Why burning waste is not an acceptable practice of solid waste managem...
Combustion or Burning:
- Combustion is a chemical process in which a substance reacts rapidly with oxygen and gives off heat
- Waste like plastic and rubber tires can be burned using this combustion process
- These make use of the heat energy generated by the combustion & incineration process to electricity
- It is the most effective method of waste disposal at reducing the volume of solid waste
- It is not an acceptable practice, as it creates lots of pollution and it is harmful to both the environment as well as organisms
Important Points:
Recycling:
- It is the process of converting waste materials into reusable objects to prevent waste
- The materials from which the items are made can be reprocessed into new products
- Recycling such material saves the product and it also reduces the amount of manufacture to make new products
- It also helps in energy saving and reducing global climate change
Landfill or Burying:
- Landfill refers the disposal of waste material by burying it
- It is extended storage area for non-biodegradable waste
- Landfill is an area, which prevent contamination from the waste entering the area surrounding by soil and water and it also helps to reduce odour and pests
Composting:
- Due to lack of adequate space for landfills, biodegradable yard waste is allowed to decompose in a medium designed for the purpose
- Only biodegradable waste materials are used in composting
- Good quality environmentally friendly manure is formed from the compost and can be used for agricultural purposes
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Why burning waste is not an acceptable practice of solid waste managem...
Environmental Impact of Burning Waste
Burning waste is widely criticized as an unacceptable practice in solid waste management due to its significant environmental repercussions. Here are the key reasons:
Air Pollution
- Incineration releases harmful pollutants, including particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and volatile organic compounds, contributing to poor air quality.
- Toxic substances like dioxins and furans can be emitted, which have severe health impacts on humans and wildlife.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
- The combustion of organic materials releases carbon dioxide, a major greenhouse gas, exacerbating climate change.
- Additionally, burning plastics and other synthetic materials can produce methane and other greenhouse gases that are more potent than CO2.
Soil and Water Contamination
- Ash from incinerated waste often contains heavy metals and toxic residues, which can leach into the soil and groundwater.
- This contamination poses risks to ecosystems and human health, particularly in areas adjacent to waste burning sites.
Resource Wastage
- Incineration destroys valuable materials that could be recycled or repurposed, undermining sustainability efforts.
- This practice contradicts the principles of waste hierarchy, which prioritize reducing, reusing, and recycling over disposal methods like burning.
Community Health Risks
- Communities near waste incinerators may experience higher incidences of respiratory issues, cancer, and other health problems due to exposure to toxic emissions.
- The social implications can lead to conflicts and resistance from local populations concerned about their health and environment.
In summary, the detrimental effects of burning waste on air quality, climate change, soil and water health, resource wastage, and community well-being make it an unacceptable solid waste management practice.