4. 4
What is Waste?
Waste and wastes are
unwanted or unusable
materials.
Waste is any substance which is
discarded after primary use, or it
is worthless, defective and of no
use.
5. 5
How waste is generated?
Wastes are generated from variety of sources such as
household ,commercial establishments, industrial
processes, agricultural practices and from others.
Waste is generated in small ,medium and large cities and
towns are about 0.1 kg ,0.3 kg,0.4 kg,0.5 kg etc.
Types of Waste
• Municipal solid waste
• Industrial waste
• Agricultural waste
• Hazardous waste
• Medical waste
7. Industrial Waste
• Industrial waste is the waste produced
by industrial activity which includes
any material that is rendered useless
during a manufacturing processes such
as that of factories, mills, and mining
operation.
• Some examples of industrial wastes
are chemical solvents, paints,
sandpaper ,paper products, radioactive
waste
7
8. Toxic waste ,chemical waste,industrial solid waste and
municipal solid waste are deginations of industrial
waste.
Industrial wastes containing toxic pollutants require
specialized treatment systems.
Industrial Waste includes:
• Manufacturing
• Mining
• Coal Combustion
• Oil and gas production
8
9. Municipal Solid Waste
• MSW is defined as any waste generated by household,
commercial and/or institutional activities and is not
hazardous Municipal solid waste (MSW), commonly
known as trash or garbage in the U.S. and as refuse or
rubbish in the UK, is a waste type consisting of
everyday items that are discarded by the public.
• Garbage" can also refer specifically to food waste, as in
a garbage disposal; the two are sometimes collected
separately.
9
10. Agricultural Waste
.Agricultural waste are wastes from agricultural operations.
.Agricultural wastes include crop residues such as corn stalks, sugarcane
leavings, nutshells, animal manure from cattle, forestry residues, such as wood
chips, bark, sawdust, timber slash, and ,municipal waste such as waste paper and
yard clippings.
.Chemical fertilizers and pesticides have become essential for present day high
yielding crops.
.Consequently, they have become a potential source of water pollution. This
fertilizers contain major plants nutrients mainly nitrogen, phosphorus and
potassium.
10
11. Questions-1: Which types of industrial waste are more harmful?
Answer:
Industrial waste are more harmful. Industrial waste is defined as waste generated by
manufacturing or industrial processes. The types of industrial waste generated include
cafeteria garbage, dirt and gravel, masonry and concrete, scrap metals, trash, oil, solvents,
chemicals, weed grass and trees, wood and scrap lumber, and similar wastes.
There are mainly three types of industrial waste:
• Chemical waste
• Solid waste
• Toxic and Hazardous Waste
Chemical waste is typically generated by factories, processing centers, warehouses, and
plants.
11
12. Among them, chemical wastes are more harmful, because:
• Chemical waste from various industrial sectors contains many pollutants that are
toxic and have hazardous effects on human and aquatic life as well as on agriculture. Such
pollutants include heavy metals like chromium (Cr), zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), copper (Cu), iron (Fe),
cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), arsenic (As) and mercury (Hg). Most of these heavy metal pollutants
are released by paint and dye manufacturing, textile, pharmaceutical, paper and fine chemical
industries.
• Phenol and phenolic compounds are also one of the major pollutants present in industrial
wastewater. They are mostly released by oil refineries, phenol–formaldehyde resin and bulk
drug manufacturing industries.
• A number of poorly biodegradable refractory pollutants like petroleum hydrocarbons,
sulfides, aniline, naphthalenic acid, organochlorines, olefins, nitrobenzene, alkanes and
chloroalkanes, generated by the petrochemical industries are present in wastewater The
composition of petrochemical wastes is chemically very complex and their treatment by
biological methods is slow and not very effective. 12
13. Question:Who are the victims of industrial waste?
• Workers of industrial enterprise themselves are the direct victims of the pollution created, as illustrated
most glaringly by the situation in the tannery industry of Bangladesh. Because there is no proper waste
management system here.
