Describe the different types of waste disposal methods and identify its advantages and disadvantages
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Describe the different types of waste disposal methods and identify its advantages and disadvantages
Waste means anything that is no longer of any use or purpose and disposal means the throwing away of something unneeded. By waste disposal, one can understand the processes required to manage waste for its disposal. There are several methods of disposing waste which we will discuss in this chapter.
Different Types of Waste Disposal Methods
The different types of waste disposal methods are:
1). Landfills
Dumping waste or garage on the landfills is very common for industries and even households. In this method, the wastes thrown are those that cannot be recycled or reused. These areas are ho longer suitable for construction purposes.
Advantages of Landfills
The advantages of landfills are as follows:
• The waste from different localities are collected and buried which does not pile up waste in the environment.
• It has less chances of causing health problems and diseases.
• The land can be used for other community purposes like a park or playground..
Disadvantages of Landfills
The disadvantages of landfills are the following:
• It requires proper planning, operation and maintenance.
• The land is no longer fit for construction of buildings.
• It increases the occurrence of global warming by releasing carbon dioxide and methane in the air.
• The cost of land is high.
2). Incineration
It is a process of combustion of waste materials to turn it into incombustible substance. Incineration decreases the volume of waste by 80-90% and is one of the ways of waste disposal.
Advantages of Incineration
The advantages of incineration are the following:
• Reduces waste quantity by large volume.
• It is an efficient way of managing waste.
• The method is more environmental friendly compared to landfills.
• This method can be done in less land.
• It does not give too bad odour or produce noise.
• This method can be used in any weather.
• Less cost of transportation.
• The high temperature removes harmful chemicals and germs.
Disadvantages of Incineration
The disadvantages of incineration are as follows:
• It is an expensive method with high operating cost.
• It release toxic chemicals like nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide into the air.
• It does not encourage recycling or waste reduction.
• Communities near waste incineration plants are more exposed to health diseases.
• It requires skilled personnel and continuous maintenance.
3). Recycling
Recycling is the process of turning waste products into new materials to make it reusable. This material can be be used for some other purpose which can again get recycled in future for another use.
Advantages of Recycling
The advantages of recycling includes:
• Making reuse of the waste products which deceases production of waste.
• It reduces
• Making a sustainable and healthy living environment.
• Reduces the pollution in environment.
• Reduces occurrence of global warming.
• It is environmental friendly.
Disadvantages of Recycling
The disadvantages of recycling are as follows:
• It is an expensive process not being cost effective. .
• Not all wastes can be recycled and reused.
• It separates only the useful materials from the waste which is time consuming and difficult.
4). Compositing
Organic matters decompose with time such as food and seeds. These matters are are buried under layers of soil which decay with time due to microorganisms. This works as a very rich nutrient manure and enhances the quality of soil. It is considered a great substitution for chemical fertilisers.
Advantages of Composting
The advantages of competing are the following:
• It provides nutrient rich manure improving the soil fertility.
• It increases the water retention capacity.
• It can opted as the best alternative for chemical fertilisers.
• Decreases waste by making use of household waste.
• It is environmental friendly.
• The cost is low.
• It does not contaminate groundwater.
• It does not cause adverse health effects.
Disadvantages of Composting
The disadvantages of composting are:
• It leaves a bad odour.
• This process leaves the land dirty.
• Requires proper maintenance.
