Segregation of Waste


 
 
Concept Explanation
 

Segregation of Waste

Definition : Waste segregation basically means keeping wet and dry wastes separately, so that dry can be recycled and wet waste can be composted.

Separation (or segregation) of garbage is a non- hygienic and slow process. It can also adversely affect the health of the person segregating garbage. So, the garbage should be segregated at the point of its generation.

Municipalities provide separate dustbins for collecting two kinds of garbage. Usually, one is blue  - coloured and the other is green - coloured. Two garbage bins- one for bio degradable wastes and other for non biodegradable wastes should be used.

What is Dry Waste? Paper, plastics, metal, glass, rubber, thermocol, fabric, leather, wood – anything that can be kept for an extended period without decomposing is called as dry waste.

What is Wet Waste?  Wet waste consists of kitchen waste – including vegetable and fruit peels and pieces, tea leaves, coffee grounds, eggshells, bones and entrails, fish scales, as well as cooked food (both veg and non-veg).

What is e-waste?  E-waste or electronic waste consists of batteries, computer parts, wires, electrical equipment of any kind, electrical and electronic toys, remotes, watches, cellphones, as well as bulbs, tubelights and CFLs.

Green bins contain the waste that is biodegradable, or compostable material that can be converted to manure to divert waste from landfills.

  • Material that can be put in a green bin: Fruits, vegetables, flowers and papers etc.
  • The material in the green bin only pollutes the environment when they are in excess amounts.
  • The waste generates a lot of organisms around it. These organisms can function as vectors to transfer diseases.
  • Blue bins contain the waste that is non-biodegradable. This bin contains all the materials that are needed to be recycled.

  • Materials that can be put in blue bin: - Plastic, polystyrene, metal, chemicals, aluminium cans and so on.
  • The microorganisms that break it down can cause disease and produce harmful gases. The materials present in blue bins can harm the environment by causing pollution when not disposed of properly.
  • At individual level we can segregate waste as shown in the figure. It will make the process of recycling of waste more easier.

                          

    .... (More Text Available, Login?)
    Sample Questions
    (More Questions for each concept available in Login)
    Question : 1

    What is the color of dustbin which is used for collecting biodegradable waste ?

    Right Option : B
    View Explanation
    Explanation
    Question : 2

    Why are two separate bins provided, for collecting garbage, in some cities?

    Right Option : B
    View Explanation
    Explanation
    Question : 3

    There are two heaps of garbage.

    • Heap A contains peels of fruits and vegetables, egg shells, tea leaves, food wastes, etc.
    • Heap B contains polythene bags, aluminium foils, old shoes and broken glassware.

    Heap A and Heap B are buried separately indifferent pots and these pots are then covered with soil. After few days the soil is removed. Which of the two heaps will appear black in colour and why?

    Right Option : A
    View Explanation
    Explanation
     
     
     


    Students / Parents Reviews [20]