Solid Waste Management: Types, Segregation, Recycling and 3Rs Questions

Question 1

Define solid waste.

Accepted Answer

Solid waste is unwanted solid or semi-solid material generated from human activities.

Question 2

What is solid waste management?

Accepted Answer

Solid waste management is the systematic handling of waste from generation to safe disposal.

Question 3

What is segregation at source?

Accepted Answer

Segregation at source means separating waste into wet, dry and hazardous categories at the place of generation.

Question 4

Define composting.

Accepted Answer

Composting is conversion of organic waste into compost/manure by decomposition.

Question 5

What is e-waste?

Accepted Answer

E-waste is discarded electronic items like phones, computers and TVs.

Question 6

State the 3Rs.

Accepted Answer

3Rs are Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.

Question 7

List any three types of solid waste.

Accepted Answer

Municipal waste, industrial waste, biomedical waste, e-waste and hazardous waste are types (any three).

Question 8

Write any three benefits of segregation at source.

Accepted Answer

Segregation improves recycling, enables composting of wet waste, reduces landfill load and prevents mixing of hazardous waste (any three).

Question 9

Write any three methods of processing wet/organic waste.

Accepted Answer

Composting, biomethanation (biogas) and vermicomposting are methods to process organic waste (any three).

Question 10

Differentiate between sanitary landfill and open dumping (any three points).

Accepted Answer

Sanitary landfill is engineered with liners and leachate control; open dumping is unscientific. Landfill reduces pollution; dumping causes smell, pests and groundwater contamination. Landfill is regulated; dumping is unsafe.

Question 11

Write any three examples of dry/recyclable waste.

Accepted Answer

Paper, plastic, glass and metal are examples of dry/recyclable waste (any three).

Question 12

Write any three individual actions for better SWM.

Accepted Answer

Segregate waste, practise 3Rs, avoid littering/burning, compost kitchen waste and reduce single-use plastics (any three).

Question 13

Explain steps of solid waste management.

Accepted Answer

Solid Waste Management (SWM) is the systematic handling of solid waste from generation to final disposal to protect public health and environment.

Main steps in SWM:
1) Waste minimisation (reduce waste at source).
2) Segregation at source into wet/organic, dry/recyclable and hazardous.
3) Collection and safe storage (covered bins, door-to-door collection).
4) Transportation in covered vehicles.
5) Processing/treatment:
   - composting/biomethanation for wet waste
   - recycling of paper, plastic, metal, glass
6) Final disposal of residual waste by sanitary landfill.

If these steps are followed properly, pollution reduces and resources are conserved.

Question 14

Explain 3Rs and their importance in waste management.

Accepted Answer

The 3Rs are waste minimisation principles:

1) Reduce: avoid generating waste (buy only what is needed, avoid single-use items).
2) Reuse: use items again (cloth bags, refill bottles, reuse containers).
3) Recycle: convert waste into new products (paper, plastics, metals, glass).

Importance:
- reduces landfill load
- saves raw materials and energy
- reduces pollution
- supports sustainable lifestyle

Practising 3Rs at home, schools and workplaces is essential for effective solid waste management.

Question 15

Explain composting, biomethanation and recycling as waste processing methods.

Accepted Answer

Processing methods of solid waste include:

1) Composting:
- organic waste is decomposed to form compost/manure.
- benefits: reduces waste volume, improves soil fertility.

2) Biomethanation:
- organic waste is converted into biogas (methane) and slurry.
- benefits: renewable energy + manure.

3) Recycling:
- reprocessing materials like paper, plastic, glass and metals.
- benefits: saves resources and energy; reduces pollution.

After processing, only residual non-recyclable waste should go to sanitary landfill. This integrated approach is best for cities.

Solid Waste Management: Types, Segregation, Recycling and 3Rs

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