3. CONTENTS
Introduction
History
Sources and types of waste
Solid waste
Disposal of solid waste
Magnitude of the problem and Current status
Disposal of Health Care Wastes
Waste Management
Initiatives taken
Public Health Significance
3
6. What is Waste?
Waste can be defined as something which the original
owner or user no longer values, and has been discarded
or discharged by the original owner or user.
It is something one does not want any more and want to
throw away. Waste is therefore an inevitable by-product
of any process that one can think of.
6
7. As defined under the Environment Protection Act 1993,
Waste means —
Any discarded, rejected, abandoned, unwanted or
surplus matter, whether or not intended for sale or for
recycling, reprocessing, recovery or purification by a
separate operation from that which produced the matter.
7
8. A Timeline of Trash…..
Trash has played a tremendous role in history. The
Bubonic Plague, cholera and typhoid fever, to
mention a few, were diseases that altered the
populations of Europe and influenced monarchies.
They were perpetuated by filth that harbored rats, and
contaminated water supply.
It was not uncommon for Europeans to throw their
garbage and even human wastes out of the window.
8
Kenneth Barbalace. The History of Waste. EnvironmentalChemistry.com. Aug. 2003.
http://EnvironmentalChemistry.com/yogi/environmental/wastehistory.html
9. They figured that stray dogs would eat whatever they
threw out.
How does the waste we toss today compare to the
waste that was thrown away by other civilizations??
It is hard to be specific. Until recently trash quantity
was calculated by volume not weight. Volume is
dependant upon how much the trash is compacted.
Weight is influenced by moisture content, which
varies greatly depending upon climate and weather
conditions.
9
10. 6,500 BC - North America - Archeological studies
shows a clan of Native Americans in what is now
Colorado produced an average of 5.3 pounds of
waste a day.
500 BC - Athens Greece - First municipal dump in
western world organized. Regulations required waste
to be dumped at least a mile from the city limits.
1388 – England - English Parliament bars waste
dispersal in public waterways
10
11. 1400 – Paris, France - Garbage piles so high outside
of Paris gates that it interfered with city defense.
1842 – England - A report links disease to filthy
environmental conditions - "age of sanitation"
begins.
1874 - Nottingham England - A new technology
called "the Destructor" provided the first systematic
incineration of refuse in Nottingham, England.
Until this time, much of the burning was accidental,
a result of methane production.
11
12. 1896 - United States – Waste Reduction plants arrive
in US. (for compressing organic wastes). Later closed
because of noxious emissions.
Turn of Century - By the turn of the century the
garbage problem was seen as one of the greatest
problems for local authorities.
1900 - "Piggeries" were developed to eat fresh or
cooked garbage (In the mid-50's an outbreak of
vesicluar exenthama resulted in the destruction of
1,000s of pigs that had eaten raw garbage.
12
13. 1920's – U.S - Landfills were becoming a popular
way of reclaiming swamp land while getting rid of
trash.
1965 – U.S - The first federal solid waste
management laws were enacted.
1970 - U.S - The First Earth Day was celebrated,
the Environmental Protection Agency EPA was
created and the Resource Recovery Act enacted.
1979 – U.S - The EPA issued criteria prohibiting
open dumping.
13
19. Disposal of wastes is now largely the domain of
sanitarians and public health engineers.
However health professionals need to have a basic
knowledge of the subject since improper disposal of
wastes constitute a health hazard.
Further the health professionals may be called upon to
give advice in sanitation camps or coping with waste
disposal problems when there is a disruption or
breakdown of community health services in natural
disasters.
19
20. Healthy cities & villages cannot thrive with in sanitary
waste & indifferent sewage disposal.
In interest of community it is essential to safely put
these unwanted/discarded material away.
Wastes nevertheless cannot be avoided totally from
mans existence either.
The output of daily waste depends upon the dietary
habits, lifestyles, living standards and degree of
urbanization and industrialization.
20
21. The per capita daily solid waste produced ranges
between 0.25-2.5 kg in different countries
21
22. Wastes are of 3 types
Solid Waste
Sewage – Waste water from a community containing
solid and liquid excreta, derived from houses, street and
yard washings, factories and industries.
