The solid waste problem keeps growing by the day and this calls for concern. Because of this, different nations have developed different methods of dealing with it. Waste management is not an easy task because it involves collection, transporting as well as disposal of the garbage. Waste management process is about using solid wastes as valuable resources and should be done by everyone. There are different waste management and disposal methods and below are listed a few.
Landfill
The landfill is the most popular waste disposal method and it involves burying the waste in the land. Normally, there is a process implemented to eliminate any odors and dangers before the waste is buried. Despite the fact that it is the most popular, it is not in the least the best one. It takes up too much space and can be extremely dangerous since after time, there is usually the emission of the methane gas, which is extremely explosive.
Incineration or combustion
This is a method that involves burning the waste at very high temperatures in order to convert it to residue and gaseous products. This method has many advantages like the fact that it reduces the waste to more than 30% of the original amount and decreases the amount of space it then takes up in the landfill. Also known as thermal treatment, this method is practiced by numerous countries especially those that have no landfill space anymore.
Recycling and recovery
Recovery involves processing discarded materials and converting them to usable fuel, heat and electricity. Recycling is the process of converting waste products to other new products, which prevents the energy usage and raw materials used to make the same new products. Recycling is the third component in the hierarchy of Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.
Plasma gasification
Plasma is an electrically charged gas and during waste treatment, the molecular bonds of the waste are broken down with intense heat providing renewable energy. This is a beneficial method because the waste is destroyed.
Composting
Composting is a bio-degradation method involving organic wastes. This process involves allowance of the organic wastes to stay in one place until microbes decompose it completely. This is one of the best methods because the results are used as compost.
Recovery energy
This process involves the conversion of non-recyclable wastes into electricity and usable heat. Waste-to-energy helps reduce carbon emissions and is renewable energy since the energy source can be used repeatedly.
Waste minimization
This is the easiest method because the less waste there is, the less piles of landfills will be needed. Reducing waste involves recycling, reusing and composting.
