Introduction

Solid waste management is a critical aspect of environmental science, involving the understanding and handling of various types of waste generated from residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural sources. These wastes differ in their physical, chemical, and biological properties, necessitating thorough sampling and characterization to devise effective management strategies. The flow of materials within society highlights the lifecycle of products from production to disposal, emphasizing the importance of sustainable practices in reducing waste generation.

Day-to-day management of solid waste encompasses collection, transportation, treatment, and disposal, requiring integrated approaches to minimize environmental impact and promote recycling and resource recovery, ultimately contributing to a healthier and more sustainable society.

Objectives

After going through this unit you will be able to:

1. explain the overview of different solid waste;

2. describe sources and properties of solid waste;

3. define sampling and characterization of solid waste;

4. know about day to day management of solid waste.