• In the interest of workers of industrial enterprises to fight against pollution to save both themselves
from the direct impact of pollution and the neighboring population and the people of Bangladesh large from
the damaging consequences of industrial pollution.
• Workers are undoubtedly exposed to a wide array of hazards of varying magnitude depending on the
job specific functions. For instance, a worker in a mine may endanger his life through exposure to heat,
unstable lighting condition and deoxygenated air, while an industrial worker in asbestos plant may be
exposed to such air pollutants like toluene and benzene.
• Industrial pollution directly affects health of the workers through serious chemicals they discharge
focus on the nature of the industry. These chemicals, beyond a specified limit have adverse effects on
human health. The effects are seen in the heart, blood, kidneys, reproductive organs, lungs, liver amongst
others. 13
14. Integrated Solid Waste Management(ISWM)
Integrated Solid Waste Management (ISWM) is a
comprehensive waste prevention, recycling,
composting, and disposal program.
An effective ISWM system considers how to prevent,
recycle, and manage solid waste in ways that most
effectively protect human health and the environment.
The selection and application of suitable techniques,
technologies and management programs to achieve
specific waste management and objective goals.
14
16. Hierarchy of ISWM
Source reduction
Highest rank of the ISWM
Most effective way to reduce the quantity waste ,costs ,&
environment impacts.
Involve reducing the amount and toxicity of the waste
May occur through the design ,manufacture , packaging the products
Minimum toxic content
Minimum volume of material
Longer useful life
May also occur at the household , commercial , industrial facility
Selective buying patterns &reuse of product &material.
16
17. Hierarchy of ISWM
Recycle
Second highest rank
Important factor in reducing the demand or resources & the amount of waste requiring disposal
by landfill
Separation and collection of waste materials
Preparation of the material for reuse, processing, remanufacture.
Reuse ,reprocessing and remanufacture these materials
Landfilling
For solid waste that control recycle & no future use
Residual matter remaining after separation
Residual matter remaining after recovery of combustion products
Involves the controlled disposal of waste
17
18. Hierarchy of ISWM
Waste Transformation
Involved the physical, chemical or biological alteration
Improve the efficiency of SWM operation & systems
To recover reusable & recyclable materials
To recover conversion products and energy
Heat & biogas
Reduce use of landfill capacity
18
19. Questions-2: What is landfilling?
A landfill site, also known as a tip, dump, rubbish dump, garbage dump, or dumping ground, is
a site for the disposal of waste materials. Landfill is the oldest and most common form of waste
disposal, although the systematic burial of the waste with daily, intermediate and final covers
only began in the 1940s. In the past, refuse was simply left in piles or thrown into pits; in
archeology this is known as a midden.
• Some landfill sites are used for waste management purposes, such as temporary storage,
consolidation and transfer, or for various stages of processing waste material, such as sorting,
treatment, or recycling. Unless they are stabilized, landfills may undergo severe shaking or soil
liquefaction of the ground during an earthquake. Once full, the area over a landfill site may be
reclaimed for other uses.
A landfill is an engineered pit, in which layers of solid waste are filled, compacted and covered
for final disposal. It is lined at the bottom to prevent groundwater pollution. Engineered
landfills consist of a lined bottom; a leachate collection and treatment system; groundwater
monitoring; gas extraction (the gas is flared or used for energy production) and a cap system.
19
20. Question:Why characterization of waste is important?
• Waste characterization means finding out how much paper, glass, food waste, etc. is discarded
in your waste stream. Waste characterization information helps in planning how to reduce waste, set
up recycling programs, and conserve money and resources.
• Careful and robust classification of waste materials is important given the strict controls
required for storage, treatment and disposal of hazardous waste, in addition to the higher costs
involved compared with other waste types. It is also important to ensure that wastes are disposed of
in the correct landfill sites.