Sullage – Waste water which does not contain human
excreta.
22
23. SOLID WASTE
The term solid wastes include
Garbage (food wastes).
Rubbish (paper, plastics, wood, metal, glass etc).
Demolition products (bricks, masonry, pipes).
Sewage treatment residues (sludge & solids from the
coarse screening of domestic sewage).
Dead animals, manure and other discarded materials.
23
24. Solid waste: “a health hazard”
It decomposes and favours fly breeding.
Attracts rodents and vermin.
The pathogens may be conveyed back to man’s food
through flies and dust.
Possibility of water, soil and air pollution.
Heaps of refuse present an unsightly appearance and
nuisance from bad odors.
24
25. Sources of Refuse
Refuse that is collected by the street cleansing
service or scavenging is called street refuse. It
consists of leaves, straw, paper, animal droppings
and litter of all kinds.
Refuse that is collected from markets is called
market refuse. It contains a large proportion of
putrid vegetable and animal matter.
26. Refuse that is collected from stables is called stable litter. It
contains mainly animal droppings and left-over animal feeds.
Industrial refuse comprises a wide variety of wastes ranging
from completely inert materials such as calcium carbonate to
highly toxic and explosive compounds.
The domestic refuse consists of ash, rubbish and garbage.
Ash is the residue from fire used for cooking and heating.
Rubbish comprises paper, clothing, bits of wood, metal,
glass, dust and dirt.
Garbage is waste matter arising from the preparation,
cooking and consumption of food.
26
28. STORAGE
The galvanized steel dust bin with close fitting cover
is a suitable receptacle for storing refuse. The capacity
of a bin will depend upon the number of users and
frequency of collection.
The output of refuse per capita per day
in India is estimated to vary from 1/10
to 1/20 c.ft.
28
29. For a family of 5 members, a bin having a capacity of
5/10 or 1/2 c.ft. would be needed. If collection is done
once in 3 days, a bin having a capacity of 1 1/2 or 2
c.ft. would be adequate.
A recent innovation in the western countries is the
"paper sack." Refuse is stored in the paper sack, and
the sack itself is removed with the contents for
disposal and a new sack is substituted.
29
30. Public Bins - They are kept on a concrete platform
raised 2 to 3 inches above ground level to prevent
flood water entering the bins. In bigger
municipalities, the bins are handled and emptied
mechanically by lorries fitted with cranes.
30
31. COLLECTION
The method of collection depends upon the funds
available. House-to-house collection is by far the best
method of collecting refuse.
In India, there is no house-to-house collection system.
People are expected to dump the refuse in the nearest
public bin, which is usually not done.
The refuse is then transported in refuse collection
vehicles to the place of ultimate disposal.
31
32. The Environmental Hygiene Committee (1949)
recommended that municipalities and other local
bodies should arrange for collection of refuse not
only from the public bins but also from individual
houses.
A house-to-house collection will result in a
simultaneous reduction in the number of public bins.
The open refuse cart should be abandoned and
replaced by enclosed vans.
32
33. METHODS OF DISPOSAL
The principal methods of refuse disposal are :-
a) Dumping
b) Controlled tipping or sanitary land-fill
c) Incineration
d) Composting
e) Manure pits
f) Burial
33
34. DUMPING
Refuse is dumped in low lying areas partly as a method
of reclamation of land but mainly as an easy method of
disposal of dry refuse. As a result of bacterial action,
refuse decreases considerably in volume and is
converted gradually into humus.
Kolkata disposes of its refuse by
dumping and the reclaimed
land is leased out for cultivation
34
35. WHO Expert Committee (1967) condemned
dumping as "a most insanitary method that creates
public health hazards, a nuisance, and severe
pollution of the environment". Dumping should be
outlawed and replaced by sound procedures.
35
36. CONTROLLED TIPPING
Controlled tipping or sanitary landfill is the most
satisfactory method of refuse disposal where suitable
land is available. It differs from ordinary dumping in
that the material is placed in a trench or other prepared
area, adequately compacted, and covered with earth at
the end of the working day.
