Solid waste refers to the range of garbage arising from animal and human activities that are discarded as unwanted and useless. Solid waste is generated from industrial, residential and commercial activities. Wastes create deterioration of the environment through pollution and damages. One of the most important solutions to this problems is to produce less waste. A number of different techniques can be used to reduce the production of wastes. Solid waste management is a term that is used to refer to the process of collecting and treating solid wastes. It also offers solutions for recycling items that do not belong to garbage or trash.

1. Solid Waste ManagementSolid Waste Management
ByBy
Prof. A. BalasubramanianProf. A. Balasubramanian
Centre for Advanced Studies in Earth ScienceCentre for Advanced Studies in Earth Science
University of Mysore, IndiaUniversity of Mysore, India

2. Modern industrial society:Modern industrial society:
generates a large quantity ofgenerates a large quantity of wastewaste
products.products.
These wastes have been categorized intoThese wastes have been categorized into
two distinct groups:two distinct groups:
solid wastesolid waste andand
hazardous wastehazardous waste..

3. The major components ofThe major components of solidsolid
waste:waste:
are- paper, food, wood and yard wastes,are- paper, food, wood and yard wastes,
glass, metals, plastics, and textiles.glass, metals, plastics, and textiles.
Sources of these wastes includeSources of these wastes include
agriculture,agriculture,
industry,industry,
mining, milling,mining, milling,
commercial enterprises, and households.commercial enterprises, and households.

4. Characterization of Solid WasteCharacterization of Solid Waste
Nature -Organic , Inorganic , PutrescibleNature -Organic , Inorganic , Putrescible
Combustible ,Recyclable ,Hazardous,Combustible ,Recyclable ,Hazardous,
InfectiousInfectious
Physical, Chemical, and BiologicalPhysical, Chemical, and Biological
PropertiesProperties

5. Material meets HW characteristicsMaterial meets HW characteristics
IgnitabilityIgnitability
corrosivitycorrosivity
Reactivity,Reactivity,
ToxicityToxicity
– Declared hazardous by generatorDeclared hazardous by generator

6. Wastes (non-hazardous wastes) :Wastes (non-hazardous wastes) :
Municipal Solid Waste, MSWMunicipal Solid Waste, MSW
Household hazardous wastesHousehold hazardous wastes
Municipal sludge - accumulated solids,Municipal sludge - accumulated solids,
residues, and precipitates generated asresidues, and precipitates generated as
a result of waste treatment ora result of waste treatment or
processingprocessing
– Waste water treatment, potable waterWaste water treatment, potable water
treatment, air pollution control, mixedtreatment, air pollution control, mixed
liquor from septic tanks, grease traps,liquor from septic tanks, grease traps,
privies, etc.privies, etc.

7. Industrial wastes :Industrial wastes :
SW generate by mfg. or industrial processes that isSW generate by mfg. or industrial processes that is
not a hazardousnot a hazardous
Municipal combustion ash - controversial - ashMunicipal combustion ash - controversial - ash
mono-fillsmono-fills
Small quantity generators’ hazardous wasteSmall quantity generators’ hazardous waste
Construction/Demolition, C/D,Construction/Demolition, C/D,
building materials, packaging, and rubble frombuilding materials, packaging, and rubble from
const., remodeling, repair, and demolitionconst., remodeling, repair, and demolition
operations on pavements, houses, commercialoperations on pavements, houses, commercial
bldgs, etc. bricks, concrete, soil , rock, lumber, roadbldgs, etc. bricks, concrete, soil , rock, lumber, road
spoils, rebar, etc.spoils, rebar, etc.
Agricultural waste - resulting from activities such asAgricultural waste - resulting from activities such as
planting and harvesting crops, prod of milk,planting and harvesting crops, prod of milk,
slaughter of animals, and feedlot operationsslaughter of animals, and feedlot operations
Oil and gas , MiningOil and gas , Mining