• Waste characterization (waste characterization US) is the process by which the composition of
different waste streams is analyzed. Waste characterization plays an important part in any treatment
of waste which may occur. Developers of new waste technologies must take into account what
exactly waste streams consist of in order to fully treat the waste. The biodegradable element of the
waste stream is vitally important in the use of systems such as composting or anaerobic digestion.
20
21. Types of solid waste
• mining waste (including oil and gas production) - the largest
amount by volume
• agriculture waste (including food processing waste, but not
household food waste)
• industrial solid waste (nonhazardous)
• sewage sludge
• construction and demolition waste - sometimes included in
other groups
• hazardous waste (wastes which are flammable, corrosive,
reactive, or toxic)
• municipal solid waste (MSW) - waste from the community
including household and commercial wastes
21
22. Question: Which type of waste are mostly affected on Climate change? Describe it.
Industrial waste mostly affected on climate change.
Industrial waste is an all-encompassing term used to describe material considered to be no longer of
use after a manufacturing process has been completed.
Industrial waste can be hazardous or non-hazardous. Both, however, can cause substantial damage to
the environment if not properly managed.
Any factories and most power plants are located near bodies of water to obtain large amounts of water
for manufacturing processes or for equipment cooling. In the US, electric power plants are the largest
water users. Other industries using large amounts of water are pulp and paper mills, chemical plants,
iron and steel mills, petroleum refineries, food processing plants and aluminum smelters.
Many less-developed countries that are becoming industrialized do not yet have the resources or
technology to dispose their wastes with minimal impacts on the environment. Both untreated and
partially treated wastewater are commonly fed back into a near lying body of water. Metals, chemicals
and sewage released into bodies of water directly affect marine ecosystems and the health of those
who depend on the waters as food or drinking water sources. Toxins from the wastewater can kill off
marine life or cause varying degrees of illness to those who consume these marine animals, depending
on the contaminant. Metals and chemicals released into bodies of water affect the marine ecosystems.
22
23. 23
The disposal and treatment of industrial waste can produce emissions of several greenhouse
gases (GHGs), which contribute to global climate change. The most significant GHG gas
produced from waste is methane. It is released during the breakdown of organic matter in
landfills. Other forms of waste disposal also produce GHGs but these are mainly in the form
of carbon dioxide (a less powerful GHG). Even the recycling of waste produces some
emissions (although these are offset by the reduction in fossil fuels that would be required to
obtain new raw materials). Waste prevention and recycling help address global climate
change by decreasing the amount of greenhouse gas emissions and saving energy.
24. Functional elements of SWM
Functional Elements of Solid Waste Management System
comprises of six basic elements including;
1. Generation of the solid waste
2. On-site handling & storage
3. Collection
4. Transfer & transport
5. Material and resource recovery and
6. Disposal
24
27. Sources & Types of Solid Waste
27
Source Typical waste generators Types of solid wastes
Residential Single and multifamily
dwellings
Food wastes, paper,
cardboard, plastics, textiles,
leather, yard wastes, wood,
glass, metals, ashes, special
wastes (e.g., bulky items,
consumer electronics, white
goods, batteries, oil, tires),
and household hazardous
wastes.).
Industrial Light and heavy
manufacturing, fabrication,
construction sites, power
and chemical plants.
Housekeeping wastes,
packaging, food wastes,
construction and demolition
materials, hazardous wastes,
ashes, special wastes.
Commercial Stores, hotels, restaurants,
markets, office buildings,
etc.
Paper, cardboard, plastics,
wood, food wastes, glass,
metals, special wastes,
hazardous wastes.
Institutional Schools, hospitals, prisons,
government centers.
Same as commercial.
28. Sources & Types of Solid Waste
28
Construction and demolition New construction sites, road
repair, renovation sites,
demolition of buildings
Wood, steel, concrete, dirt,
etc.
Municipal services Street cleaning, landscaping,
parks, beaches, other
recreational areas, water and
wastewater treatment
plants.
Street sweepings; landscape
and tree trimmings; general
wastes from parks, beaches,
and other recreational areas;
sludge.
