Effects of waste disposal vary based on the type of methods adopted. For instance, open dumping is a waste disposal method that is inexpensive and widely observed. However, this method is often classified as illegal and pose many health hazards.
Sometimes, the effects of waste disposal can have severe consequences on the environment. For instance, dumping untreated wastes into water bodies can have disastrous consequences on marine life. It can also potentially affect humans as toxic compounds can travel up the food chain through bioaccumulation.
Major Effects of Waste Disposal
Efficient disposal methods can mean the difference between becoming an environmental bio-hazard or a safe and sustainable method for getting rid of waste.
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Effects of Waste Disposal |
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| Method | Advantage | Disadvantage |
| Land Fill | Land can be reused for community purposes | Needs frequent maintenance. May lead to infiltration of toxins into the soil or groundwater. |
| Incineration | Requires very little land, the residue is stable and non-toxic | High energy requirement |
| Waste Compaction | Significantly reduces the volume of waste | Cannot compress certain materials such as glass bottles or jars |
| Composting | Enriches soil, reduces the need for natural fertilizers | Requires relatively large areas. The odour may become a problem |
| Open Dumping | Inexpensive | Potential health hazard as it can harbour many pathogens |
| Recycling | Sustainable for the future | Expensive, separation of materials is hard. |
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Frequently Asked Questions on Effects of Waste Disposal
What is incineration?
It is a method of disposal where the solid wastes are burnt into ashes. The biomedical wastes are disposed of by incineration.
What is the difference between the landfill and open dumping?
Both methods are used for disposing of municipal solid waste. In the landfill, the waste is dumped in an area and provided with a lining and a covering. It also has provisions to remove leachate and methane gas. In open dumping, the wastes are dumped in an open area without any infrastructure.
What is composting?
Biodegradable wet wastes like food wastes can be managed by composting. It involves the use of microorganisms and earthworms to break down the organic matter to produce manure.
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