8. Municipal Solid Waste:Municipal Solid Waste:
Durable goods - life > 3 yrs, appliances,Durable goods - life > 3 yrs, appliances,
furniture, tires, electronics, oversize, bulkyfurniture, tires, electronics, oversize, bulky
– white goods, inoperative and discarded refrig, ranges,white goods, inoperative and discarded refrig, ranges,
water heaters, freezers, and other similar largewater heaters, freezers, and other similar large
appliancesappliances
– special wastes - SW that can require special handlingspecial wastes - SW that can require special handling
and management, white goods, whole tires, used oil,and management, white goods, whole tires, used oil,
mattresses, furn, biol. wastes, lead acid batteries, carmattresses, furn, biol. wastes, lead acid batteries, car
partsparts
Non-durable goods - newspaper, clothing, paperNon-durable goods - newspaper, clothing, paper
towels, cupstowels, cups
Containers/PackagingContainers/Packaging

9. Sources:Sources:
Wastes areWastes are generated from agriculture, mining,generated from agriculture, mining,
and oil and gas production (over 85 %).and oil and gas production (over 85 %).
Less than 15 % of the generated waste comesLess than 15 % of the generated waste comes
from industrial and municipal sources.from industrial and municipal sources.
In Canada and the United States, the averageIn Canada and the United States, the average
citizen produces about 700 to 850 kilograms ofcitizen produces about 700 to 850 kilograms of
waste per year which is more than twice thewaste per year which is more than twice the
quantity generated by individuals living in Japanquantity generated by individuals living in Japan
and Europe( Increasing now)and Europe( Increasing now)
In developing countries, the average quantity ofIn developing countries, the average quantity of
waste per person is between 100 and 200waste per person is between 100 and 200
kilograms.kilograms.

10. Hazardous waste:Hazardous waste:
is any discarded substance that is:is any discarded substance that is:
Fatal to humans or other organisms at lowFatal to humans or other organisms at low
quantities.quantities.
Toxic, carcinogenic, mutagenic orToxic, carcinogenic, mutagenic or
teratogenic to humans or other organisms.teratogenic to humans or other organisms.
Ignitable with a flash point less than 60Ignitable with a flash point less than 60
degrees Celsius.degrees Celsius.
Corrosive, explosive or highly chemicallyCorrosive, explosive or highly chemically
reactive.reactive.

11. Most hazardous waste isMost hazardous waste is
generated:generated:
from metal processing, mining, chemicalfrom metal processing, mining, chemical
production, or the refining of petroleum.production, or the refining of petroleum.
Modern industrialized society uses andModern industrialized society uses and
creates a variety of substances that arecreates a variety of substances that are
hazardoushazardous andand toxictoxic..
Potential effects of these substancesPotential effects of these substances
range from short-term discomfort to healthrange from short-term discomfort to health
problems as serious as cancer, birthproblems as serious as cancer, birth
defects, and even premature death.defects, and even premature death.

12. In many cases, toxic and hazardous waste canIn many cases, toxic and hazardous waste can
be treated to produce materials that are notbe treated to produce materials that are not
dangerous.dangerous.
One common treatment technique is highOne common treatment technique is high
temperature incineration.temperature incineration.
Under ideal conditions, hazardous wasteUnder ideal conditions, hazardous waste
incinerators can destroy 99.9999 % of theincinerators can destroy 99.9999 % of the
hazardous materials.hazardous materials.
In North America, incineration disposes onlyIn North America, incineration disposes only
about 2% of the hazardous wastes produce byabout 2% of the hazardous wastes produce by
industry.industry.
Japan and Europe incinerate much largerJapan and Europe incinerate much larger
quantities of this type of waste.quantities of this type of waste.
In some nations, the amount of hazardousIn some nations, the amount of hazardous
wastes destroyed approaches 50 %.wastes destroyed approaches 50 %.

13. Some other techniques used toSome other techniques used to
dispose of toxic and hazardousdispose of toxic and hazardous
waste include:waste include:
Chemically and physically treating the waste to createChemically and physically treating the waste to create
more benign substances.more benign substances.
Storage in specially designed landfills.Storage in specially designed landfills.
Recycling.Recycling.
Deep well injection into porous rock formations.Deep well injection into porous rock formations.
Discharge of liquids, either treated or untreated, intoDischarge of liquids, either treated or untreated, into
rivers and the ocean.rivers and the ocean.
Storage of liquid wastes in pits, ponds, and lagoons.Storage of liquid wastes in pits, ponds, and lagoons.
Storage of waste underground in caves andStorage of waste underground in caves and
abandoned salt mines.abandoned salt mines.
Disposal of wastes in normal sanitary landfills.Disposal of wastes in normal sanitary landfills.