The term "modified sanitary landfill" has been applied
to those operations where compaction and covering are
accomplished once or twice a week.
36
37. The trench method : Where level ground is available,
the trench method is usually chosen. A long trench is
dug out - 2 to 3m (6-10 ft.) deep, 4 to 12 m(12-36 ft.)
wide, depending upon local conditions.
The refuse is compacted and covered with excavated
earth. Where compacted refuse is placed in the fill to a
depth of 2 m (6 ft.), it is estimated that
one acre of land per year will be
required for 10,000 population.
37
38. The ramp method : This method is well suited where
the terrain is moderately sloping. Some excavation is
done to secure the covering material.
The area method : This method is used for filling
land depressions, disused quarries and clay pits. The
refuse is deposited, packed and consolidated in
uniform layers up to 2 to 2.5 m (6-8 ft.) deep.
38
39. Each layer is sealed on its exposed surface with a mud
cover at least 30 cm (12 inches) thick. Such sealing
prevents infestation by flies and rodents and
suppresses the nuisance of smell and dust. This
method often has the disadvantage of requiring
supplemental earth from outside sources.
39
40. INCINERATION
It is the method of choice where suitable land is not
available.
Hospital refuse which is particularly dangerous is best
disposed of by incineration.
Incineration is not a popular method in India because the
refuse contains a fair proportion of fine ash which makes
the burning difficult.
40
41. A preliminary separation of dust or ash is needed.
All this involves heavy outlay and expenditure,
besides manipulative difficulties in the incinerator.
There are 3 basic kinds of incinerators:
a) Double – chamber pyrolytic
b) Single – chamber furnaces
c) Rotary kilns
41
42. Pyrolytic Incinerators
Most reliable and commonly used process for health
care waste.
They are called Double – chamber incinerators as they
comprise of:
A Pyrolytic chamber
A Post combustion chamber
42
43. Suitable for:
Infectious waste (including sharps) and pathological
waste
Pharmaceutical and chemical residues.
Inadequate for:
Genotoxic waste
Radioactive waste
Non risk health care waste
43
44. Single – Chamber Incinerator
This can be used for health – care waste if a pyrolytic
incinerator cannot be afforded.
This type of incinerator treats waste in batches.
Loading and de-ashing operations are performed
manually.
44
45. This method should only be used as a last resort as it is
difficult to burn the waste completely without
generating potentially harmful smoke.
Drawbacks:
The process will cause emission of black smoke, fly
ash and potentially toxic gases.
Exhaust gas cleaning is not practical – can cause air
pollution
45
46. Rotary Kiln
They comprise of a rotating oven and a post-
combustion chamber.
Rotary kilns may operate continuously and adaptable
to a wide range of loading devices.
Used for:
Infectious waste and pathological
wastes.
Cytotoxic waste
46
47. Inadequate for:
• Radio – active wastes
Capacity of rotary kilns: 0.5 – 3 tonnes/hour
Disadvantages:
• Well trained personnel required
• Energy consumption is high.
• Equipment and operation costs are high.
47
48. COMPOSTING
It is a process of nature whereby organic matter
breaks down under bacterial action resulting in the
formation of relatively stable humus-like material,
called the compost which has considerable manurial
value for the soil.
The principal by products are carbon dioxide, water
and heat.
48
49. The heat produced during composting - 60 deg C or
higher, over a period of several days- destroys eggs and
larvae of flies, weed seeds and pathogenic agents.
The end-product compost contains few or no disease
producing organisms, and is a good soil builder
containing small amounts of the major plant nutrients
such as nitrates and phosphates.
The following methods of composting are now used :
Bangalore method (Anaerobic method)
Mechanical composting (Aerobic method)
49
51. BANGALORE METHOD
This method of composting was developed at Bangalore
in India in 1939 (FAO, 1980).
It has been recommended as a satisfactory method of
disposal of town wastes and night soil
It is also called the hot fermentation process.
Trenches are dug 3ft deep,5-8 mts broad and 15-30 ft
long
It should be located 800 m away from city limits.
