METHODS OF DISPOSAL OF SOLID WASTE (RURAL & URBAN)

METHODS OF DISPOSAL OF SOLID WASTE (RURAL & URBAN)

Solid waste refers to all the discarded and unwanted material that is not liquid or gas. Effective solid waste disposal is essential for public health, environmental protection, and sanitation. The methods of disposal vary depending on the urban or rural setting. In Ayurveda, proper disposal of mala (waste) is emphasized under Swasthavritta and Janapadodhwamsa prevention.

AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVE ON WASTE DISPOSAL
Ancient texts emphasize cleanliness (śauca) as a fundamental principle of health.

सौचं तपः स्वाध्यायोऽध्यायः सन्तोषः सत्यं क्षमा धृतिः।
ब्रह्मचर्यं चैरवृत्तिः नियमाः परिकीर्तिताः॥
— Charaka Samhita, Sutrasthana 8/18

Translation: Cleanliness, contentment, austerity, self-study, truth, forgiveness, fortitude, celibacy, and non-stealing – these are considered essential disciplines (Niyamas) for health and societal hygiene.

Proper waste management helps prevent Janapadodhwamsa (epidemics) caused by polluted air, water, land, and season.

वायुजलादेशकालानां सामान्यत्वादनुपेक्ष्यत्वाच्च युगपत्संयोगात् जनपदध्वंसहेतवः।
— Charaka Samhita, Vimanasthana 3/6

Destruction of communities (Janapadodhwamsa) occurs due to the simultaneous vitiation of air, water, land, and seasons, often due to environmental pollution and improper sanitation.

SOURCES OF SOLID WASTE

• Household waste

• Agricultural waste

• Biomedical waste

• Industrial waste

• E-waste (in urban areas)

• Market/Commercial waste

METHODS OF SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL IN RURAL AREAS

BURYING METHOD (PIT METHOD)

• Common in rural settings where space is available.

• Waste is dumped into a pit and covered with soil.

• Useful for biodegradable waste (kitchen waste, crop residue).

• Prevents breeding of flies and rodents.

COMPOSTING

• Biological decomposition of organic waste into humus.

• Traditional method of manure preparation.

• Low-cost and environmentally friendly.

• Useful for agricultural practices.

MANURE PITS

• Recommended for animal dung, vegetable peels, crop residues.

• Pit lined with cow dung slurry and covered with straw.

• Decomposition over 4–6 weeks.

• Promotes soil fertility.

OPEN BURNING

• Practiced for dry waste like paper, leaves.

• Not recommended due to air pollution and respiratory hazards.

AYURVEDIC INSIGHT

• Palikarma (sanitation duties) and Shuddhi (cleansing) were practiced routinely.

• Emphasis on environmental hygiene and prakriti shuddhi (nature purification).

METHODS OF SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL IN URBAN AREAS

SANITARY LANDFILL

• Engineered site designed to isolate waste from the environment.

• Layers of waste are compacted and covered with soil.

• Prevents leachate and methane emission via liners and vents.

• Suitable for non-biodegradable waste.

INCINERATION

• High-temperature burning of waste.

• Reduces volume significantly.

• Generates heat energy.

• Used for biomedical, hazardous, and municipal waste.

COMPOSTING (CENTRALISED)

• Large-scale aerobic decomposition of organic matter.

• City municipal bodies may set up compost plants.

• End product used in urban gardens, landscaping.

VERMICOMPOSTING

• Organic waste is decomposed using earthworms.

• Used in both urban home gardens and municipalities.

• Produces nutrient-rich compost.

BIO-METHANATION

• Anaerobic digestion of organic waste to produce biogas and slurry.

• Useful for kitchen waste from hotels, canteens.

• Biogas used as fuel; slurry as fertilizer.

RECYCLING

• Waste segregation is essential (plastic, paper, glass, metal).

• Reuse of materials reduces burden on landfills.

• Urban civic education is critical.

MATERIAL RECOVERY FACILITY (MRF)

• Centralized unit for sorting and processing recyclable waste.

• Promotes resource recovery and waste reduction.

BIO-MEDICAL WASTE MANAGEMENT (MODERN POINT)

• Governed by Bio-Medical Waste Management Rules, 2016.

• Segregation by color-coded bins (yellow, red, blue, black).

• Sterilization, incineration, deep burial methods used.

• Used in rural PHCs and urban hospitals.

MODERN COMMUNITY MEDICINE GUIDELINES (MODERN POINTS)

• Waste hierarchy: Reduce → Reuse → Recycle → Recover → Dispose

• Segregation at source is key.

• Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and Solid Waste Management Rules 2016 encourage community participation.

• Urban local bodies must ensure scientific disposal.

• Plastic Waste Management and E-waste Rules add specific protocols.

PRECAUTIONS FOR SAFE DISPOSAL

• Always segregate biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste.

• Avoid open defecation and dumping.

• Promote community awareness and sanitation drives.

• Encourage sustainable practices like composting and recycling.