THIS IS NOTES OF UNIT 1 AS PER THE SYLLABUS OF THE PTU

1. SOLID AND HAZARDOUS
WASTE MANAGEMENT
INTRODUCTION
SHUBHAM SHARMA
Department of civil engineering
BGIET, SANGRUR

2. WHAT IS WASTE?
• Waste is generally defined as any material,
substance, or object that is discarded,
unwanted, or no longer needed.
• It is often considered unusable, worthless, or
of little value to its generator.
• Waste can take various forms, including solid,
liquid, or gaseous, and it may be a byproduct
of human activities, industrial processes, or
natural processes.

3. SOLID WASTE AND HAZARDOUS WASTE
Solid Waste:
• Solid waste refers to any discarded or abandoned materials that are not liquid or gaseous. These materials can include household
garbage, industrial waste, commercial refuse, and construction debris.
• Solid waste can be generated from various sources, including residential areas, businesses, institutions, and manufacturing processes.
• It encompasses a wide range of materials, such as paper, cardboard, plastics, glass, metals, organic waste, and more. Proper
management of solid waste is crucial to prevent environmental pollution, conserve resources, and protect public health.
• Common methods of solid waste management include recycling, composting, landfill disposal, and waste-to-energy technologies.
Hazardous Waste:
• Hazardous waste refers to waste materials that possess properties that make them potentially harmful to human health or the
environment. These materials often contain substances that are toxic, flammable, corrosive, or reactive.
• Examples of hazardous waste include certain industrial chemicals, solvents, pesticides, medical waste, and electronic waste.
• Due to their potential to cause harm, hazardous wastes are subject to special regulations and must be managed and disposed of
carefully. The proper disposal of hazardous waste involves treatment, storage, and disposal at facilities that meet strict environmental
standards to minimize the risks of contamination and pollution.
• Regulatory agencies, such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the United States, establish guidelines for the
identification, handling, and disposal of hazardous waste to protect both human health and the environment.

4. PROBLEMS DUE TO SOLID WASTES
• There are many problems associated with solid wastes:
• Solid wastes result in air pollution, water pollution and soil pollution.
• Solid wastes also cause many diseases as these wastes are breeding place for many vectors.
• Substances like polythene bags block drain pipes thereby paralysing the whole drainage system.
• Stray animals ingest some harmful substances along with food from waste, which may result in
many diseases and ultimately death of these animals, and further increase solid waste.

6. DIFFERENT TYPES OF WASTES DEFINITIONS
• Solid waste can be categorized into different types based on its source, composition, and characteristics. Here are several
types of solid waste, along with brief definitions for each:
 Municipal Solid Waste (MSW):
• Municipal solid waste, often referred to as household waste or garbage, is generated from homes, institutions, and
businesses. It includes everyday items like packaging materials, food scraps, paper, plastics, and more.
 Industrial Solid Waste:
• Industrial solid waste is generated by manufacturing and industrial processes. It includes materials such as manufacturing
scrap, packaging, and other waste produced by industries.
 Commercial Solid Waste:
• Commercial solid waste is generated by businesses, offices, and commercial establishments. It includes waste from retail
operations, offices, restaurants, and other non-industrial sources.

7.  Construction and Demolition (C&D) Waste:
• Construction and demolition waste is generated from construction, renovation, and demolition activities. It includes materials
like concrete, wood, metals, bricks, and other debris from building and infrastructure projects.
 Electronic Waste (E-Waste):
• Electronic waste, or e-waste, refers to discarded electronic devices and equipment. This includes old
computers, smartphones, televisions, and other electronic appliances.
 Biodegradable Waste:
• Biodegradable waste consists of organic materials that can be broken down by natural processes. This includes
food scraps, yard waste, and other organic materials.
 Hazardous Waste:
• Hazardous waste is waste that poses a threat to human health or the environment due to its toxic, flammable,
corrosive, or reactive nature. Examples include certain industrial chemicals, solvents, and pesticides.