51
52. First a layer of refuse about 15 cm (6 in) thick is
spread at the bottom of the trench. Over this, night
soil is added corresponding to a thickness of 5cm(2
in).
Then alternate layers of refuse and night soil are
added in the proportion of 15 cm (6 in) and 5 cm (2
in) respectively, till the heap rises to 30cm (1 ft.)
above the ground level.
52
53. The top layer should be of refuse, at least 25 cm (9
in) thickness. Then the heap is covered with
excavated earth.
Within 7 days as a result of bacterial action
considerable heat (over 60 deg.C) is generated in the
compost mass. This intense heat which persists over
2 or 3 weeks, serves to decompose the refuse and
night soil and to destroy all pathogenic and parasitic
organisms.
53
54. At the end of 4 to 6 months, decomposition is complete and
the resulting manure is a well decomposed, odourless,
innocuous material of high manurial value.
54
55. MECHANICAL COMPOSTING
Aerobic method/ Indore method
Compost is manufactured on large scale.
The refuse is first cleared of salvable materials such as
rags, bones, metal glass, items which are rendered to
interfere in grinding.
It is then pulverized in pulverizing equipment in order to
reduce size of the particle to less than 2 inches.
55
56. The pulverized refuse is then mixed with sewage,
sludge or night soil in a rotating machine and
incubated.
The entire process of composting is complete in 4-6
weeks.
56
57. This method of composting is in function in some of
the developed countries, e.g., Holland, Germany,
Switzerland, Israel.
Cities such as Delhi, Nagpur, Mumbai, Chennai,
Pune, Allahabad, Hyderabad, Lucknow and Kanpur
have offered to join the Government for setting up
pilot plants for mechanical composting.
57
58. MANURE PITS
Manure pits is the best method of refuse disposal by
individual house holders.
The garbage ,cattle dung, straw and leaves should be
dumped into the manure pits.
58
59. Two such pits will be needed, when one is closed, the
other will be in use. In 5 to 6 month's time, the refuse
is converted into manure which can be returned to
the field. This method of refuse disposal is effective
and relatively simple in rural communities.
59
60. BURIAL
This method is suitable for small camps.
A trench 1.5cm wide and 2 m deep is excavated
and at end of each day the refuse is covered with
20 -30 cm of earth
60
61. VERMICOMPOSTING
Municipal solid waste is highly organic in nature, so
vermicomposting has become an appropriate
alternative for the safe, hygienic and cost effective
disposal of it.
In this method earthworms feed on the organic matter
present in the solid waste and convert into casting
(ejected matter) rich in plant nutrients.
61
62. Vermicomposting has been used in various cities
of India like Hyderabad, Bangalore, Mumbai and
Faridabad.
62
63. Magnitude of Problem in
India
Per capita waste generation increasing by 1.3% per
annum
With urban population increasing between 3 - 3.5%
per annum
Yearly increase in waste generation is around 5%
annually
63
64. India produces 42.0 million tons of municipal solid
waste annually at present.
Per capita generation of waste varies from 200 gm
to 600 gm per capita / day. Average generation rate
at 0.4 kg per capita per day.
Collection efficiency ranges between 50% to 90%
of the solid waste generated.
64
65. Urban Local Bodies spend around Rs.500/- to
Rs.1500/- per ton on solid waste management of
which,
* 60% -70% of the amount is on collection
alone
* 20% - 30% on transportation
* Hardly any fund is spent on treatment and
disposal of waste
Crude dumping of waste in most of the cities
65
66. PRESENT STATUS OF WASTE
MANAGEMENT
Storage of waste at source is lacking
Domestic waste is thrown on streets
Trade waste on Roads / Streets
Construction debris left unattended
Bio-medical Waste disposed in Municipal waste
stream
66
67. Industrial waste disposed of in open areas
Segregation of recyclable waste at source not done
Design & location of Municipal waste storage depots
are inappropriate, resulting in littering of garbage.
Street sweeping not done everyday.
Waste transportation is done in open vehicles
Rag pickers collect recyclables from municipal bins/
dumpsites and litter the waste causing insanitary
conditions.
67
69. Health care waste: It is defined as all the waste
generated by health – care establishments, research
facilities and laboratories.
