Waste segregation

1. What is waste segregation?

Waste segregation can be defined as the process of identifying,
classifying, dividing, and sorting of garbage and waste products to reduce,
reuse and recycle materials.
2. Differentiate between dry waste and wet waste?
Dry Waste – Refers to all items that are not considered wet/soiled items.
This includes both recyclable and non-recyclable materials. Dry waste
includes items such as bottles, cans, clothing, plastic, wood, glass, metals
and paper.
Wet Waste – Refers to all items that are organic like food items, soiled
food wrappers, hygiene products, yard waste, tissues, and paper towels,
as well as any other soiled item that would contaminate the recyclables.
3. Explain degradable waste with some examples?
The type of waste that can be broken down by microorganism into some
non-toxic and harmless substances. Ex- food waste, paper, wood, cotton,
etc.
4. What is non-biodegradable waste how is it a harmful for the
environment?
Non-biodegradable wastes are the wastes that cannot be dissolved or
decomposed by natural agents such as micro-organisms and act as a
pollution source.
The following are the problems resulting due to non-biodegradable
wastes:
 The wastes like pesticides, decline the fertility of the soil, with
continuous application, the pH level of the soil turns unsuitable for
vegetation.
 The pesticides also get accumulated progressively at each trophic
level and thus exhibit a harmful effect on the organisms.
 The wastes like plastic burning discharge toxic components into the
surroundings resulting in air pollution.
 The non-biodegradable wastes are the prime reasons for land, air,
soil, and water pollution.

5. Explain open dumping also mention how it is harmful for the

environment?

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Open dumping is the disposal of solid waste in an uncontrolled manner,
typically without any environmental protection or control, often in open
areas without a cover or containment structure.
Open dumping is harmful to the environment because it can lead to soil
and water contamination, damage to plant and wildlife habitats, and
depletion of Earth's protective ozone layer. It also poses health risks to
humans and animals through the spread of disease-causing vectors and
the emission of toxic gases.
6. Differentiate between toxic and non toxic waste?
Toxic waste is hazardous waste that can cause harm to human health and
the environment, such as chemicals, heavy metals, and other pollutants.
Non-toxic waste is waste that does not pose significant health or
environmental risks, such as organic waste, recyclables, and non-
hazardous materials.
7. Why it is said that open dump is breeding ground for mosquitoes?
Open dumps are breeding grounds for mosquitoes due to the
accumulation of stagnant water. Mosquitoes require stagnant water to lay
their eggs, and open dumps often contain pools or puddles of water where
larvae can thrive. This abundance of stagnant water provides an ideal
environment for mosquito breeding, contributing to increased mosquito
populations in the surrounding area.
8. How is sanitary landfill different from open dumping of waste?
Sanitary landfilling involves the controlled disposal of waste in designated
areas with engineered liners, leachate collection systems, and monitoring.
In contrast, open dumping refers to haphazard waste disposal without
containment measures, leading to environmental pollution and public
health risks. Sanitary landfills aim to minimize these risks through
regulated waste management practices.
9. Can you say that sanitary landfill is a safer method of dumping
waste if yes give a reason?
Yes, sanitary landfilling is a safer method of waste disposal compared to
open dumping. Sanitary landfills incorporate engineered systems such as
liners and leachate collection systems, which help contain and manage
waste, preventing contamination of surrounding soil and water sources.
Additionally, regular monitoring and maintenance further enhance safety
by minimizing environmental and public health risks associated with
waste disposal.
10. Explain the method of sanitary landfill in five steps?
Methods of sanitary landfill are:

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1. Site selection and preparation: Suitable locations are chosen away from
sensitive environmental areas. The site is prepared by clearing
vegetation, leveling the ground, and installing infrastructure such as
access roads.
2. Installation of liners and leachate collection systems: Protective liners,
typically made of materials like clay or synthetic geomembranes, are
installed to prevent leachate (liquid formed by decomposing waste) from
contaminating surrounding soil and groundwater. Leachate collection
systems are also installed to capture and properly manage any leachate
that does form.
3. Controlled deposition of waste in layers: Waste is systematically
deposited in designated areas of the landfill, typically in layers or cells.
Each layer is compacted to maximize space utilization and minimize
settling.
4. Compaction of waste: Compaction machinery such as compactors or
bulldozers is used to compress the deposited waste, reducing its volume
and promoting decomposition. Compaction also helps to prevent air
pockets and minimize odors.
5.Covering the waste: Once a layer or cell is filled, it is covered with a
layer of soil or other materials to minimize odors, deter scavengers, and
prevent littering. This covering also helps to control vectors like insects
and rodents and promotes a more aesthetically pleasing appearance of
the landfill site.