Process (manufacturing,
etc.)
Heavy and light
manufacturing, refineries,
chemical plants, power
plants, mineral extraction
and processing.
Industrial process wastes,
scrap materials, off-
specification products, slay,
tailings.
Agriculture Crops, orchards, vineyards,
dairies, feedlots, farms.
Spoiled food wastes,
agricultural wastes,
hazardous wastes (e.g.,
pesticides).
29. Properties of Solid Waste
Major Physical properties:
Density
Moisture content
Waste particle size
Other physical properties
Color
Shape of Components
Optical property
Magnetic properties
29
30. Density
It is expressed as mass per unit volume (kg/m3).
This parameter is required for designing a solid waste
management program.
A reduction in volume by 75% is achieved through normal compaction
equipment, so that an initial density of 100kg/m3) may readily be increased to
400 (kg/m3).
Significant changes in the density occur as waste moves from sources to
disposal site, as A result of scavenging, handling, wetting, and drying by the
Weather and vibration during transport.
Density is critical in the design of sanitary landfill as well as for storage,
collection and transport of wastes.
Efficient operation of landfill requires compaction of wastes to optimum
density.
30
31. Moisture Content
Values greater than 40% are also not common.
Moisture increases the weight of the solid wastes and
therefore the cost of collection and transport increases.
Consequently waste should be insulated from rain or other extraneous
water source.
Moisture content(%)=((Wet weight-Dry weight)/ wet weight)*100
Moisture content is critical determinant in the economic feasibility of
waste treatment by incineration.
During incineration energy must be supplied for evaporation of
water and raising the temperature of vapor.
31
32. Particle size
The size distribution of solid waste are important in the recovery of
materials with mechanical means such as trommel screens and magnetic
separators.
It plays a significance role in the design of mechanical separators and
shredders.
The major means of controlling particle size is through shredding.
Shredding increases the homogeneity, increases the surface area ratio and
reduce the potential of liquid flow paths throw the waste.
Particle size is also influences the well packing densities.
Particle size reduction could increase biogas production through the
increased surface area available to degradation by bacteria.
32
34. Chemical properties of SW
Lipids
These are included in the class of fats, oils and grease.
The principal sources of lipids in the garbage are cooking oil and fats.
Lipids have high heating values about 38,000 Kj/Kg (kilojoules/kilograms), which
makes the waste with high lipid content suitable for energy recovery. They are
biodegradable, but they have low solubility in water and hence the rate of
biodegradation is slow.
Carbohydrates
These are primarily originated from the food sources rich in starch and celluloses.
These readily biodegrade into carbon dioxide, water and methane.
Decomposition of carbohydrates attracts the flies and rats and hence should not be left
exposed for long duration.
34
35. Chemical properties of SW
Proteins
These are the compounds containing carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen and oxygen and organic
acid with amino groups.
They are primarily found in food and garden wastes, but their partial decomposition
result in the production of amines, which impart unpleasant odors.
Natural Fibers
These are the natural products contain cellulose and lignin's that are relatively resistant to
biodegradation.
These are found in paper products, food and yard wastes.
Paper is almost100% cellulose, cotton over 95% and wood products over 40-50%.
These are highly combustible products most suitable for incineration.
The calorific value of oven dried paper products are in the range 12000-18000 kg.
35
36. Chemical properties of SW
Synthetic Organic Materials
In the recent years plastics have become a significant components of solid waste,
accounting for 1-10%.
They are highly resistant to the biodegradation; hence their presence in the waste is
objectionable.
Currently much attention is given to reduce this component at disposal sites.
Plastics have a high heating value, about 32000 kj/kg, which makes them very
suitable for incineration.
However, among the plastics Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) when burnt produces
dioxin and acid gas.
The trace gases produced during the burning of plastic are proved to be
carcinogenic.
36
37. Biological Properties of SW
Biological properties includes :
Biodegradability of organic waste
Odors
Breeding of files
Sold waste does not normally contain human intestinal parasites.
