We can classify solid waste in a number of ways. Based on the effects of solid waste on the environment and the health of humans, it can be differentiated between hazardous waste and non-hazardous waste.
Hazardous Waste
Wastes generated in industries and hospitals are generally hazardous in nature as they contain toxic substances. Resource Conservation and Recovery Act have come up with four important characteristics that define waste as hazardous – reactivity, ignitability, corrosivity or toxicity.
- Reactivity: Substances that are reactive, are in an unstable condition normally and can cause explosions and produce toxic fumes and gases when in contact with water.
- Ignitability: Substances that can easily ignite and burn at a vigorous and persistent rate.
- Corrosivity: Substances that have pH level lower than 2 or greater than 12.5 with capability of corroding metal surface are corrosive in nature.
- Toxicity: Substances that are harmful or fatal for human consumption are toxic in nature.
Examples of hazardous wastes: pesticides, insecticides, paints, cleaners, batteries, kerosene, chlorine bleach, prescription drugs, mothballs, fire extinguisher, toilet cleaners, medical waste, radioactive waste etc.
Non-Hazardous Waste
Waste that does not harm people’s health or the environment directly and whose disposal is less stringent is called non-hazardous waste. This waste can be divided into two kinds –
- Municipal solid waste: This is commonly known as the garbage or trash that we collect at a domestic level from homes, schools, commercial level and clinics. This includes everyday items like paper, newspaper, food waste, glass, furniture, clothing, plastics etc. The high level of urbanization today has increased the level of municipal solid waste that is generated these days. Items like construction waste, automobiles bodies, combustion ash, industrial wastes, and municipal sludges are not included in municipal solid waste even if these wastes are disposed of in municipal landfills or incinerators.
- Non-municipal solid waste: Agricultural waste, construction waste, automobile bodies, combustion ash, mining wastes, industrial wastes, and municipal sludges are the main components of the non-municipal solid waste.
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