Question

What is the significance of segregation of waste?

Answer 1

1. Reduces Landfill Burden: It helps in reducing the volume of waste that ultimately reaches landfills by separating materials that can be recycled, reused, or composted.
2. Facilitates Safe Disposal and Treatment: Different types of waste require different methods of disposal (e.g., recycling for dry waste, composting for biodegradable waste, and specialized incineration or treatment for hazardous or bio-medical waste). Segregation ensures each goes to the right facility.
3. Prevents Contamination: Separating biodegradable (wet) waste from non-biodegradable (dry) waste prevents recyclables from getting spoiled by organic moisture, making them suitable for recycling.
4. Protects Health and Environment: It ensures that hazardous materials, chemicals, and infectious bio-medical waste are isolated from everyday household garbage, protecting sanitation workers, waste pickers, and the general public from health hazards and environmental pollution.