Bio-medical waste: According to Bio-Medical Waste
(Management and Handling) Rules, 1998 of India,
“Bio-medical waste” means any waste, which is
generated during the diagnosis, treatment or
immunization of human-beings or animals, or in
research activities pertaining thereto or in the
production or testing of biologicals.
70
70. Waste produced in the course of health care activities
carries a higher potential for infection and injury than
any other types of waste.
Inappropriate and inadequate handling of health care
waste may have serious public health consequences
and a significant impact on the environment.
Wherever it is generated, safe and reliable methods
are therefore essential.
71
75. Composition of Hospital Waste
The amount of waste generated per bed varies with the
type of hospital, however, on an average, 1-5kg of waste
per bed per day is generated. The type of waste
generated is :
85% Non - hazardous
15% Hazardous
• 5% Hazardous but not infective
• 10% Hazardous and infective
76
77. RATIONALE FOR WASTE
DISPOSAL
To prevent Nosocomial infections.
To protect Health care providers.
To prevent risk to general population (when
hospital waste is thrown in open area without
proper treatment, it is hazardous)
To protect the environment.
78
78. Steps in Management of Health
Care Waste
The key to minimization and effective management of
health care waste is segregation (separation) and
identification of the waste, appropriate handling,
treatment and disposal of waste by the types.
80
79. SEGREGATION
To separate the waste into different categories at
the POINT OF GENERATION to reduce chances
of injury and the quantity of hazardous waste.
Color coded containers.
Containers should never be overfilled.
81
80. COLLECTION
Waste should not be allowed to accumulate at the
point of production,
Waste should be collected daily and transported to the
storage site.
No bags should be removed unless they are labeled.
The bags and containers should be replaced
immediately with new ones of the same type.
82
81. STORAGE
The waste should be stored in a separate area, room
or building of a size appropriate to the quantity of
waste produced and the frequency of collection.
The storage area should have an impermeable hard
standing floor with good drainage. It should be easy
to clean and disinfect.
There should be a water supply for cleaning
purposes.
83
82. LABELLING
All waste bags or containers should be labeled with
basic instructions on their content and information on
the waste producer. This instructions may be written
directly on the bag or container or on preprinted
labels, securely attached.
It is also recommended that the 2 digits of the yr of
manufacture of the packing specified on the package,
- Waste category - Date of collection
- Place in hospital where produced (ex. wards)
- Waste destination
84
83. TRANSPORTATION
Wastes should be transported by means of wheeled
trolleys, containers or carts that are not used for any
other purposes.
They should be easy to load and unload.
No sharp edges that could damage waste bags
Easy to clean
The vehicles should be cleaned and disinfected daily.
86
84. Treatment and Disposal of
Health care waste
The various disposal technologies are:
Incineration
Chemical disinfection
Wet and Dry thermal treatment
Microwave Irradiation
Inertization
87
85. Chemical Disinfection
Chemical are added to waste kill or inactivate the
pathogens it contains, this treatment usually results
in disinfection rather than sterilization. Chemical
disinfection is most suitable for treating liquid waste
such as blood, urine, stools or hospital sewage.
However, solid wastes including microbiological
cultures, sharps etc, may also be disinfected
chemically with certain limitations.
88
86. Wet and Dry Thermal Treatment
Wet thermal treatment: Wet thermal treatment or
steam disinfection is based on exposure of shredded
infectious waste to high temperature, high pressure
steam, and is similar to the autoclave sterilization
process.
The process is inappropriate for the treatment of
anatomical waste and animal carcassess, and will
not efficiently treat chemical and pharmaceutical
waste.
89
87. Screw-feed technology:
Screw –feed technology is the basis of a non-burn,
dry thermal disinfection process in which waste is
shredded and heated and rotated. The waste is
reduced by 80 % in volume and by 20-35 % in
weight.
This process is suitable for treating infectious waste
and sharps, but it should not be used to process
pathological, cytotoxic or radioactive waste.