14. many of our practices for disposal of toxicmany of our practices for disposal of toxic
and hazardous waste have not beenand hazardous waste have not been
satisfactory.satisfactory.
Many abandoned waste disposal sites areMany abandoned waste disposal sites are
currently leaking toxic substances into thecurrently leaking toxic substances into the
environment.environment.
Some techniques exist for the treatment orSome techniques exist for the treatment or
safe storage of these substances.safe storage of these substances.
However, only a small percentage of toxicHowever, only a small percentage of toxic
and hazardous waste are being safelyand hazardous waste are being safely
treated or stored.treated or stored.

15. Approaches:Approaches:
To evolve proper strategies to reduceTo evolve proper strategies to reduce
the production of solid wastethe production of solid waste
to find ways to dispose of solid waste.to find ways to dispose of solid waste.
Management strategies for the disposalManagement strategies for the disposal
of solid waste are quite well developedof solid waste are quite well developed
in most industrialized countries.in most industrialized countries.

16. A number of techniques have beenA number of techniques have been
used to try to dispose this type ofused to try to dispose this type of
toxic waste:toxic waste:
These techniques include:These techniques include:
Incineration.Incineration.
Storage in lagoons and pits.Storage in lagoons and pits.
Discharge into streams or ocean forDischarge into streams or ocean for
dilution.dilution.
Detoxification, recycled, or recovered.Detoxification, recycled, or recovered.
Injection into deep wells or saltInjection into deep wells or salt
caverns.caverns.

17. Primary management techniquesPrimary management techniques
for the disposal of these wastesfor the disposal of these wastes
include:include:
IncinerationIncineration
Dumps, Landfills, and OceanDumps, Landfills, and Ocean
DumpingDumping

18. Incineration:Incineration:
Incineration involves the burning of trash andIncineration involves the burning of trash and
garbage in a large furnace at highgarbage in a large furnace at high
temperatures. This technique of wastetemperatures. This technique of waste
incineration dates back to the late 19thincineration dates back to the late 19th
century.century.

19. By the 1940s, the burning of waste wasBy the 1940s, the burning of waste was
becoming unpopular because of the airbecoming unpopular because of the air
pollution and large amounts of ashpollution and large amounts of ash
residue and non-burnables produced.residue and non-burnables produced.
However, these inefficient incineratorsHowever, these inefficient incinerators
were replaced with improved systemswere replaced with improved systems
that produced relatively less airthat produced relatively less air
pollution and more complete burning ofpollution and more complete burning of
waste materials.waste materials.

20. Incineration:Incineration:
Canada and the United States incinerateCanada and the United States incinerate
about 8 and 16 % of their municipal waste,about 8 and 16 % of their municipal waste,
respectively.respectively.
In some nations, like France, Sweden, Japan,In some nations, like France, Sweden, Japan,
and Switzerland, more than 40 % of theirand Switzerland, more than 40 % of their
municipal waste is disposed of by burning.municipal waste is disposed of by burning.
The heat generated from these incineratorsThe heat generated from these incinerators
is also used to produce electricity.is also used to produce electricity.

21. Most incinerators burn solid waste in anMost incinerators burn solid waste in an
unaltered form.unaltered form.
Some incinerators require that the waste beSome incinerators require that the waste be
sorted and/or processed into pellets for thesorted and/or processed into pellets for the
combustion process.combustion process.

22. In an incinerator..In an incinerator..
waste is burned at temperatureswaste is burned at temperatures
between 900 and 1300 degrees Celsius.between 900 and 1300 degrees Celsius.
The combustion process consumesThe combustion process consumes
between 75 and 95 % of the waste bybetween 75 and 95 % of the waste by
volume.volume.
The ash that remains after burning isThe ash that remains after burning is
often dumped in landfill sites.often dumped in landfill sites.
Care must be taken in disposing of theCare must be taken in disposing of the
ash because it often contains a varietyash because it often contains a variety
of toxic components.of toxic components.