However, in India it is very commonly stored at collection points, where it
is liable to come in contact with material containing these parasites.
In cities that do not have a water carriage system night soil is often
deposited near sites where solid waste is also deposited, and since night soil
often contains these parasite, they are easily transferred to solid waste.
Hence, the presence of human intestinal parasites needs to be examined.
37
38. Municipal Solid Waste
Municipal solid waste (MSW) (also
called trash) consists of everyday items
such as product packaging, yard
trimmings, furniture, clothing, bottles
and cans, food, newspapers, appliances,
electronics and batteries.
Municipal solid waste includes
commercial and domestic wastes
generated in municipal or notified areas
in either solid or semi-solid form
excluding industrial hazardous wastes
but including treated biomedical wastes.
38
39. Question: Differentiate between Industrial waste and municipal waste
Industrial Waste Municipal Waste
1. Industrial Waste produced from industrial activity
such as mills and factories.
1. Municipal waste are generated from household,
Commercial or institutional activities.
1. Views waste water treatment as an imposed
necessity which it employs when it compelled to,
when waste water effects are visible.
2 . Views waste water treatment as a services to the
community to be employed whenever people are
willing or can be convinced by higher authorities to
pay extra taxation to implement it.
1. Deoxygenation rates vary from -ve to 5 times that
of normal domestic sewage.
3.Deoxygenation rates are quit constant range from
a range of 0.07 to .02
4.Located in special zoned areas outside municipal
limits and upstream sewage effluent discharge.
4. Located in low lying areas downstream near its
boundaries.
5 . Managed persons who have been centrally trained
and brought in from distant location.
5 . Managed by home town people.
6. Produced the best possible product of it’s type at
the lowest possible cost.
6 . It is concerned by cost reductions but it is more
likely influenced by rules and regulation.
7. Operating schedule is of extreme variability. 7 . Predictable pattern throughout the day.
39
40. Composition of municipal solid waste (MSW):
The major components of MSW
are food waste, paper, plastic,
rags, metal, and glass, although
demolition and construction
debris is often included in
collected waste, such as electric
light bulbs, batteries, automotive
parts, and discarded medicines
and chemicals.
40
42. Composition of municipal solid waste (MSW)
Component %(w/w)
Paper 33.7
Cardboard 5.5
plastics 9.1
Textiles 3.6
rubber 2.0
wood 7.2
Horticultural waste 14.0
Food wastes 9.0
Glass & Metals 13.1
MSW is a negatively priced, abundant,
and essentially renewable feedstock.
The composition of MSW can vary
from one community to the next, but
the overall differences are not
substantial.
42
43. 43
How biomedical waste and biological waste affect the man and living being? How it
can disposal?
Effects of medical waste on the environment
• Improper management of health care waste can have both direct and indirect health
consequences for health personnel, community members and on the environment. Indirect
consequences in the form of toxic emissions from inadequate burning of medical waste, or
the production of millions of used syringes in a period of three to four weeks from an
insufficiently well planned mass immunization campaign.
• Biomedical waste is not limited to medical instruments; it includes medicine, waste stored in
red biohazard bags, and materials used for patient care, such as cotton and bandaids. The
most serious effect that biomedical waste has on our seas is the discharge of poisons into the
waters that could then be consumed by ocean life creatures. Toxins would interject into the
food chain and eventually reach humans who consume sea creatures. Human exposure to
such toxins can stunt human growth development and cause birth defects.
• The high volume of plastic use in the medical field also poses a dangerous threat to the
environment. According to North and Halden, 85% of disposable plastic materials make up
all medical equipment.Our current reliance on plastic materials is rooted in their unique
capabilities to be lightweight, cost-effective, and durable while preserving the sterility of
medical equipment.
