Tag: e-waste management

Biomedical waste is waste that is either putrescible or potentially infectious. Biomedical waste may also include waste associated with the generation of biomedical waste that visually appears to be of medical or laboratory origin (e.g., packaging, unused bandages, infusion kits, etc.), as well research laboratory waste containing biomolecules or organisms that are restricted from environmental release. 

Electronic waste or e-waste describes discarded electrical or electronic devices. Used electronics which are destined for reuse, resale, salvage, recycling or disposal are also considered e-waste. Informal processing of electronic waste in developing countries may cause serious health and pollution problems, as these countries have limited regulatory oversight of e-waste processing. 

Biomedical waste may be solid or liquid. Examples of infectious waste include discarded blood, unwanted microbiological cultures and stocks, identifiable body parts, other human or animal tissue, used bandages and dressings, discarded gloves, other medical supplies that may have been in contact with blood and body fluids and laboratory waste that exhibits the characteristics described above. 

The waste that is generated from electronic gadgets is called as e-waste. Several hazardous material/ chemical are categorized as e-waste like beryllium, lead, Cd etc.

Biomedical wastes, industrial wastes, domestic wastes etc., are burnt in and incinerator at high temperature. Incineration is an industrial combustion process designed to reduce unwanted material to simple solid and gaseous residues.

• (p)e-waste - (iv)Irreparable waste - Irreparable computers and other electronic goods are known as electronic wastes (e-waste). Electronic waste or e-waste describes discarded electrical or electronic devices. When electronic waste is thrown away in landfills their toxic materials seep into groundwater, affecting both land and sea animals.
• (q)Biodegradable waste - (iii)Green waste -Green waste is an organic waste that can be composted. As green waste can be degraded by natural processes into some usable forms they are called a biodegradable waste.
• (r)Inert waste - (ii)Dirt -Inert waste is waste which is neither chemically nor biologically reactive and will not decompose. Examples of this are sand and concrete. Inert waste is also called as dirt.
• (s)Composite waste -(i)Waste clothing - Composite is a material made of 2 or more materials. Hence the overall properties are dependent on the type of reinforcement and matrix. Once the material has done its part and it no longer used it is needed to be replaced.

Pyrolysis is a thermochemical decomposition of organic material at elevated temperatures in the absence of oxygen, which produces energy-rich gases and oils. Other methods listed are primarily for containment or treatment rather than energy recovery.

Biomedical waste includes infectious waste, which is waste that is contaminated by body fluids or radioactive chemicals such as chemotherapy drugs. The waste may include needles, disposable tools and other materials. Improper management of biomedical waste can result in contamination of air, soil and water with pathogens and toxic chemicals which may affect all forms of life. Inadequate waste management may lead to transmission of diseases like typhoid, cholera, etc. Infectious agents such as faeces, vomit, saliva, secretions, blood can cause serious health risks on individuals by affecting organs or systems like gastrointestinal, respiratory, eye, skin and cause Anthrax, Meningitis, AIDS, Haemorrhagic Fever, Hepatitis A, B, C, Influenza etc.

Municipal waste is defined as waste collected from residential, commercial, and institutional sources within a municipality. It is distinct from industrial or hazardous waste streams.

Solid waste management is primarily an urban problem because of the high concentration of people and consumption in cities, which creates significant logistical and environmental challenges for local governments.