Municipal liquid waste is channeled through sewage systems in developed countries, where it

is treated as wastewater or sewage. Before wastewater, or sewage, may enter groundwater

aquifers or surface waters like rivers, lakes, estuaries, and seas, this procedure eliminates
most or all of the contaminants. (See wastewater treatment for further information on sewage
systems and treatment.)

Municipal solid waste (MSW), commonly known as refuse, is non-hazardous garbage that
must be collected and transferred to a processing or disposal facility. Garbage and waste are
examples of refuse. Garbage consists primarily of compostable food waste and dry materials
such as glass, paper, cloth, or wood. Garbage, on the other hand, is extremely putrescible and
decomposable, but trash is not. Bulky goods like old refrigerators, couches, and massive tree
stumps, as well as building and demolition waste (e.g., wood, drywall, bricks, concrete, and
rebar a steel rod with ridges for use in reinforced concrete), all of which require special
collection and processing, are considered trash. Sanitary landfills—pits or other places
covered with impermeable synthetic bottom liners where garbage is segregated from the rest
of the environment—are frequently used to dispose of refuse.

What is Waste Disposal?

Waste disposal means removing, discarding, recycling or destroying unwanted materials
called waste that is produced from agriculture, domestic usage or industrial products.
Following the correct methods for waste disposal will ensure lesser pollution and hazards for
the environment. Proper waste management is necessary with steps involving the proper
collection of waste and scientific treatments that may contribute less to water pollution, soil
pollution and air pollution.

Wastes can be of numerous types and much of the waste generated today is non-
biodegradable waste. Globalization and industrialization have contributed to this hugely. The
dumps with harmful substances in the waste can release toxic fumes and smoke. Therefore,
the correct disposal for the particular kind of waste is necessary, for example burning all
kinds of wastes may lead to the above problem and cause harm to bodies. Also, dumping into
rivers and filling land depressions without proper administration is not encouraged. Wastes
including plastics, batteries, sanitary and oil products should be properly disposed of. Doing
so may result in a hazardous environment and a polluted atmosphere.

Waste management is an important term associated with waste disposal and both go hand in
hand for maintaining a clean environment. Thus, the waste disposal definition should also
include a waste management system. The 7 R’s associated with waste management are
Refuse, Repurpose, Reduce, Reuse, Rot, Recycle and Rethink. Following each of these steps
in the process of waste disposal will help enormously to live hygienically and healthily. It is
necessary not only for us but also for the next generations to come. It also prevents waste
disposal workers, employees in landfill facilities, and other related workmen to reduce risks
associated with improper handling of wastes. It may cause blood infections, respiratory and
growth problems, skin irritations, etc. Therefore, waste disposal should not be dependent
upon the workers, rather the concern should start from every home. Waste segregation should
be followed everywhere including homes and commercial. Segregating biodegradable waste,
non-biodegradable and toxic products should be followed.

Let’s learn about the various methods of waste disposal which are carried out for the cleaning
up process.
Methods of Waste Disposal
The various methods of waste disposal known are as follows:
1. Landfill
2. Incineration
3. Biogas Generation
4. Composting
5. Waste compaction
6. Vermicomposting

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1. Landfill
In this process, the waste type involves non-reusable and non-recyclable substances
which are spread in a thin layer in specific low-lying lands or areas. These areas are
dug deep where waste is disposed inside then a layer of soil will be used to cover it
back. These areas are declared unfit for activities like construction of buildings for the
next 20 years. That site can be made use for building parks or playgrounds in the near
future. It is one of the hugely adopted methods of waste disposal in a bulk manner.

1. Incineration
Incineration is the treatment of waste or waste disposal by the means of burning
where the garbage turns into the incombustible matter like gases and ashes.
Incinerators are believed to be environmentally very dangerous as the resultants are
heavy metals, which are placed in landfills ultimately making air, water, and soil
polluted. However, there are numerous benefits associated with this process including
decreased waste quantity, production of power and heat, pollution reduction, no
transportation of waste required, control over noise and odor, and elimination of
chemical and harmful germs.

1. Generation of Biogas
Food items, animal waste, municipal waste, vegetable/fruit peels and organic
industrial wastes are biodegradable waste which means these can be decomposed by
bacteria or other organisms. Using these wastes, biogas is produced at small as well as
a large scale where bacteria, fungi, and other microbes easily degrade the substances.
The organic biodegradable matter that is broken down or has to be decomposed serves
as food for microorganisms. The biogas production process can happen anaerobically
i.e. without oxygen as well as aerobically i.e. with oxygen. The outcome is biogas
which is used as a fuel and the remains are used as manure in fields or plantations.
Biogas is a mixture of gases, primarily methane and carbon dioxide. This kind of
waste disposal method is beneficial as the wastes are utilized in production of
something useful.

1. Waste Compaction
Waste compaction involves a proper technique that includes shredding the waste into
smaller pieces, pushing to mix properly and placing it in such a way to fill voids.
Waste compaction results in reducing the amount and size of waste that ultimately
results in less pollution of the environment. Recycling is also one of the best methods
to reduce waste and it can be performed for cans, plastic bottles, cardboards, paper,
 metal, textiles, electronics, batteries, tires, etc. Reusing these kinds of wastes is
possible through recycling.