11. Which type of plants should be planted near the landfill and
why?
Native plants are typically recommended for planting near landfills for
several reasons:
1. Erosion control: Native plants have deep root systems that help
stabilize the soil, reducing erosion caused by wind and water runoff.
2. Absorption of excess moisture: Landfills can produce excess
moisture from decomposing waste and leachate. Native plants can
absorb some of this moisture, helping to prevent waterlogging and
runoff.
3. Air quality improvement: Native plants can help improve air
quality by absorbing pollutants and releasing oxygen through
photosynthesis, contributing to a healthier environment around the
landfill.
4. Habitat creation: Planting native vegetation near landfills can
create habitats for wildlife, supporting biodiversity in the area.

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 12. What precautions should be taken by the municipal waste
management while collection of municipal solid waste?
Municipal waste management should take several precautions during the
collection of municipal solid waste:
1. Safety gear: Workers should wear appropriate personal protective
equipment (PPE) such as gloves, masks, and safety goggles to
protect against physical injury and exposure to hazardous materials.
2. Proper handling: Waste should be handled carefully to prevent
spills, leaks, and injuries. Workers should use appropriate lifting
techniques and equipment to avoid strains and other injuries.
3. Segregation: Waste should be segregated at the source whenever
possible to facilitate recycling and proper disposal. Separate
collection bins or bags may be used for different types of waste,
such as recyclables, organic waste, and hazardous materials.
4. Hygiene: Workers should maintain good hygiene practices, such
as washing hands regularly and avoiding direct contact with waste
materials to minimize the risk of contamination and the spread of
infectious diseases.
5. Vehicle maintenance: Collection vehicles should be well-
maintained to ensure safe and efficient operation. Regular
inspections and servicing of vehicles can help prevent accidents and
breakdowns.
6. Route planning: Efficient route planning can minimize fuel
consumption, emissions, and traffic congestion, reducing the
environmental impact of waste collection activities.
By adhering to these precautions, municipal waste management can
ensure the safe and effective collection of municipal solid waste while
minimizing risks to both workers and the environment.

13. Mention the three main criteria that should be followed while
establishing and maintaining storage facilities for municipal solid
waste?
Three main criteria for establishing and maintaining storage facilities for
municipal solid waste are:
1. Location: Storage facilities should be located away from
residential areas to minimize potential impacts on public health and
quality of life. Ideally, they should be situated in areas with good
access to transportation routes for efficient waste collection and
disposal.
2. Capacity and Infrastructure: Facilities should have sufficient
capacity to accommodate the volume of waste generated by the
community. They should also be equipped with appropriate
infrastructure for waste handling, such as bins, containers, and

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 compaction equipment, to ensure efficient storage and
management.
3. Compliance with Regulations: Storage facilities must comply with
relevant environmental regulations and safety standards to protect
public health and the environment. This includes proper waste
containment, Odor control measures, and prevention of
groundwater contamination. Regular monitoring and maintenance
are essential to ensure ongoing compliance with regulatory
requirements.

14. Why do you think while transporting the municipal solid waste
it should be properly covered and do you think it’ll help in reducing
the waste menace?
Transporting municipal solid waste with proper covering is essential for
several reasons:
Prevention of littering: Covered transport prevents waste from
blowing out of the vehicle and littering the surrounding
environment, reducing visual pollution and the need for additional
cleanup efforts.
Odor control: Proper covering helps contain odors emitted by the
waste, minimizing unpleasant smells that can affect nearby
communities and motorists.
Prevention of vermin and pests: Covered transport prevents
scavengers such as birds, rodents, and insects from accessing the
waste, reducing the spread of pests and potential health hazards.
Reduced risk of accidents: Covered transport reduces the risk of
accidents caused by loose debris falling off the vehicle, which can
pose hazards to other motorists and pedestrians.
Environmental protection: Properly covered transport helps prevent
pollutants and contaminants from leaching into the environment
during transit, minimizing the risk of soil and water pollution.

15. What is composting?

Composting is a natural process of decomposing organic materials, such
as food scraps, yard waste, and plant matter, into nutrient-rich soil
amendment known as compost. This process is facilitated by
microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, and other decomposers, breaking
down the organic matter into a humus-like substance through aerobic
decomposition. Composting can be done on a small scale in backyard
compost bins or on a larger scale in commercial composting facilities.