8.  Medical or Healthcare Waste:
• Medical or healthcare waste includes waste generated in healthcare facilities, such as hospitals and clinics.
This may include biomedical waste, pharmaceutical waste, and other materials contaminated with potentially
infectious substances.
 Toxic Waste:
• Toxic waste refers to waste that contains toxic substances, which can cause harm to living organisms and the
environment. This category can include certain industrial chemicals, heavy metals, and other hazardous
materials.
 Solid Bulky Waste:
• Solid bulky waste consists of large and heavy items that do not fit into standard waste containers. Examples
include furniture, appliances, and other oversized items

9. SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT
• Solid waste management (SWM) is the systematic and organized process of collecting, treating, disposing of,
and managing solid waste in an environmentally responsible and sustainable manner.
• The goal of solid waste management is to minimize the adverse environmental and public health impacts
associated with the generation and disposal of waste while promoting resource conservation and sustainable
practices.
• Improper disposal of municipal solid waste can create unsanitary conditions, and these conditions in turn can
lead to pollution of the environment and to outbreaks of vector-borne disease—that is, diseases spread by
rodents and insects.
• The tasks of solid-waste management present complex technical challenges. They also pose a wide variety of
administrative, economic, and social problems that must be managed and solved.

10. MAIN OBJECTIVES OF WASTE MANAGEMENT
 MINIMIZE THE PRODUCTION OF WASTE
• Proper management practices help minimize the garbage and scraps that need handling. Reducing, recycling, and reusing as
much as possible can reduce disposal costs.
• Proper waste segregation and recycling programs can significantly reduce the amount of garbage in landfills or incinerators.
Minimizing waste production is critical in promoting a circular economy, where products and materials are reused and recycled
in a closed-loop system. By embracing the principles of a circular economy, we can minimize waste generation and create a
sustainable, regenerative society for future generations.
 REDUCE POLLUTION EFFECTS
• Secondly, it’s vital to lower the impact garbage has on pollution. Food residue can emit toxic methane as it rots. On a global
level, methane gas adds to the greenhouse effect and warms the planet.
• A significant portion of garbage is food waste. Handling food scraps properly can reduce pollution and its ill effects on the earth.
For example, composting organic waste can divert substantial trash from landfills and create nutrient-rich soil for agriculture and
gardening.

11. PROTECT GROUNDWATER SOURCES
• Poorly handled waste can end up in rivers, oceans, and other water sources, polluting the water and
contaminating the soil below it. Marine animals become endangered. The appropriate waste management
system helps safeguard limited water sources and preserve rare marine species.
ENSURE SUSTAINABILITY
• There are ways to save money by reducing waste, but it’s essential to use natural resources to do so. Engaging
in practices that help protect nature creates an outstanding balance between the environment and businesses.
• This balance helps create economic benefits while protecting the environment.
• Furthermore, waste management aims to foster innovation and the development of advanced technologies for
waste treatment and resource recovery.
• Investing in research and technological advancements can lead to more efficient waste-to-energy conversion,
improved recycling processes, and the creation of valuable products from waste materials, reducing our
dependence on finite resources.

12. PROMOTE PUBLIC AWARENESS
• Another crucial objective of waste management is to promote public awareness and education about
responsible waste disposal and recycling practices.
• Community engagement and educational campaigns encourage people to adopt sustainable habits and
participate actively in waste separation and recycling programs.
FOSTER SOCIAL EQUALITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION
• It is also essential to ensure waste management practices are socially equitable and inclusive, benefiting all
communities regardless of socioeconomic status.
• Implementing fair and accessible waste collection systems ensures everyone can participate in waste reduction
efforts and enjoy a cleaner, healthier environment.

13. SOURCES OF WASTE
 Industrial Waste
• These are the wastes created in factories and industries. Most
industries dump their wastes in rivers and seas which cause a
lot of pollution. Example: plastic, glass, etc.
 Commercial Waste
• Commercial wastes are produced in schools, colleges, shops,
and offices. Example: plastic, paper, etc.
 Domestic Waste
• The different household wastes which are collected during
household activities like cooking, cleaning, etc. are known as
domestic wastes. Example: leaves, vegetable peels, excreta,
etc.
 Agricultural Waste
• Various wastes produced in the agricultural field are known as
agricultural wastes. Example: cattle waste, weed, husk, etc.

14. WHAT ARE THE PROBLEMS OF SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT
• Solid waste management poses a variety of challenges that can vary across regions and countries. Some common
problems associated with solid waste management include:
Improper Waste Disposal:
• Many areas still rely on open dumping, where waste is disposed of in uncontrolled and uncovered sites, leading
to environmental pollution. Even in controlled landfills, inadequate design and management can lead to soil and
groundwater contamination.
 Lack of Infrastructure:
• Insufficient waste collection infrastructure, especially in informal settlements or rural areas, leads to illegal
dumping and open burning. Lack of proper transportation for collected waste can result in delayed services and
increased environmental pollution.
 Waste Generation Rate:
• Increasing populations and urbanization contribute to higher waste generation rates, putting additional strain on
existing waste management systems. The rise in disposable consumer goods and single-use plastics increases the
volume of waste generated.

