Issue 8: Solid wastes

Solid wastes, as defined by Agenda 21, include all domestic refuse and non-hazardous wastes such as commercial and institutional wastes, street sweepings and construction debris. In some countries, the solid wastes management system also handles human wastes such as night-soil, ashes from incinerators, septic tank sludge and sludge from sewage treatment plants. If these wastes manifest hazardous characteristics they should be treated as hazardous wastes.

With expanding economic activity and consumption of consumer items, quantities of municipal solid waste are rapidly increasing in many countries around the world. In addition, the expansion and diversification of chemical-using industries has further enhanced waste management problems by adding large quantities of industrial and hazardous wastes to the environment.

Major sources of municipal solid waste are refuse from households, offices, shops, hotels and schools and other institutions. The major components are food waste, paper, plastic, rags, metals, as well as small quantities of hazardous waste such as electric bulbs, batteries, pesticides, automotive parts, discarded medicines and paint. It has been estimated that between 30 to 50 per cent of municipal solid waste generated within urban centres in many countries remains uncollected. Waste accumulated on streets and open spaces, contributes to serious environmental and public health problems. Uncollected refuse often finds its way into urban drainage systems and/or rivers and streams which become blocked and polluted. Waste from slum areas in many cities is often left uncollected, exacerbating the already acute problems of sanitation and environmental health.

Industrial wastes encompass a wide range of materials of varying environmental toxicity, but typically includes general rubbish, packaging materials and waste from food processing.

GIWA definition

Solid wastes refers to adverse effects associated with the introduction of solid waste materials into water bodies or their environs.

Environmental impacts

1. Habitat loss

2. Hydraulic modification

3. Entanglement/suffocation of marine organisms

4. Beach and sediment compositional changes

Indicators

The following are environmental impact indicators for solid wastes.

Select the environmental impact indicators that are relevant from the list below and input data into the appropriate indicator sheets.

Pollution

Map and satellite derived

Biological

Proxy indicator of solid waste pollution