23. Subsequent pollution:Subsequent pollution:
Gases and solids released into theGases and solids released into the
atmosphere can also containatmosphere can also contain dioxinsdioxins andand
heavy metals which can pollute the areaheavy metals which can pollute the area
downwind of the incinerator.downwind of the incinerator.
Many incinerators have been closed downMany incinerators have been closed down
by public pressure because of theby public pressure because of the
unpleasant odors and gritty smoke theyunpleasant odors and gritty smoke they
produceproduce

24. Starting in the 1970s moreStarting in the 1970s more
environmentally friendly systems wereenvironmentally friendly systems were
being built that used the generated heat tobeing built that used the generated heat to
produce electricity.produce electricity.
Incinerators generate large amounts ofIncinerators generate large amounts of
toxic waste that is released into thetoxic waste that is released into the
atmosphere.atmosphere.
Some of the majorSome of the major pollutantspollutants releasedreleased
with combustion include lead, mercury,with combustion include lead, mercury,
cadmium, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide,cadmium, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide,
hydrogen chloride, sulfuric acid, fluorides,hydrogen chloride, sulfuric acid, fluorides,
and dioxins.and dioxins.

25. Dumps, Landfills, and OceanDumps, Landfills, and Ocean
Dumping:Dumping:
One of the oldest methods of gettingOne of the oldest methods of getting
rid of wastes is dumping these materialrid of wastes is dumping these material
on some unwanted land surface.on some unwanted land surface.
Dumps have been replaced in recentDumps have been replaced in recent
times by sanitary landfills.times by sanitary landfills.
Site Selection- factors affecting SitesSite Selection- factors affecting Sites
Reactions and processesReactions and processes
Landfill stabilisation- Gas movement,Landfill stabilisation- Gas movement,
Liquid movement and designLiquid movement and design
Monitoring requirements.Monitoring requirements.

26. Landfills:Landfills:
Landfills differ from dumps because theLandfills differ from dumps because the
waste is deposited in a depression,waste is deposited in a depression,
compacted and then covered with soil.compacted and then covered with soil.
These systems are more "sanitary" thanThese systems are more "sanitary" than
open dumps.open dumps.
Open dumps have odors, are not visuallyOpen dumps have odors, are not visually
appealing, allow for the development ofappealing, allow for the development of
diseasedisease, and can attract various types of, and can attract various types of
pestpest organisms.organisms.

27. Dumping in oceans:Dumping in oceans:
Many coastal communities dump theirMany coastal communities dump their
waste into the ocean.waste into the ocean.
Common materials dumped into theCommon materials dumped into the
ocean include: dredge materials,ocean include: dredge materials,
industrial wastes, sewage, constructionindustrial wastes, sewage, construction
and demolition materials, and garbage.and demolition materials, and garbage.
Dumping often causes the oceanDumping often causes the ocean
habitat to become polluted.habitat to become polluted.
Sometimes ocean pollution from theSometimes ocean pollution from the
dumping of wastes toxifies shellfishdumping of wastes toxifies shellfish
and other marine organisms.and other marine organisms.

28. Studies on the east coast of theStudies on the east coast of the
United States and marine watersUnited States and marine waters
of Europe have shown thatof Europe have shown that
blooms of toxic algae andblooms of toxic algae and
associated fish kills are becomingassociated fish kills are becoming
more common.more common.

29. Sanitary Landfills:Sanitary Landfills:
Historically, landfills have been the main methodHistorically, landfills have been the main method
used to dispose of solid wastes because of theirused to dispose of solid wastes because of their
convenience and low maintenance costs.convenience and low maintenance costs.
However, during the 1960s and 1970s a numberHowever, during the 1960s and 1970s a number
of problems became apparent about our use ofof problems became apparent about our use of
landfills.landfills.
These problems includedThese problems included groundwatergroundwater andand
runoffrunoff contamination,contamination, diseasedisease,, air pollutionair pollution,,
and the fact that we were running out of sites toand the fact that we were running out of sites to
dump our wastes.dump our wastes.
Many poorly designed and managed landfills areMany poorly designed and managed landfills are
closed down.closed down.

