Waste Management: Definition, Principles, Causes, Benefits
Waste management, often known as disposal, is the process of handling waste from the moment it is created until it is completely disposed of. Check this article to know more about waste management and its causes.
Jasdeep Bhatia1 Mar, 2024
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From an Ecological standpoint, it is crucial to comprehend the causes of waste management. Without effective waste management, there would be a lot of trash on the streets, and lakes and rivers would be exceedingly dangerous for life.
If careful waste management procedures weren't in place, it would harm human health. As a result, after environmental catastrophes, particularly oil spills, the primary causes of waste management procedures are put into action. The principles involved in making sure that the right actions and activities are carried out from the point of creation to disposal are the main goal of waste management. Waste management concepts were mostly developed due to people's ignorance about the state of the environment. In this article, the causes behind waste management and its principles have been discussed in detail.Aerobic and Anaerobic Respiration
What is Waste Management
- Waste is any undesired or useless material that is generated. The operations from the collection of trash and other types of waste through their disposal are all included in waste management.
- All waste is handled in this procedure, which also involves several recycling steps. It will be extremely advantageous for households and different enterprises if all the rubbish created is recycled as some kind of useful resource.
- We must use resources wisely and recycle the garbage we produce because resources are being depleted at an accelerated rate and several environmental issues are getting worse every day.
- Although waste cannot be removed from the environment, it can be managed to create sustainable growth.
Principles of Waste Management
The Waste Management principles are based on the 7 R’s which are mentioned below-Refuse
People should refrain from purchasing items that are excessively packaged or that are packed in plastic bags, such as vegetables, because they may affect the environment. When making grocery shop purchases, they are required to have a reusable bag with them. Even though it can be challenging, making an effort to avoid plastic products will help reduce plastic waste and promote effective waste management.Rethink
Rethinking before making a purchase will help you avoid making unnecessary purchases since if we acquire new products and do not use them effectively, they will go to waste and cause water or land pollution. For instance, to reduce plastic water bottles, consumers should use reusable bottles made of stainless steel or glass. It will protect both the environment and personal space.Reduce
Reducing waste can be accomplished by making tiny adjustments to daily activities. People can start reducing the waste in their homes by using less plastic, recycling glass jars, buying in bulk, reusing storage containers, and utilizing recycled paper for packing. While businesses can also reduce industrial waste by acquiring recycled paper or preserving papers in the system. These will all have a significant impact on preserving nature.Reuse and repair
Before throwing something out, people should think of methods to repair or recycle anything. Products that a person cannot reject, reduce or reuse may be repurposed. Upcycling is another name for repurposing. Since most people are selling reusable items by employing their imagination and producing imaginative and moving results, this idea primarily aids in reducing waste. The consumption of materials will be reduced as a result of repairs. Avoid throwing away items that can be fixed because doing so will increase costs and negatively impact the environment.Reuse
Recycling is the most effective technique to repurpose trash and lessen waste because it uses less energy, time, and money. Many companies now produce recyclable goods, and consumers choose to buy them since they contribute to environmental conservation.Rot
Food waste is recycled through composting to create nutrient-rich soil. To safeguard ecological health, individuals and organizations should take preventative measures to reduce organic waste. For the garbage to decay quickly, it must be properly separated. Biodegradable trash is converted into fertilizer through the composting process, which can then be used to plant trees.Causes of Waste Management
The primary factors which have resulted in establishing Waste Management principles and processes include the following- The management of trash is primarily the responsibility of the human species. More garbage is produced than we can handle. Therefore, our health and the ecosystem would start to suffer if there is no waste management.
- The manner we gather our waste is the other factor in waste management. We combine all trash types, which makes cleanup more challenging.
- Waste management is also a result of urbanization. For a variety of reasons, individuals are moving from rural areas to major cities daily. As a result, urban cities are under more stress, which makes waste management more important in these crowded cities.
- Waste management is not well known to the public. They are ignorant of the damaging effects of waste on the environment and the fact that waste of any kind can be recycled to provide valuable resources. Therefore, waste management should be made more widely known.
- Learning to distinguish between biodegradable and non-biodegradable trash is necessary for waste management. Recycling will be simpler as a result.
- The businesses are manufacturing low-quality, non-recyclable products that end up in the trash. Therefore, businesses must pay attention to this and transform their products into reusable forms that will reduce their impact on the environment.
- The expanding population and advancing technology are two of the main drivers.
Benefits of Waste Management
- Waste management can contribute to the creation of a more hygienic environment.
- Additionally, waste management will stop many other diseases.
- By managing waste, greenhouse gas emissions are reduced.
- Another aspect of waste management is recycling. Recycling supports sustainable development and aids in energy saving.
- Deforestation is prevented by recycling paper.
- The waste management sector offers a variety of employment opportunities. Several businesses sell recycled goods, generating employment opportunities and preserving the environment at the same time.
Waste Management FAQs
What is the most significant cause of Waste Management?
Human activities are the most significant contributor to waste products which have created a need for sustainable development through waste management. Humans generate more waste than all other species combined and therefore, it is our responsibility to manage the waste properly and prevent environmental and habitat destruction.m
What are the four common types of Waste Management processes?
Processes like Incineration, Landfill dumping, Decomposition, and Composting are frequently used for Wate Management. All these processes help in creating the dry matter of the waste particles.
Can non-biodegradable wastes be managed?
Yes, through the processes of Incineration, enzymatic degradation, and Landfill dumping non-biodegradable wastes like plastics, electronic wastes, and medical equipment can also be managed.
What is E-Waste Management?
The advancement in technologies has resulted in the large-scale production of electronic devices like computers, mobiles, chipsets, and other items. The management of wastes generated from such items is included under E-waste management.
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