What Is Waste
What Is Waste
What Is Waste
Waste Framework Directive of the European Union, Article 3: “‘Waste’ means any
substance or object which the holder discards or intends or is required to discard”
- ex. sirang gamit sa bahay, mga plastic na bote, mga pagkain na hindi nakakain at
iba pa.
Waste can be classified
based on source (who/what generated the waste? ) kung saan sya galing
substance (what is it made of?),
hazard properties (how dangerous is it?),
management (who handles it?)
or a mix of these concepts.
Types of waste
Generally, waste could be liquid or solid waste. Both of them could be hazardous. Liquid and
solid waste types can also be grouped into organic, re-usable and recyclable waste.
Liquid type:Waste can come in non-solid form. Some solid waste can also be converted
to a liquid waste form for disposal. It includes point source and non-point source
discharges such as storm water and wastewater. Examples of liquid waste include wash
water from homes, liquids used for cleaning in industries and waste detergents.
Solid type: Solid waste predominantly, is any garbage, refuse or rubbish that we make
in our homes and other places. These include old car tires, old newspapers, broken
furniture and even food waste. They may include any waste that is non-liquid.
Hazardous type:Hazardous or harmful waste are those that potentially threaten public
health or the environment. Such waste could be inflammable (can easily catch fire),
reactive (can easily explode), corrosive (can easily eat through metal) or toxic
(poisonous to human and animals). In many countries, it is required by law to involve the
appropriate authority to supervise the disposal of such hazardous waste. Examples
include fire extinguishers, old propane tanks, pesticides, mercury-containing equipment
(e.g, thermostats) and lamps (e.g. fluorescent bulbs) and batteries.
Organic type: Organic waste comes from plants or animals sources. Commonly, they
include food waste, fruit and vegetable peels, flower trimmings and even dog poop can
be classified as organic waste. They are biodegradable (this means they are easily
broken down by other organisms over time and turned into manure). Many people turn
their organic waste into compost and use them in their gardens.
End-of-life Automobiles:When cars are all old and not working again, where do they
end up? Many people just leave them to rust in the fields, but there is a better way to
deal with them. In many cities, these vehicles are sent to the plant, where all the
removable parts are taken out for recycling. The rest is flattened up and shredded into
peices for recycling. The last bits that cannot be used again is sent to a landfill.
Industrial sources of waste:Since the industrial revolution, the rise in the number of
industries manufacturing glass, leather, textile, food, electronics, plastic and metal
products has significantly contributed to waste production. Take a look at the things in
your home, every item there was probably manufactured and possibly, waste was
produced as a result.
- The collection, processing, and recycling or deposition of the waste materials of human
society.
There different methods of waste disposal depending on the type of waste: