Solid waste could be defined as refuse. Solid waste is generally taken to include all non-gaseous, iron liquid, resulting from the wide range of community industrial and agricultural activities. The objective of solid waste management is to collect, transport and finally dispose of refuse in such a manner that will be aesthetically acceptable and not to constitute any danger to public health.
The management of solid waste is successfully handled in industrialized and developed countries with the help of a high level technology, adequate funding, and strong public awareness regarding the aesthetic standard by contrast.
The non-developed countries are suffering all the problems of urbanization with high population density and the consequent environmental pollution, without the financial resources and technical manpower needed to adopt the western system of operation.
The subject under reference will be discussed under the following topics: Composition, Pre-Collection, Storage, Sorting, Collecting, Transportation, Disposal and Public Health Hazards.
A. Composition: The composition of solid waste is best discussed under the following:
• Garbage: This term is used to describe those putricible wastes resulting from growing, handling, preparation, cooking, sale and consumption of food.
• Rubbish: It denotes all non-putricible wastes. It consists of combustible materials, e.g. tins, cans, glass, scrap, metal etc.
• Ashes: Residue (Product) from fibres used for cooking and frame incinerators.
• Street Refuse: This consists of papers, leaves, used nylon, pure water sachets, cellophane, wrappers, cigarettes and etc.
• Dead Animals: Cats, dogs, fowls, rodents, human beings.
• Abandoned Vehicles: Unwanted cars and trucks, left public properties.
• Industrial Wastes: The solid waste resulting from many manufacturing processes e.g. Textile industries, Asbestos industries, etc.
• Special Wastes: From hospitals, slaughter homes (abattoir) etc.
B. Pre-Collection Storage: This simply means storage of refuse before it is collected and transported to the disposal site. This is the responsibility of individuals, house holders, organizations, etc. The storage should be specifically designed not exceeding 3½ cub ft. It could be metal or plastic material and should be filled with two handles and fitting covers to prevent flies from breeding. The bin should be washed always to prevent it from emitting bad odour.
• Litter Bins: These are usually made up of wire of wire of metal in a small cycle industrial basket design and are usually mounted or attached to electric or telephone poles to receive small bit of refuse from pedestrians.
• Public Dust Bins: In communities where house to house or collection of refuse is not practicable due to inaccessible roads, large public dustbins are sited in strategic parts of the neighbourhood.
Emeka Jilly Ejiowhor
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