15.  Inadequate Recycling and Composting:
• Lack of facilities and incentives for recycling contribute to low rates of material recovery. Inadequate
infrastructure for composting organic waste leads to the underutilization of valuable resources.
 Hazardous Waste Management:
• Inadequate management of hazardous waste, including medical waste and electronic waste, poses
significant risks to public health and the environment. Hazardous waste is sometimes illegally dumped,
causing severe environmental contamination.
 Public Awareness and Participation:
• Limited public awareness about proper waste disposal practices and the importance of waste reduction
hinders community participation. Resistance to new waste management practices or reluctance to adopt
recycling habits can be barriers to improvement.
 Regulatory Challenges:
• Weak enforcement of existing waste management regulations can lead to non-compliance by individuals and
businesses. Inadequate or outdated policies may fail to address emerging challenges in waste management.

16.  Economic Constraints:
• Limited financial resources may hinder the implementation of advanced waste management technologies
and infrastructure. Municipalities and local authorities may struggle to secure funding for necessary
improvements.
 Climate Change Impact:
• Landfills contribute to the release of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, impacting climate change. some
waste management methods, such as incineration, can contribute to energy consumption and emissions.
 Inadequate Planning and Monitoring:
• Insufficient long-term planning and integration of solid waste management strategies hinder effective waste
reduction and recycling efforts. Inadequate monitoring and reporting mechanisms make it challenging to
assess the effectiveness of waste management programs

17. NUISANCE POTENTIAL AND EXTENT OF SOLID WASTE
PROBLEMS
• The nuisance potential and extent of solid waste problems can vary widely, depending on factors such as population density,
waste generation rates, waste management infrastructure, and socio-economic conditions. The extent of these problems is
influenced by the level of urbanization, waste management infrastructure, regulatory frameworks, public awareness, and the
commitment of local authorities to implementing sustainable waste management practices. Effective waste management
strategies, including waste reduction, recycling, proper disposal, and community engagement, are crucial in mitigating the
nuisance potential and addressing the extent of solid waste problems.
• Here are some key aspects related to the nuisance potential and extent of solid waste problems:
 Environmental Nuisance:
• Improper waste disposal methods, such as open burning, can release harmful pollutants into the air, contributing to
respiratory issues and affecting air quality.
• Inadequate waste disposal and landfill management can lead to the leaching of contaminants into groundwater and surface
water, posing risks to aquatic ecosystems and human health.
 Health Risks:
• Improperly managed solid waste, especially in open dumps, provides breeding grounds for disease vectors like mosquitoes
and rodents, contributing to the spread of vector-borne diseases.
• Hazardous waste and medical waste, if not managed properly, can pose direct health risks to those who come into contact
with the waste or live near disposal sites.

18.  Aesthetic and Social Nuisance:
• Improperly disposed of solid waste, including litter and illegal dumpsites, detracts from the visual appeal of communities
and landscapes.
• Decomposing organic waste and poorly managed landfills can produce unpleasant odours, negatively impacting the quality
of life for nearby residents.
 Ecological Impact:
• Improper waste disposal can disrupt natural habitats, affecting plant and animal life in the surrounding areas.
• Pollution from solid waste can contribute to the decline of biodiversity in ecosystems.
 Resource Depletion:
• The improper disposal of materials that could be recycled or reused contributes to the depletion of natural resources and
increases the demand for new raw materials.

19.  Social and Economic Costs:
• The health impacts of poor waste management can lead to increased healthcare costs for communities dealing with
diseases related to waste exposure.
• The economic burden of managing the consequences of improper waste disposal, such as environmental cleanup and
healthcare expenses, can be substantial.
 Urban and Rural Disparities:
• In some cases, waste management facilities are disproportionately located in economically disadvantaged areas, leading
to environmental justice concerns.
• Rural areas may face challenges in accessing proper waste disposal facilities, leading to open dumping and burning.
 Climate Change Contribution:
• Landfills emit methane gas, a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change.

