Question

Describe urban waste management.

Hint:

Remember the '3 R's' of waste management: \textbf{Reduce}, \textbf{Reuse}, and \textbf{Recycle}. Mentioning this concept shows a good understanding of modern waste management principles that prioritize minimizing waste generation.

Answer 1

Urban waste management refers to the systematic process of collecting, transporting, processing, recycling, and disposing of solid waste generated in urban areas. The goal is to manage waste in an environmentally sound, socially acceptable, and economically feasible manner. The key steps include:
- Waste Collection: Gathering solid waste from residential, commercial, and industrial areas.
- Segregation: Separating waste at the source into different categories, such as biodegradable (wet), non-biodegradable (dry), and hazardous waste. This is a critical step for effective recycling and processing.
- Transportation: Moving the collected waste to processing or disposal sites.
- Processing and Recycling: Recovering materials from waste. This includes composting biodegradable waste, recycling materials like paper, plastic, and metal, and waste-to-energy generation.
- Disposal: The final disposal of residual waste that cannot be processed or recycled, typically in scientifically managed landfills or through incineration.