alternatives such as cloth bags, instead of plastic. Used dresses or old saris can be converted into curtain material,
bed sheets, etc.
Avoiding use of tissue papers, instead of using cloth napkins.
Social awareness programmes to be arranged so that people can behave with responsibility towards waste disposals.
Such programmes to be organized in schools and colleges.
Community participation in waste segregation.


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Effects of improper management of solid wastes are as follows:

1. Loss of aesthetic beauty.
2. Bad odor or smell.
3. Toxic gases
4. Spread diseases
5. Environmental pollution
6. Water pollution
7. Soil pollution
8. Effect on bird diversity

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Common methods of solid waste management are as follows:
1. Door-to-door collection of household waste
2. Landfill
3. Disposal in the sea

Electronic Waste ( E-waste )

E- waste

E-waste or electronic waste is formed due to electronic gadgets such as computers, mobile phones, TV sets , etc . which are not in proper condition.

It is hazardous and unmanageable solid waste .

It contains many hazardous heavy metals such as lead , beryllium, mercury and cadmium.

These heavy metals are non-biodegradable in nature. Therefore , they remain accumulated in the environment and
remain there for a long period of time.

The solid microorganisms are directly and indirectly affected by E-waste.

E-waste affects the human health.

Burning and land filling of E-waste is dangerous for the surrounding environment and hence , disposing it becomes difficult.


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The disposal and handling of E-waste is becoming a serious issue because:
In India , about 10 tonnes of electronic waste is produced everyday.
Since, the economic growth is taking place, many people are using multiple electronic gadgets such as TV sets, mobile phones, smart phones,
computers, laptop, music systems, chargers, etc.
All such items when not in proper usable condition are thrown away. These gadgets are made up of heavy metals and non biodegradable
materials. They remain accumulated in nature for a very long time.
The heavy metals such as  lead, beryllium, mercury and cadmium are also very hazardous in nature.
E-waste affects human health and soil microorganism.
Burning,  land-filling of E-waste is also dangerous for environment.
Owing to greater proportion of waste and their hazardous nature, the disposal and handling of E-waste is becoming serious issue.

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Waste is a valuable resource, if managed properly, because:
Waste can be used for material recovery.
Through different processes like pyrolysis, gas and electricity can be generated.
The organic wastes can be used to produce bio-gas that supplies fuel and electricity.
Biodegradable wastes could converted into manures and bio-gas.
Variety of wastes, especially, non- biodegradable wastes can be recycled and reused in altered form.


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