MEVE 019: Unit 08 - Waste Management

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 UNIT 8: WASTE MANAGEMENT

8.1 Introduction

Waste is an inevitable by-product of human activities—ranging from households to industries, agriculture to healthcare. Poor waste management poses serious environmental, health, and economic problems. With rapid urbanization, the amount and complexity of waste are increasing. Additionally, the link between waste generation and climate change has made waste management a key focus area in sustainable development and climate action.

8.2 Objectives

By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:

·         Understand the scale and impact of waste generation.

·         Explore the connection between waste and climate change.

·         Learn about various waste management technologies and strategies.

·         Understand the concept of the waste hierarchy and its practical applications.

8.3 Waste Generation

8.3.1 Scenario

Globally, over 2 billion tonnes of solid waste are generated annually. India alone produces nearly 150,000 tonnes of municipal solid waste per day. This includes biodegradable, recyclable, hazardous, and electronic waste.

Urban areas generate more waste due to population density, lifestyle changes, packaging trends, and consumerism. Poor segregation and lack of treatment facilities result in waste accumulation and environmental degradation.

8.3.2 Problems Associated with Waste

·         Land Pollution: Open dumping leads to land contamination.

·         Water Pollution: Leachate from dumpsites pollutes groundwater and nearby water bodies.

·         Air Pollution: Open burning and decomposition of waste emit harmful gases.

·         Health Hazards: Waste attracts pests and spreads diseases; waste pickers face health risks.

·         Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Decomposing organic waste produces methane, a potent GHG.

8.4 Interlinkages between Waste Generation and Climate Change

Waste contributes significantly to climate change. Landfills produce methane (CH₄), which is 25 times more potent than CO₂. Open burning of waste emits black carbon and other pollutants that contribute to global warming. Additionally, poor waste practices result in energy loss, missed opportunities for recycling, and increased resource extraction—all of which impact the climate.

8.5 Waste Management Strategies for Climate Change Mitigation

Effective waste management can significantly reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and environmental damage. Key strategies include:

·         Waste Minimization: Reducing the volume of waste generated.

·         Segregation at Source: Sorting biodegradable, recyclable, and hazardous waste at generation points.

·         Resource Recovery: Composting, recycling, and energy recovery from waste.

·         Improved Collection & Transport: Optimized logistics reduce emissions.

·         Integrated Waste Management: Combining technologies and practices for sustainable management.

8.6 Technologies for GHG Reduction

8.6.1 Composting

Biodegradable waste is decomposed naturally to produce organic compost. It reduces methane emissions and enhances soil health.

8.6.2 Anaerobic Digestion

Organic waste is broken down in oxygen-free conditions to produce biogas (a mix of methane and CO₂) and digestate (used as fertilizer). It is ideal for food waste and animal manure.

8.6.3 Mechanical Biological Treatment (MBT)

This involves mechanically sorting waste and biologically treating the organic part. MBT reduces landfill volume and recovers valuable materials.

8.6.4 Incineration

Waste is burned at high temperatures to reduce volume and generate energy. Modern incinerators control emissions but may still pose environmental risks if not properly managed.

8.6.5 Pyrolysis

Thermal decomposition of organic waste in the absence of oxygen produces oil, gas, and char. Pyrolysis is suitable for plastic and rubber waste.

8.6.6 Gasification

Waste is converted into syngas (a mix of hydrogen and carbon monoxide) using limited oxygen. The gas can be used to generate electricity.

8.6.7 Refuse Derived Fuels (RDF)

Non-recyclable combustible waste is converted into solid fuel for use in cement kilns or power plants.

8.6.8 Engineered Landfill

Designed with liners and leachate collection systems, these landfills reduce contamination and capture landfill gas for energy use.

8.6.9 Biofuel and Biodiesel Production

Used cooking oil, food waste, and agricultural residues are processed into biofuels, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

8.6.10 Waste-to-Energy Technologies

These convert non-recyclable waste into usable forms of energy such as electricity, heat, or fuel, contributing to renewable energy goals.

8.7 Waste Hierarchy

The waste hierarchy is a pyramid model that ranks waste management options based on their environmental impact:

8.7.1 Avoiding and Reducing the Generation of Waste

This is the most preferred option. It involves:

·         Buying less

·         Choosing reusable and durable goods

·         Avoiding single-use plastics

·         Smart packaging choices

8.7.2 Resource Recovery

This includes:

·         Reuse: Using materials again without reprocessing (e.g., glass bottles).

·         Recycling: Reprocessing waste into new products (e.g., paper, plastic, metal).

·         Composting: Converting organic waste into manure.

·         Energy Recovery: Generating energy through incineration, gasification, or anaerobic digestion.

8.7.3 Disposal

This is the least preferred option and includes:

·         Landfilling: Final disposal of waste that cannot be reused or recycled.

·         Open Dumping or Burning: These should be avoided due to environmental and health hazards.

8.8 Let Us Sum Up

Waste management is a critical component of environmental sustainability and climate change mitigation. As waste generation increases, adopting effective, eco-friendly, and technologically advanced waste management systems becomes essential. By following the waste hierarchy—starting with reduction and moving towards recovery and safe disposal—we can minimize pollution, protect natural resources, and combat climate change. Public participation, government regulations, and investment in clean technologies will ensure a cleaner and healthier future.

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