Key Points
Key Points: Methods of Safe Disposal of Waste > Dumping
- Open dumping is the cheapest method of waste disposal but causes foul smell, pollution, diseases, and spoils the environment.
- Dumping grounds become breeding centres for flies, mosquitoes and rats, spreading epidemics.
- Rainwater runoff from dumping sites carries toxic substances and pollutes surface and groundwater.
- Sanitary landfills are safer as waste is dumped in pits, covered with soil, and allowed to decompose scientifically.
- Sanitary landfills reduce air pollution, fire hazards, water contamination, and health risks compared to open dumping.
Key Points: Methods of Safe Disposal of Waste > Composting
- Composting converts organic waste into useful manure (compost).
- It is an eco-friendly process and does not cause pollution.
- Compost improves soil fertility and water-holding capacity.
- It enriches soil with humus and supports healthy plant growth.
- It reduces soil erosion and the need for chemical fertilisers.
Key Points: Reduce-Reuse-Recycle Waste
- Reduce means minimizing waste generation by improving production processes and using materials efficiently.
- Reuse involves using discarded items again (bottles, tyres, cloth, paper, metal) to reduce waste disposal.
- Recycle converts waste materials like plastic, paper, glass and fly ash into new useful products.
- Plastic waste recycling helps reduce landfill load and is used in making roads, bags and containers.
- 3R approach conserves natural resources, reduces pollution, and supports sustainable waste management.
Key Points: Methods of Safe Disposal of Waste > Segregation
- Segregation of waste means separating waste into wet, dry, biodegradable and non-biodegradable types before disposal.
- Wet and biodegradable waste (food, vegetable peels, garden waste) can be decomposed and converted into compost or biogas.
- Dry and non-biodegradable waste (plastic, glass, metal, paper) cannot decompose naturally and should be recycled or reused.
- Segregation reduces pollution and decreases the amount of waste sent to landfills, saving time, money and effort.
- Using separate dustbins for wet and dry waste at homes and public places is essential for safe waste management.
Key Points: Methods of Safe Disposal of Waste > Incineration
- Incineration is the burning of waste at very high temperatures.
- It is mainly used for hazardous and medical waste in cities.
- The process reduces the volume of waste by about 50%.
- It kills harmful organisms but produces ash and gases like CO₂.
- It is costly and consumes a large amount of energy.
Concepts [6]
- Methods of Safe Disposal of Waste > Segregation
- Methods of Safe Disposal of Waste > Dumping
- Methods of Safe Disposal of Waste > Composting
- Methods of Safe Disposal of Waste > Incineration
- Reduce-Reuse-Recycle Waste
- Overview of Waste Management Part II - Need for Waste Management and Methods of Safe Disposal
