The process of managing waste (or disposing of waste) involves all of the steps involved in controlling waste from its inception to its final disposition.
It also includes monitoring, regulating waste management processes, technologies and economic mechanisms, and the collection, transport, treatment, and disposal of waste.
Solid waste can also be liquid waste, or gaseous waste can be liquid waste. Each type of waste requires different methods of disposal and management. A waste management system handles any type of waste that is produced. Such types of waste include industrial, biological, household, municipal, organic, biomedical, radioactive.
Some wastes can pose a health threat to humans. The entire waste management process is associated with the health issues of humans. Health problems can also occur indirectly or directly. Solid waste is produced directly and indirectly via the consumption of water, soil, and food.
The extraction and processing of raw materials are examples of human activity that produces waste. In waste management, the objective is to reduce the negative impact of waste on human health, the environment, and planetary resources.
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In many developing countries and cities, waste management remains a challenge that must be addressed in order to build sustainable and livable cities. An efficient, sustainable, and socially beneficial system is needed in order to provide this essential municipal service.
Waste management deals mainly with the waste generated by household, industrial, and commercial activities, commonly referred to as municipal solid waste (MSW).
In the field of waste management, there are technological mechanisms that promote a circular economy, effective disposal facilities, export and import controls, and the design of products that are economically and environmentally sustainable.
According to the report of Astute Analytica, the Waste Management Market is forecast to grow at a CAGR of 5.5% during the forecast period from 2021-2027.
As the global market’s growth is being spurred by proactive government action to combat illegal dumping. In addition, the need for more disposable products has greatly increased as a result of an increase in globalization and population growth.
Importance of Waste Management
Today, far more of our waste is biodegradable than it was hundreds of years ago. Therefore, landfills and burning are no longer effective for disposing of waste. Today, waste management plays a very important role due to a few reasons:
Adheres to carbon reduction targets
Local authorities can develop targets for reducing CO2 emissions in the form of Carbon Reduction Commitment agreements. One of the first legal climate change initiatives in the world is the 2008 Climate Change Act in the UK. A waste management program covering this act can keep the company up to date with all responsibilities under this act.
Environmentally friendly
All the waste consumers have to deal with can’t be simply burned. It is because it releases toxins into the atmosphere, pollutes it, and can even cause the ozone layer to degrade. The environment may be harmed by some wastes that are hazardous. These include plants, animals, and their habitats. Polluting bodies of water like lakes and rivers with toxic materials can cause death to live things.
Profitable Waste Management
The food industry can benefit especially from recycling and waste management. Food factories, supermarkets, and restaurants can boost profits by up to 10% of their operations are planned and portioned adequately, and their supply chains are efficient.
Promotes Safety at Work and in the Community
Materials used in waste disposal are potentially hazardous to the workers and the environment. It can prevent illnesses and accidents at work for the employees and visitors. The most common chores here are putting the garbage in the bin and sorting the waste into the right recycling containers.
Environment Benefits: Waste Management
Throughout history, humans have lived in a careless manner but neglected to consider the harm they are doing to the environment. Mother Earth has suffered so much damage that it is virtually impossible to reverse it. Although, that doesn’t mean that we cannot save what we have left. We can always limit, if not prevent further environmental damage, and waste management can both reduce and prevent environmental harm. Here are a few reasons:
- Improving air quality and reducing greenhouse emissions can both be accomplished through proper waste removal.
- New materials work better if they are made from resources with minimal extraction, as well as with less pollution and energy consumption.
- Protecting the environment and keeping the population healthy are two of the most significant benefits of waste management.
- Recyclable waste can be turned into useful substances when it is recycled.
- The management of your waste enables you to conserve natural resources such as minerals, water, and wood. Reduce, reuse, and recycle bring about this result.
- Getting rid of waste efficiently ensures that the least amount of garbage dies in landfills. Waste management in landfills reduces the generation of harmful substances by conserving space.
- Different service providers dispose of yard waste through recycling organizations in order to ensure that it is used in local farms and gardens. Composting replenishes the soil with nutrients and helps municipalities reduce waste in landfills.
The disease can spread in the environment because of improper waste disposal. Getting rid of waste properly is important as waste is a perfect host for bacteria. People who come into contact with the trash are at a greater risk of contracting diseases.