44. 44
Biomedical Waste Disposal
1. Autoclaving : The process of autoclaving involves steam sterilization. Instead of incineration, which can be expensive,
autoclaving simply introduces very hot steam for a determined amount of time. At the end of the process, microorganisms have
been completely destroyed. This process is particularly effective because it costs much less than other methods, and doesn’t
present any personal health risks. While some biomedical waste isn’t able to be disposed of via autoclaving, around 90% of
materials are sanitized this way before being sent on to a landfill.
2. Incineration : The major benefits of incineration are that it is quick, easy, and simple. It effectively removes the waste
entirely, and safely removes any microorganisms. However, when burning hazardous materials, emissions can be particularly
dangerous. Some states prefer for waste disposal companies to look towards incineration as their first choice, but materials must
be reviewed and determined as safe to burn.
3. Chemicals : When it comes to liquid waste, a common biomedical waste disposal method can be chemical disinfection.
Chlorine is a regular choice for this process, and is introduced to the liquid waste in order to kill microorganisms and pathogens.
Chemical disposal can also be used for solid wastes, but it is recommended that they be grinded first to ensure maximum
decontamination. Liquid waste, once decontaminated, is then disposed into the sewer system.
4. Microwaving :During this process, waste is shredded, mixed with water, and then internally heated to kill microorganisms
and other harmful elements. One of the main benefits of this process is the shredding aspect; it lowers the volume of biomedical
waste, and it is reportedly more energy efficient to use this method than to incinerate. While it can’t be used for all biomedical
wastes, it can be utilized for a good 90% of it, just like autoclaving.
45. 45
Biological Waste
Biological waste is defined as infectious waste, pathological waste, chemotherapy waste and the
receptacles and supplies generated during its handling and/or storage. This definition is in accordance with
the definition of biological waste as defined by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental
Protection (DEEP). It is further defined as waste that, because of its quantity, character or composition, has
been determined to require special handling.
Disposal Procedures
Sharps waste: All sharps as described by category 3 must be discarded in an approved sharps container.
These containers are provided by Environmental Health & Safety. Some sharps containers may melt if
autoclaved in which case decontamination of the contents may be accomplished by chemical means. If
chemical means are used, the liquid must be drained from the containers before they are sealed and
placed in the box-bag units. Alternately, untreated sealed sharps containers may be placed in the box-
bag units with other untreated biological waste. A University address label provided by the Biological
Safety section must be affixed to each sharps container, treated or untreated, that is placed in the box-
bag unit. For chemical decontamination, the disinfectant shall be an EPA
registered tuberculocidal agent. An example is standard household bleach diluted to the final
concentration of 5250ppm (10%). Fill leak-proof receptacle with the appropriate dilution of disinfectant
and let stand over-night. Empty liquid, seal and label receptacle and put in box-bag unit.
46. 46
2.Non-sharps: There are three acceptable methods for disposal:
A. Certain biological waste can be disposed of as non-biohazardous/ non-infectious waste, if
approved in writing by Biological Safety. The waste must have been decontaminated by
autoclave, chemical disinfection or other appropriate decontamination method. If the
treatment of choice is a validated decontamination procedure, the waste will be labeled as
"non-biohazardous/non-infectious" and can go as regular trash. See below for validation
procedures.
B. If a non-validated decontamination autoclave is available, autoclave the waste in an
autoclave bag, affix autoclave indicator tape and place in an autoclave safe tray. CT DEEP
regulation requires that autoclaves be monitored for effective kill. See paragraphs d, e and f
(validation procedure). After autoclaving and the bag has cooled, drain off any remaining
liquid and place the sealed waste in the box-bag unit for pickup. Do not pour liquefied agar
media down the drain. See below for box-bag unit instructions.
C. If an autoclave is not available the waste may be collected in orange/red autoclave bags,
closed with tape and placed in the box-bag unit as untreated biological waste.
Environmental Health & Safety will pick up all box-bag units on, at least, a weekly basis.