30. Sanitary landfill:Sanitary landfill:
The modern municipal sanitary landfillThe modern municipal sanitary landfill
consists of the depression whose surfaceconsists of the depression whose surface
layer is composed of impermeable clay.layer is composed of impermeable clay.
On top of the clay layer, is an impermeableOn top of the clay layer, is an impermeable
liner usually composed of plastic.liner usually composed of plastic.
Daily collections of waste are spread evenlyDaily collections of waste are spread evenly
across the depression and are then coveredacross the depression and are then covered
by a layer of soil.by a layer of soil.
Drainage systems are set up around andDrainage systems are set up around and
beneath the liner to collect liquids leachingbeneath the liner to collect liquids leaching
from the garbage and waste.from the garbage and waste.

31. Collected leachates are then treated toCollected leachates are then treated to
make them more environmentally safe.make them more environmentally safe.
These liquids are also monitored to detectThese liquids are also monitored to detect
the presence ofthe presence of toxictoxic andand hazardoushazardous
chemicals that cannot be modified intochemicals that cannot be modified into
safe substances.safe substances.

32. Monitoring systems are also used toMonitoring systems are also used to
detect the presence ofdetect the presence of methanemethane and forand for
the contamination of surroundingthe contamination of surrounding
groundwater.groundwater.
Some landfills collect and use theSome landfills collect and use the
methane produced bymethane produced by decomposingdecomposing
waste to generate electricity.waste to generate electricity.

33. Management of Wastes:Management of Wastes:
In general, disposal practices for solid andIn general, disposal practices for solid and
hazardous waste products have not beenhazardous waste products have not been
satisfactory. One of the most important solutionssatisfactory. One of the most important solutions
to this problems is to produce less waste.to this problems is to produce less waste.
When compared to Japan, Canada and theWhen compared to Japan, Canada and the
United States produce about two to three timesUnited States produce about two to three times
more waste per person despite having similarmore waste per person despite having similar
levels of economic prosperity.levels of economic prosperity.

34. A number of different techniques can beA number of different techniques can be
used to reduce the production of wastes.used to reduce the production of wastes.
In the past few decades, significantIn the past few decades, significant
progress has been made in recyclingprogress has been made in recycling
materials like glass, various metals,materials like glass, various metals,
plastics, and paper.plastics, and paper.
Very little progress has been made inVery little progress has been made in
reducing the packaging associated withreducing the packaging associated with
consumable goods.consumable goods.
Governments can also create strongerGovernments can also create stronger
legislation to reduce the production of bothlegislation to reduce the production of both
solid and hazardous wastes.solid and hazardous wastes.

35. Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle:Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle:
Large quantities ofLarge quantities of municipal wastemunicipal waste areare
generated from consumer productgenerated from consumer product
packaging.packaging.
Use and throw type packaging materials.Use and throw type packaging materials.
To combat this problem, products can beTo combat this problem, products can be
prepared inprepared in recyclablerecyclable containers or withcontainers or with
considerably less packaging.considerably less packaging.

36. Reuse (no transformation) vs.Reuse (no transformation) vs.
recycle (physical transformation)recycle (physical transformation)
In Far East and Europe,In Far East and Europe,
recycling is a way of life:recycling is a way of life:
Japan: 50%Japan: 50%
Europe: >30%Europe: >30%
US: 25%US: 25%

37. Another strategy used to reduce waste isAnother strategy used to reduce waste is
to wrap products in biodegradableto wrap products in biodegradable
containers.containers.
In 1990, McDonald's Corporation -byIn 1990, McDonald's Corporation -by
changing the packaging of theirchanging the packaging of their
hamburgers from non-degradable plastichamburgers from non-degradable plastic
foam to biodegradable paper wrappers orfoam to biodegradable paper wrappers or
boxes.boxes.

