Waste Management and Pollution

Collection and transportation of biomedical waste is done in a scientific way. They disinfect transportation vehicle regularly. The waste management is mechanisms are done through different franchises.

Solid waste can be processed through methods like incineration or anaerobic digestion to recover energy, which can then be utilized by industries.

Domestic waste particularly non-biodegradable substances such as polyethene which is used in regular household activities. and dumped.

The portion of solid waste that is hazardous are oils, battery metals, heavy metals from smelting industries and organic solvents. These can in the long run, get deposited to the soils of the surrounding area and pollute them by altering their chemical and biological properties. They also contaminate drinking water aquifer sources. More than 90% of hazardous waste is produced by chemical, petroleum and metal-related industries and small 
businesses such as dry cleaners and gas stations contribute as well.

Animal wastes, papers, leaves are biodegradable. Glass pieces are non-biodegradable.

Decomposers break down complex organic matter into simpler substances, returning nutrients to the soil and thus recycling matter within the ecosystem.

Biogeochemical cycle mainly involves the exchange of materials between biotic and abiotic components of the biosphere. The bio - genetic nutrients are essential elements required by organisms for their body building and metabolism which are provided by earth and returned to earth after the death of organisms and/or through excreta of animals. The decay of excreta and dead bodies of organisms is carried out be decomposers. The activity of decomposers releases the bio - genetic nutrients from excreta and dead bodies of organisms. Hence decomposition activity is most important part of biogeochemical cycles. Else all the nutrients will slowly become trapped in excreta and dead bodies of organisms.

Integrated solid waste management involves the comprehensive process of dealing with waste such as collection, recycling, source reduction, transportation, and landfilling. The waste gets completely treated and safe disposal is made after all the process that renders waste reusable, reduced and recycled.

Biogas is obtained from organic waste. Biogas is a gaseous fuel which is a mixture of different gases that are formed by break down of organic matter in the absence of oxygen. Raw materials such as agricultural waste, manure, municipal waste, plant material, sewage, green waste or food waste are used for the production of biogas.

Effective waste management requires the preventive step as the first stage that is to produce less waste by taking into use the most essential things so that waste is not generated in excessive quantity. Next, it involves reusing of waste material by utilizing its productivity if it is not made disposal after a single-use. Further, it involves the recycling of waste, which can be made to use in one form or another and separating it from toxic substances. The last step involves the disposal of waste which is useless and can’t be brought into use.

Putrescible refers to that solid waste that can be decomposed in the environment by the action of the microorganisms or can be consumed by vectors such as birds or mammals which come high in the food chain. It does not harm the environment as it degrades with the course of nature.

Leachate collection systems in landfills use gravity to move liquid toward low points, where it is then collected and removed via pumping systems.

Medical wastes are classified as infectious wastes and non-infectious waste. Most of the biomedical waste is toxic in nature.

• Non-infectious waste: It is also called as offensive waste. It is not harmful and do not result in spread of any infection. Examples include: catheters, colostomy bags etc.
  
• Infectious wastes: This is the waste that contain pathogens which spread diseases from one person to the other. This includes used dressings, swabs and other materials or equipment that have been in contact with infected patients or excreta. It also includes liquid waste such as faeces, urine, blood and other body secretions.
  

Domestic waste is the waste generated by human dwellings. Human excreta which consists of waste generated as by-products of digestion and excretion like faeces and urine is included in this category. It is included under organic waste as it is composed mostly of organic compounds.

Chemical waste materials should be stored  in separate containers for disposal, each labeled with the contents and identifier as waste.