90
88. Microwave Irradiation
Most microorganisms are destroyed by the action of
microwave of a frequency of about 2450 MHZ and a
wave length of 12.24 cm. The water contained within
the waste is rapidly heated by the microwaves and the
infectious components are destroyed by heat
conduction.
The efficiency of the microwave disinfection should
be checked routinely through bacteriological and
virological tests.
91
89. Inertization
The process of “Inertization” involves mixing waste with
cement and other substances before disposal, in order to
minimize the risk of toxic substances contained in the
wastes migrating into the surfaces water or ground water.
A typical proportion of the mixture is 65%
pharmaceutical waste. 15 %lime, 15% cement and 5 %
water. A homogeneous mass is formed an cubes or pellets
are produced on site and then transported to suitable
storage sites.
92
90. Bio-Medical Waste Management
in India
Bio-Medical Waste (Management and Handling) Rule
1998, prescribed by the Ministry of Environment and
Forests, Government of India, came into force on 28th
July 1998.
This rule applies to those who generate, collect,
receive, store, dispose, treat or handle bio-Medical
Waste in any manner.
93
94. Waste Management in Dental
Office
• Dental waste is obtained from all its branches
• Proper management of few of them is highly
necessary
E.g., Mercury, Fixer solution, lead foils, collars,
aprons
• Others include impression materials, Plaster of Paris,
Needles, Cotton swabs etc
97
95. MERCURY STORAGE AND SPILLS
Stored in tight container containing fixer solution
Training of all professionals in handling and
maintaining mercury hygiene crucial.
Office Engineering:
• Well ventilated work areas
• If using air-conditioner then filters changed
periodically
• No use of carpet
• Periodic checkup of dental operatory
98
96. Mercury Hygiene recommendations:
Use of pre-capsulated amalgam alloys and
amalgamator
Avoid skin contact with fresh mixes
Use high volume suction machines connected to
amalgam separators
Management of Mercury spills:
Never use a vacuum cleaner
Never allow people to move around spill areas
Use fresh mix of amalgam to remove them
Large spills - call environmental contractors
99
97. Lead foils, collars, aprons should be collected and
sent for recycling through authorized companies
Plaster of Paris can be can be crushed to powder and
used as raw material for cement manufacturing
Impression materials can be incinerated
Needles can be clipped off in puncture resistant
containers
Swabs, Tissues etc can be incinerated.
100
99. Waste management is a problem in urban and rural
areas. Many areas, particularly in developing countries,
still have inadequate waste management; poorly
controlled open dumps and illegal roadside dumping
remain a problem. Such dumping spoils scenic
resources, pollutes soil and water resources, and is a
potential health hazard to plants, animals and people.
According to the United Nation’s Centre for Human
Settlements, only between 25 and 55 per cent of all
waste generated in large cities is collected by municipal
authorities.
102
102. Management of Solid Waste
Duties of waste generators.-
(1) Every waste generator shall,-
(a) Segregate and store the waste generated by them in
three separate streams namely bio-degradable or wet
waste, non bio-degradable or dry waste and domestic
hazardous wastes in suitable bins and handover
segregated wastes to waste collectors as per the
direction by the urban local body from time to time;
105
103. (b) Wrap securely the used sanitary waste as and when
generated in a newspaper or suitable bio-degradable
wrapping material and place the same in the domestic bin
meant for non bio-degradable waste or dry waste;
(c) Store separately construction and demolition waste
in your own premises, as and when generated and shall
dispose off as per the rules;
(d) Store separately horticulture waste and garden waste
in your premises and dispose of the same as may be
prescribed by urban local body from time to time.
106
104. (2) No waste generator shall throw the waste generated
by him on the street, open spaces, drain or water
bodies.
(3) All waste generators shall pay such user fee or
charge or fines as may be specified in the bye-laws
of the urban local bodies for solid waste
management.
107
105. (4) No person shall organize an event or gathering
likely to generate solid waste at unlicensed place
without intimating the urban local body at least three
working days in advance and such person or the
organizer of such event shall arrange for segregation of
waste at source and ensure handing over of segregated
waste to the placed designated by urban local body or to
waste collection agency authorized by the urban local
body.