38. One popular method of consumers - that canOne popular method of consumers - that can
reduce waste generation is - the purchasing ofreduce waste generation is - the purchasing of
goods in bulk.goods in bulk.
In bulk sales, consumers are allowed toIn bulk sales, consumers are allowed to
purchase goods in the quantities that theypurchase goods in the quantities that they
require.require.
In many cases, the consumers are allowed toIn many cases, the consumers are allowed to
bring their own containers for the product.bring their own containers for the product.
Packaging is also reduced when the consumerPackaging is also reduced when the consumer
purchases large quantities of the goods.purchases large quantities of the goods.
Generally, it takes more materials to packageGenerally, it takes more materials to package
consumables in small quantities.consumables in small quantities.

39. ReusingReusing ::
Reusing the containers used to hold goods canReusing the containers used to hold goods can
also reduce the production of wastes.also reduce the production of wastes.
In many places, deposits are collected forIn many places, deposits are collected for
containers.containers.
Consumers purchasing these products can getConsumers purchasing these products can get
their deposits back by returning the emptytheir deposits back by returning the empty
containers after the product has been consumed.containers after the product has been consumed.
These containers are then refilled by theThese containers are then refilled by the
manufacturer with beverages and placed on salemanufacturer with beverages and placed on sale
again.again.
On average, glass containers can be refilled 10 toOn average, glass containers can be refilled 10 to
15 times before they are discarded or recycled.15 times before they are discarded or recycled.

40. RecyclingRecycling::
Currently, in North America only about 23 % ofCurrently, in North America only about 23 % of
the solidthe solid municipal wastemunicipal waste generated is beinggenerated is being
recycledrecycled..
Estimates suggest that this amount could easilyEstimates suggest that this amount could easily
be doubled. Recycling can be defined as the usebe doubled. Recycling can be defined as the use
of a resource over and over in a modified form.of a resource over and over in a modified form.
Common types of solid waste that can beCommon types of solid waste that can be
recycled include glass, metals, paper, andrecycled include glass, metals, paper, and
plastics. Products made of glass areplastics. Products made of glass are
theoretically 100 % recyclable.theoretically 100 % recyclable.

41. Recycling of glass involves melting usedRecycling of glass involves melting used
containers to make new glass bottles and jars.containers to make new glass bottles and jars.
In the United States, about 30 % of all the glassIn the United States, about 30 % of all the glass
produced is manufactured from recycled glass.produced is manufactured from recycled glass.
Recycling of glass is also energy efficient.Recycling of glass is also energy efficient.
On average, the production of new glassOn average, the production of new glass
requires twice as much energy as compared torequires twice as much energy as compared to
creating glass from recycled containers.creating glass from recycled containers.
Discarded glass containers can also beDiscarded glass containers can also be
reprocessed to create new products.reprocessed to create new products.
Much of the fiberglass used in constructionMuch of the fiberglass used in construction
comes from reprocessed glass.comes from reprocessed glass.

42. For each ton recycled; 9 gal of fuel oil saved butFor each ton recycled; 9 gal of fuel oil saved but
raw materials are cheap,, transport costs areraw materials are cheap,, transport costs are
high as glass is heavyhigh as glass is heavy
Contamination is a big problem , must assureContamination is a big problem , must assure
market glass is cleanmarket glass is clean
82 glass recyclers in US82 glass recyclers in US
Color separated, cleaned, and eitherColor separated, cleaned, and either
crushed for use as cullet for fiberglass,crushed for use as cullet for fiberglass,
sometimes in road bed (glasphalt) or used tosometimes in road bed (glasphalt) or used to
make new bottles/jarsmake new bottles/jars

43. Recycling:Recycling:
Products containing metals can also beProducts containing metals can also be
melted and reused repeatedly.melted and reused repeatedly.
Types of metals that are commonlyTypes of metals that are commonly
recycled include steel, aluminum, copper,recycled include steel, aluminum, copper,
gold, silver, lead, zinc, nickel, titanium,gold, silver, lead, zinc, nickel, titanium,
and chromium.and chromium.

