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.

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Sample Questions

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Question : 1

_____________ must be collected at its source in each area and separated in dry and wet.
A. Air	B. Plants and animals	C. Waste	D. Sewage
Right Option : C
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Question : 2

Blue bin contain which type of waste ?
A. Biodegradable waste	B. Non biodegradable waste	C. Composite waste	D. All of the above
Right Option : B
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Question : 3

Read the passage(s) given below and answer the questions that follow : If you collect the garbage from your home and put it in separate pits covered with soil for a few days. You will find that something in the garbage rots. They form manure which is used for plants. If you are asked to identify some of the items of your kitchen waste (i.e. garbage from kitchen),which of the following are likely to be present in it?
A. Fruit and vegetable peels	B. Eggshells	C. Dry leaves	D. All of these
Right Option : D
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