Question

How can you help in reducing the problem of waste disposal? Give any two methods.

Answer 1

Hint: Disposal of waste involves collection & categorization of wastes, transport to disposal site & disposal of waste. There are three ‘R’s about the reduction the waste disposal –
- Reduce
- Reuse
- Recycle

Complete answer:
All solid wastes are categorized into 3 categories –
Biodegradable: These wastes are put into deep pits in the ground & be left for natural breakdown by microbes.
Non-biodegradable: These wastes pose problems in disposal as they can’t be naturally decomposed.
Recyclable: These wastes can be again turned into usable products after processing i.e. can be recycled.
Two methods of reducing the problem of waste disposal –
RECOVERY & RECYCLING: Recovery of these articles which can be recycled is carried out with the help of rag pickers (dabbawalas). These articles are tins, cans & other metal wastes, glass, plastic, polythene, rags, paper & cardboard. Plastics on recycling form new but somewhat inferior plastic. Waste polyethylene is recycled to form new polyethylene.
State governments across the country are trying to push for a reduction in the use of plastics & the use of eco-friendly packaging. We can do our bit by carrying cloth or other natural fibre carry-bags when we go shopping & by refusing polythene bags.
DUMPING (LANDFILLING): Dumping is the piling of wastes on selected low-lying lands. It is of two types -
Open dumping / open fill: Dumping of wastes on the uncovered low-lying areas.
Sanitary dumping/ sanitary fill: Dumping of waste in a depression or trench after compaction & covered with dirt every day.

Note:
Except for these two, the other methods of solid waste disposal are:
- Source reduction
- Burning Incineration & Pyrolysis, etc.