47. 47
3. Liquid waste: The sanitary sewer was designed for the disposal of certain liquid
wastes. Use of the sanitary sewer reduces the chance for leaks or spills during
transport and reduces disposal costs. Biological liquid waste can be poured down the
drain (sanitary sewer), under running water after it has been decontaminated by
autoclave or chemical means. Human or animal blood and body fluids do not need to
be disinfected before being poured down the drain. The sink should be rinsed well and
disinfected if necessary, after the disposal procedure.
4. Mixed waste: Follow the formula below to determine which waste stream.
Biological + Radiation = Radiation Waste
Biological + Hazardous Chemical = Chemical Waste
48. Question : What influences increasing waste?
The Common factors influencing waste generation in a fast growing
city would directly influence by
1. Population
2. Socio-economic status of the cities
3. Educational level, attitudes and behaviors of the people
4. consumption and production patter in the country
5. Family's income level
6. Status of local and national government policies on waste
collection and management
7. Agriculture and post harvest losses .
48
49. Variations of solid waste
There are many causes behind the variation of MSW.
Factors such as employment status, household size, seasons, income level
and population influence the variation in the composition of MSW waste
streams.
Changes in weather conditions at different seasons in a year affect
consumption pattern and human activities and have impacted the fractions
of the waste streams such as plastics, paper, metal, textile and organic
waste.
Winter produced the highest organic waste fraction while the summer
season produced the highest paper fraction.
Similarly, there are many factors which may affect the composition of
municipal solid waste landfill leachate. Some of the factors are for e.g.
waste composition, depth of waste, moisture content, available oxygen,
temperature, co-disposal with inclinator ash, waste processing, age of
landfill, and toxicity.
49
50. Others properties of Waste
Optical property: It can be used to separate opaque materials
from transparent substances which majority contains glass
and plastic.
Shape: It can be used for segregation as flaky substances will
behave differently compare to non-flaky substance.
Magnetic separators: are designed based on the magnetic
characteristics of the waste.
50
51. 51
Define waste management in the context of Bangladesh?
Waste management (or waste disposal) includes the processes and actions required to
manage waste from its inception to its final disposal. This includes the collection, transport,
treatment and disposal of waste, together with monitoring and regulation of the waste management
process and waste-related laws, technologies, economic mechanisms. The aim of waste management
is to reduce the dangerous effects of such waste on the environment and human health. A big part of
waste management deals with municipal solid waste, which is created by industrial, commercial, and
household activity.
As one of the fastest urbanizing economies in South Asia, Bangladesh has been facing a rapid
growth of waste generation. In the last three decades, waste volume doubled every 15 years. An
average of 55% of solid waste remains uncollected in urban areas, with a variation of collection
efficiency from 37% to 77%. The ever-increasing hazardous medical and e-wastes add further
burden to the ineffective waste management system. Except for some pilot projects, waste is not
segregated formally, contributing to piling up waste and creating pressure on landfills which are not
managed sustainably. Urban local government authorities are responsible to manage waste, but show
a lack of both capacity and commitment toward proper waste management. Dhaka has to deal with
around 6,500 tons of waste daily, which is projected to increase to 8,500 tons by 2032.
52. 52
The city has demonstrated improved performance of waste collection with an average of 77–
80% efficiency. While the primary waste collection is done by private contractors, city
corporations oversee daily waste transportation from secondary container sites to landfills. They
have set up concrete boundary structures in wards to hide accumulated waste from public sight
and reduce the spread of stink. However, their dependence on landfills for the final disposal of
wastes is a questionable solution for a land-scarce and populous city like Dhaka. Changes in
policy, waste minimization, segregation and recycling at all stages are needed. Ward-based
management structure built on community participation and partnership with relevant
government, private and international agencies, as well as behavioral changes of waste
generators and collectors are also indispensable for creating sustainable solutions to existing
waste management problems. Finally, waste management should be dealt through a holistic
approach to draw the attention of policymakers and facilitate mobilization of resources.
Improvement in waste management can foster the achievement of SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities
and Communities) and help achieve other goals such as SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy).