44. Recycling of Paper:Recycling of Paper:
It has some limitations.It has some limitations.
Paper cannot be used repeatedly because thePaper cannot be used repeatedly because the
fibers eventually degrade and become useless.fibers eventually degrade and become useless.
Most types of paper fibers can be recycled noMost types of paper fibers can be recycled no
more than six to eight timesmore than six to eight times..
Also, using paper for many tasks requires thatAlso, using paper for many tasks requires that
the paper have certain levels of quality.the paper have certain levels of quality.
Using recycled fibers reduces the quality of theUsing recycled fibers reduces the quality of the
paper.paper.
As a result, many recycled papers contain onlyAs a result, many recycled papers contain only
small percentages of reused fibers.small percentages of reused fibers.

45. Plastic:Plastic:
is another substance whose recycling hasis another substance whose recycling has
some problems. There are many differentsome problems. There are many different
types of plastic which look similar buttypes of plastic which look similar but
actually contained uniquely differentactually contained uniquely different
plastic resins. When recycling plastics,plastic resins. When recycling plastics,
care must be taken to sort the variouscare must be taken to sort the various
types of plastics out because each type oftypes of plastics out because each type of
resin requires a specific process forresin requires a specific process for
melting and remolding.melting and remolding.

46. Plastics:Plastics:
Plastics also suffer from a reduction inPlastics also suffer from a reduction in
quality each time they are recycled.quality each time they are recycled.
So their repeated use is limited to a fixedSo their repeated use is limited to a fixed
number of cycles.number of cycles.
The final problem that occurs with plasticsThe final problem that occurs with plastics
deals with sanitation.deals with sanitation.

47. Types of plastics:Types of plastics:
thermoplastic - flow when heated, linearthermoplastic - flow when heated, linear
molecular structure, 80% of plastics,molecular structure, 80% of plastics,
recyclablerecyclable
thermosetting - crosslinked molecularthermosetting - crosslinked molecular
structure, synthesized and formed atstructure, synthesized and formed at
same time, formed once, not recyclable,same time, formed once, not recyclable,
ex: polyurethaneex: polyurethane

48. Plastics:Plastics:
Temperatures used to melt plastics areTemperatures used to melt plastics are
generally not high enough to kill potentiallygenerally not high enough to kill potentially
harmful bacteria and other potentiallyharmful bacteria and other potentially
dangerous organisms.dangerous organisms.
This problem limits the use of recycledThis problem limits the use of recycled
plastics for making containers that holdplastics for making containers that hold
consumable products.consumable products.

49. Landfills:Landfills:
Definition: engineered method ofDefinition: engineered method of
disposing of solid waste on land in adisposing of solid waste on land in a
manner that protects the environmentmanner that protects the environment
Operation: spread refuse in thin layer,Operation: spread refuse in thin layer,
compact it, cover with compacted soilcompact it, cover with compacted soil
(geonet) at end of day(geonet) at end of day

50. Equipment Used to Apply Foam
as Daily Cover Material:

51. Compaction of Placed Waste
(Note: New Construction) Compaction of Daily
Cover :

52. Older Landfill
Foot compactor for waste
compaction

53. Landfills:Landfills:
Site must protect public health, safety, welfare, &Site must protect public health, safety, welfare, &
environmentenvironment
Minimize adverse impacts on surrounding areaMinimize adverse impacts on surrounding area
Minimeze adverse impacts on property valueMinimeze adverse impacts on property value
Minimize impacts on traffic flowMinimize impacts on traffic flow
Minimize potential for fire, spill, accidentsMinimize potential for fire, spill, accidents
Outside the 100 year flood plainOutside the 100 year flood plain
Far from airports (birds) - 10,000’ from jet ports,Far from airports (birds) - 10,000’ from jet ports,
5,000’ from other airports5,000’ from other airports

54. Compaction/Densification; paper/plastic for transport
1.Size reduction
a.Reduce size, blend constituents - more uniform for processing
b.Glass crushers, wood grinder or chippers, tube grinders, flail mill,
hammer mills shear shredder
2.Screening - vibrating screen, rotary screen, disc screen useful in
separating glass, Al cans, cardboard
Rotary Screen

55. Modern Landfills
Leachate Recirculation used to enhance
biological activity and decrease stabilization
time.
Vertical Wells for
Leachate Introduction
Lysimeter at Solid Waste

