CHAPTER THREE
SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT, THE APPROPRIATE TECHNOLOGY
Sanitary Landfill: This refers to disposal of waste on an open land in a manner that minimizes environmental hazards and nuisances by spreading and compacting wastes in layers and covered with earth on daily basis. This system seems to be the best, cheapest and least complex that can be used for the disposal of all wastes be it domestic or industrial. If land filling were to be used for the disposal of industrial waste, adequate care must be taken. Effort should be taken to ensure that the under ground water is not polluted by proper construction of drainage system to control leaches.
Scavengers should be prevented from operating at a land fill site. The site has to be properly fenced to prevent influx of unauthorized people coming into the site. If landfill is properly managed, the reclaimed sites are converted in future after it has been closed as recreational grounds, football fields, car parks and other functions. One major benefit from such a closed landfill is the extraction of methane and biogas for energy supply and cooking respectively.
Incinerating: Burning of wastes into ashes. Open burning is practiced nowadays. The practice usually pollutes the environment and should not be encouraged. The construction for this purpose is very ideal.
An incinerator is suitable for the disposal of the refuse from houses, schools, hospitals or camps.
MANAGEMENT OF AN INCINERATOR IN A SCHOOL
I. The surroundings of the incinerator should always be kept in a clean and tidy state.
II. Dried and easily burned refuse should be used to start the fire. In some events, dried wood or grass may be used for this purpose. These dried materials are placed on the bans of the incinerator.
III. The dried portion of the remainder of the refuse is now fed into the burner and the damper portion is stored on top.
IV. The content is now lighted from below, it starts to burn gradually and generates enough heat which dries the upper damp layer and subsequently reduces the whole mass into ashes.
V. After complete burning, the ashes should be removed and the incinerator is prepared for the next day’s work. The ashes are quite harmless. It does not smell as it did not contain any putrefying matter and could not attract flies or rats.
Emeka Jilly Ejiowhor
08039495237