20. INTEGRATED SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT (ISWM)
• Integrated Solid Waste Management (ISWM) is a comprehensive and systematic approach to managing
solid waste throughout its life cycle.
• The primary goal of ISWM is to achieve sustainable waste management by optimizing the use of
resources, minimizing environmental impacts, and addressing social and economic considerations.
• The approach involves the coordination and integration of various waste management activities, from
waste generation to final disposal.
• it is a way of using a combination of waste management techniques to treat the different types of waste
in ways that are environmentally, financially and socially sustainable.

21. ISWM CONCEPT IS BUILT UPON FOUR BASIC
PRINCIPLES:
• Equity:
• the allocation of resources, services and opportunity to all segments of the population according to their
needs.
• In waste management this means that everyone has a right to be served by a waste management system that
protects their health and the environment.
• Effectiveness:
• the waste management methods used must meet the overall aims of any waste plan and meet the needs of
the people. At the very least, effectiveness means that all the waste is collected and disposed of in a safe way.
• Once this has been achieved, higher-level aims such as maximising waste recycling and composting should be
addressed.

22. • Efficiency:
• in general, efficiency means increasing output for a given input, or minimising input for a given output.
• An efficient waste management system is one that is equal and effective while making the best use of
the resources available (staff effort, use of equipment and cost).
• Sustainability:
• for a project, programme or other activity to be sustainable it must be effective and last a long time. To
achieve sustainability-social, environmental and economic factors must be considered.
• Sustainability of the waste management system can be achieved if it is appropriate to the local
conditions and can continue in the long term by using the human, financial and material resources
available in the area.
• It should also be environmentally sustainable in that it minimises the use of non-renewable natural
resources (such as oil) and doesn’t lead to long-term environmental problems that will be left for later
generations to address.

23. OBJECTIVES OF ISWM:
• Reduce the environmental impact of solid waste, including pollution of air, water, and soil, to protect ecosystems
and public health.
• Conserve natural resources by promoting waste reduction, recycling, and recovery of valuable materials from the
waste stream.
• Minimize health risks associated with improper waste management, such as the spread of diseases from vector-
borne and hazardous waste.
• Implement strategies to reduce waste generation at its source, including source separation and waste
prevention.
• Encourage the reuse of materials and promote recycling programs to recover valuable resources and reduce the
demand for new raw materials.
• Implement composting programs to manage organic waste, producing nutrient-rich compost for soil enrichment.
• Explore and implement waste-to-energy technologies to recover energy from non-recyclable waste.
• Establish efficient waste collection and transportation systems to ensure timely and regular waste pick-up.

24. THE SCOPE OF ISWM
• It has a number of scopes for the different sectors of society. Here are some examples:
• Reduction and reuse at source – Waste reduction means avoiding producing waste in the first
place. In manufacturing industry, it is about using less raw materials to make a given product. In the home, waste
reduction could include avoiding buying over-packaged products. Reuse happens when something is used more
than once for its original purpose – perhaps refilling drinks bottle with water. reducing waste at the source and
reusing wastes means that less waste has to be collected. This lowers costs for residents, businesses and the local
authority. Also, the pollution generated in transporting the waste and at the disposal site is reduced. Waste
reduction and reuse means that there is less pollution from manufacturing and a reduced need to import goods.
Finally, society benefits because people have the use of items that they may not otherwise be able to afford.
• Waste separation at source– many ISWM schemes require householders and businesses to
separate reusable and recyclable materials from the rest of the waste and sort them. This helps to make people
more aware of what they throw away and means that the material separated for recycling is of a higher quality and
has a higher selling price. In alternative schemes, where recyclable materials are extracted from mixed wastes at
the transfer station, there is a greater health risk to those who do this work and also to those who work in the
recycling industry.

26. • Recycling– Recycling is the reprocessing of materials recovered from waste so that they can be used as
raw materials in manufacturing processes, for example melting of glass bottles and forming them into new
bottles. You may also have mentioned composting which is classed as a form of recycling. like reduction and
reuse, recycling has benefits outside the waste management system. Recycling reduces the need to extract
raw materials from the ground or to import them. Producing metals, glass and paper from waste materials
rather than raw materials consumes far less energy. Also in common with reduction and reuse, recycling
means less waste is sent to landfill, giving further reductions in pollution.
• Organic waste recovery – composting organic waste is a form of recycling. The amount of waste
sent to landfill is reduced and the compost can be used locally to improve soils and the crops grown on them.
Organic waste can also be used in anaerobic digesters to produce biogas for cooking and lighting.