Question

Explain the methods of managing solid waste in urban areas.

Answer 1

Hint: Solid waste management has three major components- collection and transportation; reuse or recycling and treatment or safe disposal. Solid waste management includes sanitary landfill, incineration, pyrolysis, composting and recycling.

Complete answer:
Solid waste management is the process of collecting and treating solid waste for further reuse or proper disposal. Improper disposal of solid waste creates unhygienic conditions and may be the breeding site for many vector borne diseases.

Various methods of solid waste management in urban areas are as follows:
• Sanitary landfill: Garbage is spread out in thin layers, compressed and further covered with soil or plastic foam. They are designed in such a way that the bottom of the landfill is layered with several layers of plastic and sand to prevent groundwater contamination due to leaching or percolation. Similarly, when complete, it is covered with layers of sand, clay and gravel to prevent seepage of water.
• Incineration: It involves burning of the solid waste at high temperatures until the wastes are turned into ashes. Incinerators are specially designed to recycle heat energy known as waste-to-energy plants which are much more expensive. The volume of the waste is largely reduced; however, it emits gaseous pollutants.
• Recycling: This process utilizes waste like plastics, bags, glass etc. for further use. It aims at reducing energy loss, consumption of new material and reduction of landfill area. Although expensive, it’s an eco-friendly process.
• Composting: Only biodegradable waste are filled in yard compost pits for microorganisms to decompose the waste leading to manure production. This manure is very beneficial for plant growth as it is rich in carbon and nitrogen. Although laborious, it is an eco-friendly process.
• Pyrolysis: Solid waste is chemically decomposed in the absence of oxygen. It takes place at high temperature conditions and leaves carbon, ash and gases as residue.

Note: Sanitary landfill is the most widely used method. It can dispose of all sorts of waste making it efficient for solid waste management in urban areas. Although it requires a large area, it ensures hygienic disposal of waste.