16. What are the advantages of composting?

The advantages of composting include:

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Waste reduction: Composting diverts organic waste from landfills,
reducing the volume of waste sent for disposal and extending the lifespan
of landfill sites.
Nutrient-rich soil amendment: Compost enriches soil with essential
nutrients, improving soil structure, fertility, and water retention capacity,
which enhances plant growth and health.
Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions: Composting organic waste
instead of sending it to landfills helps mitigate greenhouse gas emissions,
particularly methane, a potent greenhouse gas produced during anaerobic
decomposition in landfills.
Soil erosion prevention: Compost helps prevent soil erosion by stabilizing
soil structure and enhancing its ability to retain moisture, reducing the
risk of runoff and soil loss.
Cost savings: Composting reduces the need for chemical fertilizers and
soil amendments, saving money on agricultural inputs and landscaping
maintenance.
Promotion of biodiversity: Healthy soil enriched with compost supports
diverse microbial communities and beneficial organisms, contributing to
ecosystem resilience and biodiversity.
Community engagement: Composting encourages community
involvement in sustainable waste management practices, fostering
environmental awareness and stewardship.

17. How does composting happen?

Initial decomposition: When organic materials such as food scraps, yard
waste, and plant matter are combined in a compost pile or bin,
microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and protozoa begin breaking
down the organic matter.
Mesophilic phase: During this phase, the compost pile heats up as
microorganisms metabolize organic materials. Temperature within the pile
typically rises to around 40-50°C (104-122°F). Mesophilic microorganisms
dominate, breaking down easily decomposable materials.
Thermophilic phase: As the temperature continues to rise above 50°C
(122°F), thermophilic microorganisms become dominant. These heat-
loving organisms accelerate the decomposition process, breaking down
complex organic compounds into simpler substances.
Cooling phase: Eventually, the temperature of the compost pile begins to
decrease as the supply of readily available organic materials diminishes.
At this stage, mesophilic microorganisms return, and the compost pile
cools down.

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Maturation phase: The compost pile matures as decomposition slows
down and stabilizes. The resulting compost becomes a dark, crumbly, and
earthy-smelling material known as humus, rich in nutrients and beneficial
microorganisms.

18. What are incinerators?

Incinerators are facilities designed to burn waste materials at high
temperatures, typically between 850°C to 1,200°C (1,562°F to 2,192°F).
This process reduces solid waste to ash, gases, and heat. Incinerators may
be used for municipal solid waste, hazardous waste, medical waste, or
sewage sludge. The heat generated during incineration can be used to
produce steam for electricity generation or heating purposes. However,
incinerators also produce air pollutants and require strict emission
controls to minimize environmental and health impacts.

19. What kind of waste is destroyed in the incinerator and why?

Incinerators typically destroy various types of waste, including municipal
solid waste, medical waste, hazardous waste, and industrial waste. The
primary reason for incineration is to reduce the volume of waste, minimize
the need for landfill space, and potentially recover energy from the
combustion process.

20. What are the benefits of three R’s?

The three R's—Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle—offer numerous benefits:
Reduce: Reducing consumption and waste generation conserves natural
resources, minimizes environmental impact, and saves money.
Reuse: Reusing items prolongs their lifespan, reduces the need for new
products, and decreases waste generation and disposal.
Recycle: Recycling materials conserves resources, reduces energy
consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, and helps create a circular
economy.
21. Indore is considered the cleanest city in India write few points
on the indoor model of waste treatment.
Indore's waste treatment model includes:
 Efficient waste segregation at source
 Door-to-door waste collection system
 Segregation of dry and wet waste
 Composting of organic waste
 Recycling of recyclable materials

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  Effective public awareness and community participation

22. Do you think plastic can be used in construction of roads

write a case study from the engineering College of Madurai how
have they used the plastic in creating roads?
Plastic has been used in the construction of roads to enhance durability
and reduce environmental impact. A case study from the Engineering
College of Madurai involved mixing shredded plastic waste with bitumen
to create a modified bitumen mix. This mix was used in road construction,
resulting in improved road quality, increased durability, and reduced
plastic waste in landfills.

23. Mention any three ways in which you are reducing the waste
generation at your home.
Ways to reduce waste generation at home:
Source reduction: Purchase items with minimal packaging, buy in bulk to
reduce packaging waste, and choose products with minimal
environmental impact.
Reuse: Use durable, reusable products instead of single-use items, such
as reusable bags, containers, and water bottles.
Recycle: Separate recyclable materials and participate in recycling
programs offered by local authorities or recycling centers.