TYPES OF SOLID WASTE AND EXPLANATION OF STORAGE & COLLECTION OF REFUSE

TYPES OF SOLID WASTE AND EXPLANATION OF STORAGE & COLLECTION OF REFUSE

Solid waste refers to the unwanted or discarded materials arising from human and animal activities that are normally solid and are discarded as useless or unwanted. Efficient management of solid waste is essential to maintain environmental sanitation and prevent the spread of communicable diseases.

In Ayurveda, maintenance of Shuddha Desha (clean surroundings) is emphasized as a key factor for health.

सदा शौचं पिबेदुदकं देशकालौ च सेवते।
आहारं लघु भूयुक्तं नातिस्निग्धं समाचरेत्॥
— Charaka Samhita, Sutrasthana 5/15

Translation: One should always maintain cleanliness, drink pure water, and consume wholesome and appropriate food considering the place and season.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF SOLID WASTE

Solid waste can be classified based on source and characteristics:

HOUSEHOLD WASTE (DOMESTIC WASTE)

• Food waste

• Plastics, packaging materials

• Paper, glass, and cloth

• Ashes and sweepings

INDUSTRIAL WASTE

• Process waste from manufacturing

• Metal scrap, chemicals, slag, fly ash

• Toxic and hazardous waste

COMMERCIAL WASTE

• Generated from shops, markets, offices

• Includes packaging, food wrappers, discarded goods

AGRICULTURAL WASTE

• Crop residues

• Animal waste

• Pesticide containers

BIOMEDICAL/HEALTHCARE WASTE

• Human tissues, used syringes, cotton

• Pathological and infectious waste

• Chemical and pharmaceutical waste

E-WASTE (ELECTRONIC WASTE)

• Discarded computers, mobiles, TVs, batteries

• Contains heavy metals and toxic elements

CONSTRUCTION AND DEMOLITION WASTE

• Concrete, bricks, tiles, wood

• Waste from construction sites

HAZARDOUS WASTE

• Reactive, toxic, inflammable or corrosive waste

• Generated from industries, hospitals

AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVE ON WASTE MANAGEMENT

Ayurveda emphasizes environmental cleanliness under Desha Shuddhi and Jala Shuddhi.
Waste accumulation is considered a major Nidana (cause) for Janapadodhwamsa (epidemic diseases).

जनपदोध्वंसहेतवो दोषा: समानाः।
वायुरापः देशः कालश्च॥
— Charaka Samhita, Vimanastana 3/6

Translation: The factors like air, water, habitat, and time when vitiated lead to mass destruction (epidemics).

Hence, proper waste handling is crucial to avoid vitiation of these natural factors.

STORAGE OF REFUSE

Proper storage is essential before the final disposal to prevent health hazards.

MODERN GUIDELINES FOR STORAGE

• Source segregation: Waste should be separated into biodegradable, non-biodegradable, and hazardous waste at the source.

• Color-coded bins as per Biomedical Waste Management Rules and Solid Waste Management Rules:

  • Green – Biodegradable

  • Blue – Dry waste (plastic, glass, paper)

  • Red – Biomedical recyclable

  • Yellow – Infectious waste

• Closed containers: To prevent flies, rodents, and foul smell

• Daily cleaning of bins and replacement of liners

• Avoid overfilling to prevent spillage

AYURVEDIC INSIGHT
Charaka Samhita highlights the importance of keeping the environment free from Malas (wastes) to prevent Vyadhis (diseases).

मलोपवाहकर्मण्युपयुक्तं शुद्धसर्वमार्गं च।
देशं सन्ततसौचं सेवेत॥
— Charaka Samhita, Sutrasthana 8/15

Translation: One should live in a place where all pathways and surroundings are kept clean and free from waste.

COLLECTION OF REFUSE

Collection refers to gathering of waste from the source for transportation and processing.

MODERN METHODS OF COLLECTION

• Door-to-door collection by municipal workers

• Community bins placed in designated locations

• Mechanized collection systems using compactors and vehicles

• Collection frequency: Daily in residential areas, more frequent in marketplaces

• Safety of workers: PPE kits, gloves, masks, and boots must be used

• Use of GPS and IT tools in urban areas for smart tracking of garbage trucks

PRINCIPLES OF COLLECTION

• Timely and regular collection

• Hygienic handling practices

• Avoid manual handling of hazardous waste

COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION

• Awareness programs and public involvement

• Use of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan model

• Promote Reduce, Reuse, Recycle principles

ENVIRONMENTAL & HEALTH SIGNIFICANCE

• Prevents breeding of vectors like flies, mosquitoes, rodents

• Reduces chances of water and air pollution

• Prevents outbreaks of diseases like cholera, typhoid, dengue

• Supports sustainable living and Swasthya Rakshan