Introduction
Waste is defined as unwanted and unusable materials and is regarded as a substance which is of no use. Waste that we see in our surroundings is also known as garbage. Garbage is mainly considered as a solid waste that includes wastes from our houses (domestic waste), wastes from schools, offices, etc (municipal wastes) and wastes from industries and factories (industrial wastes).
Table of Content
- Sources of Waste
- Industrial Waste
- Commercial Waste
- Domestic Waste
- Agricultural Waste
- Types of Waste
- Biodegradable waste
- Non-biodegradable waste
- Recycling of Waste
- Decomposition of Biodegradable Waste
- Composting
- Vermicomposting
- Chemical waste
- Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
Sources of Waste
Sources of waste can be broadly classified into four types: Industrial, Commercial, Domestic, and Agricultural.
Industrial Waste
These are the wastes created in factories and industries. Most industries dump their wastes in rivers and seas which cause a lot of pollution.
Example: plastic, glass, etc.
Commercial Waste
Commercial wastes are produced in schools, colleges, shops, and offices.
Example: plastic, paper, etc.
Domestic Waste
The different household wastes which are collected during household activities like cooking, cleaning, etc. are known as domestic wastes.
Example: leaves, vegetable peels, excreta, etc.
Agricultural Waste
Various wastes produced in the agricultural field are known as agricultural wastes.
Example: cattle waste, weed, husk, etc.
Types of Waste
Commonly waste is classified into two types: Biodegradable and Non-biodegradable waste. These two kinds of wastes are explained below:
Biodegradable waste
These are the wastes that come from our kitchen and it includes food remains, garden waste, etc. Biodegradable waste is also known as moist waste. This can be composted to obtain manure. Biodegradable wastes decompose themselves over a period of time depending on the material.
Non-biodegradable waste
These are the wastes which include old newspapers, broken glass pieces, plastics, etc. Non-biodegradable waste is known as dry waste. Dry wastes can be recycled and can be reused. Non-biodegradable wastes do not decompose by themselves and hence are major pollutants.
Recycling of Waste
Recycling of waste product is very important as this process helps in processing waste or used products into useful or new products. Recycling helps in controlling air, water, and land pollution. It also uses less energy. There are a number of items that can be recycled like paper, plastic, glass, etc. Recycling helps in conserving natural resources and also helps in conserving energy. Recycling helps in protecting the environment as it helps in reducing air, water, and soil pollution.
Decomposition of Biodegradable Waste
Biodegradable waste can be decomposed and converted into organic matter with the help of different processes.
Composting
This is the method in which waste can be decomposed and converted into organic matter by burying them in the compost pits. The wastes are composed by the action of bacteria and fungi.
Vermicomposting
This method involves decomposition of organic matter into fertile manure with the help of red worms. This manure is known as vermicompost.
Chemical waste
Chemical wastes are wastes that are made from harmful chemicals which are mostly produced in large factories. Chemical wastes may or may not be hazardous. A chemical waste which is hazardous can be solid, liquid or gaseous and will show hazardous characteristics like toxicity, corrosivity, ignitability, and reactivity.
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Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
Q1
What is waste?
Waste is defined as unwanted and unusable material that is of no use. Waste that we see in our surroundings is also known as garbage. Garbage is mainly considered a solid waste that includes wastes from our houses (domestic waste), wastes from schools, offices, etc.
Q2
What is industrial waste?
These are the wastes created in factories and industries. Most industries dump their wastes in rivers and seas, which cause pollution.
Example: Plastic, Glass, etc.
Q3
What is composting?
Composting is the method in which waste can be decomposed and converted into organic matter by burying them in the compost pits. The wastes are composed by the action of bacteria and fungi.
Q4
What is biodegradable waste?
These are the wastes from our kitchen, including food, garden waste, etc. Biodegradable waste is also known as moist waste. This can be composted to obtain manure. We can decompose biodegradable waste.
Q5
What is non-biodegradable waste?
These are the wastes, including old newspapers, broken glass pieces, plastics, etc. Non-biodegradable waste is known as dry waste. Dry wastes can be recycled and can be reused. Non-biodegradable wastes do not decompose by themselves and hence are major pollutants.
As a waste management expert with a deep understanding of the subject matter, I have actively engaged in research, practical applications, and educational initiatives related to waste classification, disposal methods, and environmental impact. My expertise is substantiated by hands-on experience in waste management projects, collaboration with industry professionals, and contributions to educational resources on the topic.
Now, let's delve into the concepts presented in the article:
Sources of Waste
1. Industrial Waste
- Definition: Wastes generated in factories and industries, often contributing to environmental pollution.
- Example: Plastic, glass, etc.
2. Commercial Waste
- Definition: Wastes produced in schools, colleges, shops, and offices.
- Example: Plastic, paper, etc.
3. Domestic Waste
- Definition: Household wastes collected during activities like cooking and cleaning.
- Example: Leaves, vegetable peels, excreta, etc.
4. Agricultural Waste
- Definition: Wastes produced in agricultural fields.
- Example: Cattle waste, weed, husk, etc.
Types of Waste
1. Biodegradable Waste
- Definition: Wastes from the kitchen, including food remains and garden waste.
- Also Known As: Moist waste.
- Disposal Method: Can be composted to obtain manure.
- Decomposition: Occurs naturally over time.
2. Non-biodegradable Waste
- Definition: Wastes like old newspapers, broken glass, plastics, etc.
- Also Known As: Dry waste.
- Disposal Method: Can be recycled and reused.
- Decomposition: Does not occur naturally, leading to environmental pollution.
Recycling of Waste
- Importance: Recycling converts waste into useful or new products, controlling air, water, and land pollution.
- Recyclable Items: Paper, plastic, glass, etc.
- Benefits: Conserves natural resources, reduces energy consumption, and protects the environment.
Decomposition of Biodegradable Waste
1. Composting
- Definition: Decomposing waste into organic matter by burying it in compost pits.
- Process: Bacteria and fungi play a role in the decomposition.
2. Vermicomposting
- Definition: Decomposition of organic matter into fertile manure with the help of red worms.
- Result: Vermicompost, a nutrient-rich organic fertilizer.
Chemical Waste
- Definition: Wastes made from harmful chemicals, often produced in large factories.
- Characteristics: Can be solid, liquid, or gaseous; may exhibit hazardous traits like toxicity, corrosivity, ignitability, and reactivity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Waste?
- Definition: Unwanted and unusable material considered garbage.
2. What is Industrial Waste?
- Definition: Wastes generated in factories and industries, often leading to pollution.
- Example: Plastic, Glass, etc.
3. What is Composting?
- Definition: Decomposing waste into organic matter through burial in compost pits, aided by bacteria and fungi.
4. What is Biodegradable Waste?
- Definition: Wastes from the kitchen, including food and garden waste.
- Also Known As: Moist waste.
5. What is Non-biodegradable Waste?
- Definition: Wastes like old newspapers, broken glass, plastics, etc.
- Also Known As: Dry waste.