108
106. (5) Every institutional generators of solid waste
shall segregate and store the waste generated by them
in three separate streams namely bio-degradable or wet
waste, non bio-degradable or dry waste and domestic
hazardous wastes in suitable bins and handover
segregated wastes to authorized waste processing or
disposal facilities or deposition centers either at its
own or through the authorized waste collection agency.
109
107. Authorities Responsible For
Waste Management
Secretary–in-charge, Urban Development Department,
in States or Union Territory.
Commissioner or Director of Municipal Administration
or Director of Local Bodies in States or Union
Territories.
District Magistrate or District Collector or Deputy
Commissioner of District in State or Union Territory.
Central Pollution Control Board.
Urban Local Body.
State Pollution Control Board.
110
108. Occupational hazards associated
with waste handling
Infections
- Skin and blood infections resulting from direct
contact with waste, and from infected wounds.
- Eye and respiratory infections resulting from
exposure to infected dust, especially during landfill
operations.
- Intestinal infections that are transmitted by flies
feeding on the waste.
111
109. Chronic diseases
Incineration operators are at risk of chronic respiratory
diseases, including cancers resulting from exposure to
dust and hazardous compounds.
112
110. Accidents
- Infecting wounds resulting from contact with sharp
objects.
- Poisoning and chemical burns resulting from
contact with small amounts of hazardous chemical
waste mixed with general waste.
- Burns and other injuries resulting from occupational
accidents at waste disposal sites or from methane gas
explosion at landfill sites.
113
111. The Plastic Waste (Management
and Handling) Rules, 2011
Plastic waste means any plastic product such as carry
bags, pouches, etc. which has been discarded after use or
end-of-life.
The rules are applicable to all manufacturers, stockists,
distributors, retailers and users of plastic products.
Every manufacturer of plastic carry bags, multilayered
pouches or sachets and every recycler to seek registration
with SPCB. Such registration is valid for a period of 3
years.
114
112. No retailer can provide plastic carry bags free of
cost.
There is no specific penalty provided for non-
compliance and thus, penalty under EPA will apply
as per which the person-incharge may be
imprisoned for up to 5 years and/or fined up to INR
100,000 (US$ 15574).
115
113. SOME INITIATIVES
Solid Waste Management cannot be successful
without the involvement of all stakeholders who have
a vital role to play in successful implementation of
the scheme. It is worthwhile to examine some of the
initiatives in this regard.
116
114. BHAGIDARI SCHEME IN DELHI
The Delhi Government instituted the Bhagidari Scheme
for ensuring close cooperation of the Residents Welfare
Association (RWAs), civic agencies and the
government. A step in the right direction was taken by
getting a court order for compulsory segregation of
waste at the household level from January 1, 2004.
117
115. BANGALORE AGENDA TASK
FORCE (BATF)
As a part of the overall plan of the BATF, solid waste
management has been taken up in a big way in
Bangalore City. The whole operation has been
outsourced to private agencies who provide the
infrastructure right from Safai Karamcharis, their
uniforms and caps, bins, trolleys and vehicles
(dumpers) that pick up the collected waste and
transport it to the composting site on the city’s
outskirts.
118
116. The Safai Karamcharis have been given strict
instructions not to collect the waste from households
if it is not segregated. Their areas of responsibility
are clearly demarcated along with their collection
schedule. These areas are under supervisors of the
contracted agency and hence, it is ensured that every
place is kept clean.
119
117. MUMBAI INITIATIVE
Under the dynamic leadership of Ms. Kunti Oza,
Clean Mumbai Foundation has taken up solid waste
management with the help of corporate sector.
A Ward comprising (Cuffe Parade, Nariman Point,
Strand / Colaba, Museum, Paltan Road Bora Bazar,
Ballard Estate and Churchgate / Marine Drive) had
been selected for the pilot project.
120
118. A collection system had been organized and the wet
garbage is taken to selected sites in parks that would
have composting pits.
What is interesting in this scheme is the novel
Pavement Tank Method of utilizing waste at some
sites.
As there are high rise residential buildings without
any space for garbage disposal, the residents
provided funds for making rectangular brick tanks
around trees on the lane pavements.