1. Composting
Composting is one of the waste disposal methods that begin from our kitchen. It deals
with all organic materials including food scraps, garden waste, fruits and vegetable
peels. When these substances are buried and left under the soil for some days, those
decay under the action of bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms. As a result,
decomposition takes place and a humus-like substance called compost is formed. It is
highly beneficial to be used as manure or fertilizer as it is nutrient-rich that can
replenish the soil to grow crops or plants. It’s also known to enhance the water
retention capacity of the soil and is the best alternative to harmful chemical fertilizers.

1. Vermicomposting
Also known as vermiculture, vermicomposting is one of the waste disposal methods
and it is performed by the decomposition process using white worms, red wigglers,
earthworms and other worms to break the organic matter like vegetable or food waste.
Vermicast is the end product generated as a result of breakdown of organic waste by
earthworms. Vermicompost or vermicast is highly water-soluble that acts as an
excellent source of nutrients and thus used as fertilizer. It is often mixed with soil in a
standard ratio or added as a liquid fertilizer.

While driving along a highway, we notice heaps of garbage on the side of the road. In
India, open dumping is the most popular trash disposal method.

The waste heaps are frequently exposed to the elements and the environment. They
rarely have a scant covering, which attracts pests and vermin.

These landfills are occasionally subjected to open burning, which can emit harmful
gases and smoke. There have also been cases where there has been enough heat
created to cause spontaneous combustion.

Waste is occasionally dumped illegally into rivers and canals or used to fill land
depressions without sufficient consultation. In the long run, these methods cause a
slew of issues. These can include everything from soil degradation to harmful
chemicals leaking into subsurface water sources. As a result, correct waste disposal
measures should be used to avoid such instances.

LANDFILLS- PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS

What are Landfills?

Landfills are sites designated for dumping rubbish, garbage, or other sorts of solid wastes.
Historically, they are the most common means of disposing solid waste which is either buried
or left to pile in heaps. Landfill is a common phenomenon around the world, especially due to
the increased number of wastes from our homes, schools, offices, hospitals, and markets.
Some landfills are well managed and designed as part of integrated waste management.
However, most communities leave the landfills unattended to which cause land pollution and
uncontrolled buildup of all sorts of solid waste materials. Here are the causes, effects, and
solutions to landfills.

“A landfill site (also known as a tip, dump, rubbish dump, garbage dump or dumping ground
and historically as a midden) is a site for the disposal of waste materials by burial and is the
oldest form of waste treatment. Historically, landfills have been the most common method of
organized waste disposal and remain so in many places around the world.”

Serious Causes of Landfills

Solid waste
Solid waste is the number one contributor of landfill waste disposal. Homes, schools,
restaurants, public places, markets, offices and so on produce a great deal of rubbish, garbage
and used materials. The bulk of these wastes eventually end up in the landfills. Examples of
the solid waste materials include wood, paper, plastic, broken furniture, glass, grounded cars,
obsolete electronic products, and hospital and market waste.

Because most of these waste materials are non-biodegradable, they heap in the landfills
where they stay for years. The scenario is even worse for poorly managed waste disposal
systems and normally results in damage to the land and the surrounding environment.

Agricultural waste
Agricultural wastes arise from waste materials generated from animal manure, crop, and farm
remains. The solid wastes like the animal manure and other agricultural by products are
collected and dumped in the landfills. These agricultural remnants are highly toxic and can
contaminate the land and water resources. Once in the landfills, the wastes remain there for
years impacting on soil quality and polluting the land.

Industry, manufacturing, and construction waste

Industrial processes, construction activities and power plants produce a wide range of solid
byproducts and residues. The predominant waste products are generated from oil refineries,
power plants, construction works, pharmaceuticals, and agricultural product producers. The
solid wastes usually find way to the landfills.

As an example, oil refinery processes produce petroleum hydrocarbon byproducts while

construction works generate wood, plastics, and metal wastes. Regardless of the fact that
industrial manufacturing, power generation and construction works are regulated, their
byproducts and residues from time to time find way to the landfills.

Urbanization and population growth

Increasing urbanization and population growth rate is considerably accountable for the
increased number of landfills across the world. With the increase of population and urban
growth, the demand for manufactured products and materials increases. As the demand
increases, so does the increase of solid wastes.
 In particular, plastic pollution has been on the rise in the first decade of this century due to
rapid urbanization and population growth and most of the used plastic materials simply end
up in the landfills. In most urban areas, plastics form the greater part of the landfills and
constitute about 80% of all the municipal waste.

Drastic Effects of Landfills

Air pollution and atmospheric effects

There are more than ten toxic gases emitted from landfills, of which methane gas is the most
serious. Methane gas is naturally produced during the process of organic matter decay. On
this account, EPA records that the methane expelled during the decomposition of organic
matter in unmanaged landfills has the potential of trapping solar radiation 20 times more
effective than carbon dioxide.