56. LF- Reactions & Processes:LF- Reactions & Processes:
Biological ReactionsBiological Reactions
Chemical reactions (Ox-rd)Chemical reactions (Ox-rd)
Gas Production, movement and diffusion-Gas Production, movement and diffusion-
degradation rates- 40-60% methane, CO2,degradation rates- 40-60% methane, CO2,
explosive, odour, trace gasesexplosive, odour, trace gases
Liquid production, movement & hydraulicsLiquid production, movement & hydraulics
Leaching and dissolution or organic/ inorganicLeaching and dissolution or organic/ inorganic
substancessubstances
Contaminant transport- advection, dispersionContaminant transport- advection, dispersion
and diffusion)and diffusion)
Different settlementDifferent settlement

57. LF stabilization:LF stabilization:
Microbial stabilization-Microbial stabilization-
hydrolysis, organisms, aerobichydrolysis, organisms, aerobic
decompositiondecomposition
Phases of transition- initialPhases of transition- initial
adjustment, transition, acidadjustment, transition, acid
phase, methane fermentationphase, methane fermentation
phase and maturation phasephase and maturation phase

58. Gas Movement :Gas Movement :
Convective and diffusive forces drive movementConvective and diffusive forces drive movement
May be present in sub-surface - outside un-linedMay be present in sub-surface - outside un-lined
landfillslandfills
Control concernsControl concerns
– Prevent migrationPrevent migration
– Relieve pressure build up on LF cap and linerRelieve pressure build up on LF cap and liner
– Prevent groundwater contaminationPrevent groundwater contamination
– Prevent vegetative damage on surface of LF (methane)Prevent vegetative damage on surface of LF (methane)
– Energy recoveryEnergy recovery
– Minimize odorMinimize odor
– Minimize air pollutionMinimize air pollution
Control techniquesControl techniques
– Passive extraction systemsPassive extraction systems
Driven by natural pressure gradient within LFDriven by natural pressure gradient within LF
– Active systemActive system
Design a vacuum to direct the flow and control gas flowDesign a vacuum to direct the flow and control gas flow

59. Liquid Movement :Liquid Movement :
Water Balance: P=I+R+ET+DS+W; W=waterWater Balance: P=I+R+ET+DS+W; W=water
consumed by reactionsconsumed by reactions
Darcy’s LawDarcy’s Law
– Unsaturated flow implicationsUnsaturated flow implications
Saturated lensesSaturated lenses
– Variation of permeability with depth due to overburdenVariation of permeability with depth due to overburden
pressure and increased waste densitiespressure and increased waste densities
– HeterogeneitiesHeterogeneities
– Daily cover materialsDaily cover materials

60. Hospital Waste Management:Hospital Waste Management:
No burn and bury method- Esp. DioxinsNo burn and bury method- Esp. Dioxins
and furans present special problemsand furans present special problems
55 hospitals in Mysore city alone55 hospitals in Mysore city alone
Categories- general, pathological,Categories- general, pathological,
radioactive, chemical-carcinogenic,radioactive, chemical-carcinogenic,
infectious, pharmaceutical wastes,infectious, pharmaceutical wastes,
pressurized containers.pressurized containers.
City corporation spends Rs. 4 crores forCity corporation spends Rs. 4 crores for
SWMSWM

61. Monitoring RequirementsMonitoring Requirements
GroundwaterGroundwater
– Initial requirementsInitial requirements
– Contaminated requirementsContaminated requirements
Air MonitoringAir Monitoring
– Safety regulations nowSafety regulations now
– Regulations are being proposed whichRegulations are being proposed which
address emission rates and concentrationsaddress emission rates and concentrations

62. What do we need?What do we need?
Comprehensive Solid wasteComprehensive Solid waste
Management PlanManagement Plan

63. Introduction
State of the Environment
Report
What's New!
WATgreen
Solid Waste
Management
Transportation
Management
Reduction &
Recycling
Air Quality Green Procurement
Landscape
Management
Composting
Energy
Conservation
Waste
Management
Hazardous Waste
Management
Water
Conservation
UW Environmental
Initiatives
Links & Resources

64. Thank youThank you