121
119. Swachh Bharat Abhiyan
Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi launched the
Swachh Bharat Abhiyan or Clean India Mission on the
birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi on October 2,
2014 at Rajghat in New Delhi.
122
120. The mission is estimated to cost around 62,009 crore
rupees.
India's biggest ever cleanliness drive. Around three million
government employees and school and college students of
India participated in the event in its initial phase.
The mission was started by Prime Minister Modi, who, on
December 25, 2014, nominated nine famous personalities
for the campaign. They took up the challenge and
nominated nine more people. Thereafter, it has been
carried forward with people from all walks of life joining
it.
123
121. The goal also includes the elimination of open
defecation, conversion of insanitary toilets to pour
flush toilets, eradicating of manual scavenging and
Municipal Solid Waste Management (MSWM).
124
122. PUBLIC HEALTH SIGNIFICANCE
Raised incidence of low birth weight births has been
related to residence near landfill sites, as has the
occurrence of various congenital malformations.
There is little evidence for an association with
reproductive or developmental effects with proximity
to incinerators.
125
123. Studies of cancer incidence and mortality in
populations around landfill sites or incinerators
have varying results for different cancer sites.
Many of these studies lack individual exposure
information and data on potential confounders, such
as socio-economic status.
Waste management workers have been shown to
have increased incidence of accidents and
musculoskeletal problems.
126
124. CONCLUSION
The menace of solid waste in many sectors has become a
monstrous reality.
Nothing substantial has been done in most of the towns and
cities in the country.
Although India has the most comprehensive Municipal Solid
Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2000, it is just a
directive on paper without any enforcement and
implementation. Very little effort has been made to train and
build the capacity of all stakeholders. Hence, there are all
kinds of excuses given for its failure
127
125. Resource agencies, like NGOs, want to take the
initiative but do not wish to get involved till they
have a complete assurance of cooperation from all
stakeholders, specially the government and civic
agencies.
The government should educate and inform people
about such projects before executing any plan, so
that the desired results are obtained.
128
126. Biomedical waste management is as important as
treatment plan for health care professionals.
Awareness programs should be conducted for all
health care personnel and auxiliary personnel of
various health care institutes to keep side by side with
the current knowledge of scientific biomedical waste
management system and its importance and benefits to
the patients, staff and the community as an entire.
129
127. Safe and effective management of biomedical
waste is not only a legal necessity but also a
social responsibility.
130
128. REFERENCES
K. Park. Park’s Textbook of Preventive and Social
medicine. 23th ed. Jabalpur: M/s Banarsidas bhanot; 2015.
p. 705-742.
Textbook Of Preventive and Social Medicine Mahajan
and Gupta 3rd edition.
Dhaar G.M, Robbani I. Foundations of community
medicine. 2nd ed. Elsevier publication, Noida; 2008. p.
64-66
131
129. Hiremath S.S. Textbook of preventive and community
dentistry. 2nd ed. Elsevier publishers, New Delhi; 2011.
p. 51-55.
Bharadwaj P, Ramesh C . The World Scenario-Solid
waste management challenges for cities in developing
countries. Research gate. Jan 2013.5(1).123-138.
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
Governament of India. Solid waste disposal rules.
2015. Published In the Gazette of India, Part-II,
Section-3, Sub-section (ii).
132
131. Singh H, Rehman R, Bumb SS. Management of
biomedical waste: a review. Int J Dent Med Res
2014;1(1):14-20.
http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs253/en/
Pandit NA, Tabish SA, Qadri GJ, Ajaz Mustafa.
Biomedical waste management in a Large teaching
hospital. JK-Practitioner 2007;14(1):57-59.
P.Soben. Essentials of preventive and social
medicine. 5th ed. Arya publishing house, New Delhi;
2013. p. 101-111.
134
132. PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS
Disposal of Solid wastes. 10 marks. (Sumandeep
Vidyapeeth; MDS Degree Examination) DEC 2009
Biomedical Waste Management. 10 marks. (RGUHS
MDS Degree examination) APR/MAY 2007; MAY
2009; NOV 2011; MAY 2013;
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