The outcome is increased urban and global temperatures. Aside from the methane gas, other
household and agricultural chemicals that find way to the landfills like bleach and ammonia
can generate toxic gases that can greatly impact the air quality within the landfill vicinity.
Dust, particulate matter and other non-chemical contaminates can also be expelled into the
atmosphere, further contributing to air quality issues.

Ground water pollution

The primary environmental problem arising because of landfills is groundwater

contamination from leaches. There are several hazardous wastes that find way into the
landfills and once they are there, the inevitable is the natural deterioration of ground water.

The toxic products in the landfills range from industrial solvents to household cleaners.
Besides the chemicals from household and industrial products, electronic wastes contain lead,
mercury and cadmium.

A huge percentage of these landfill toxins infiltrate the soil to reach the fresh water
waterways, which eventually end up in the domestic water and sadly enough, the foods that
we consume. The pollution can also adversely harm animal and plant life. Research reveals
that 82% of landfills have leaks.

Health effects
Increases in the risk of severe health implications such as birth defects, low birth weight, and
particular cancers have been reported in individuals living next to landfill areas in numerous
studies. For instance, TCE is a carcinogen element often originating from landfill leachate.
Other discomfort and self-reported symptoms for people living next to the landfills include
sleepiness, headaches and fatigue.

The effects are linked with the toxic actions of the chemicals present in the landfill wastes.
From contamination of the air with harmful gases to water pollution, the outcome is adverse
 human health effects. Landfill toxic gas releases and water pollution are as well associated
with lung and heart diseases respectively.

Soil and land pollution

Landfills directly render the soil and land where it is located unusable. It also destroys the
adjacent soil and land area because the toxic chemicals spread over the surrounding soil with
time. The upper layer of the soil is damaged, distorting soil fertility and activity and affecting
plant life. Industrial and electronic wastes in the landfills destroy the quality of the soil and
land thereby upsetting the land ecosystems.

Economic costs
The economic and social cost of landfill management is very high. From the management of
the gases coming out of the landfills to groundwater contamination management, and
ensuring compliance with environmental regulatory policies drains a lot of the municipality’s
and tax payer’s money in terms of integrated waste management.

Because most of the materials disposed in the landfills take millions of years to decompose,
designing effective strategies and facilities for managing landfills requires high capital
investments with regards to management and recycling initiatives.

Landfill fires
Landfill gases together with a substantive amount of landfill waste, can easily start a fire.
Once fires are ignited, it can be challenging to put it out and further cause air pollution. If not
put out immediately, they can get out of control and destroy the neighboring habitats.

Methane is notably the most flammable and combustible gas in the landfill and as such, given
its abundant supply it can create havoc. Combustion of the landfill even worsens the situation
as the burning of the chemicals adds more chemical load to the area.

Impressive Solutions of Landfills

Design and implementation of integrated waste management
The construction of modern landfills with well-engineered and managed disposal facilities
can significantly lessen the impacts of landfill on soil, air, and water. Landfills that are well-
designed and operated ensure compliance with environmental preservation requirements and
it ultimately ensures that the environment is free from contaminants.

The use of such designs also ensures the landfills are not located in environmentally-sensitive
areas and are incorporated with on-site environmental monitoring systems. With on-site
environmental monitoring systems, signs of land fill gas and groundwater contamination can
be easily detected and controlled.

Recycle, Re-use, and reduce

Landfill management will always remain a major environmental if communities don’t
embrace the need of recycling, reducing and reuse. The increased demand of manufactured
products is what increases the final waste products that end up in the landfill. In this view, the
 use of recycling systems for electronic wastes, plastics, paper, metal, glass and other non-
biodegradable materials can provide an effective means of reducing the landfill effects.

Reducing our demand for manufactured products and embracing re-use can equally favor
reduction to both the toxicity and volume of waste that end up in the landfill as waste. People
have no option but to embrace the art of using manufactured products to the end of their
useful life. These can be split into the following simple steps:

Respect the planet: A deep gratitude and recognition of how beautiful the planet is, including
the interdependence of living and non-living things will help us exploit the planet positively
while also giving it time to flourish and rejuvenate.
Rethink our consumption needs: After huge purchases, we find out that most of the products
don’t make us as happy as we thought they would. In going about our life experiences, we
should reconsider our consumption habits and also buy what we think is necessary and useful
for the betterment of both our well-being and nature.
Reduce wastage: Spending our money on things we don’t need drains our wallets and
destroys our environment because of waste accumulation. Only spending on what is needed
saves out planet and keeps it environmentally friendly. Furthermore, it contributes to a
cleaner and more efficient environment since it establishes the need for meaningful
production and distribution of manufactured products.
Reuse products: Reusing the products that we have already bought keeps them away from the
landfill. We can buy used items from internet sites like E-bay, second-hand stores, garage
sales, or otherwise donate the items that we don’t use.
Recycle materials: Recycling is one of the best solutions for landfill management. Materials
such as plastics, cans, paper and glass can be recycled.