What is solid waste?

Solid waste are refuse arising from human, animal and industrial activities
that are normally solid in nature and discarded or thrown away as useless
and/or unwanted.

Solid Waste management

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Refers to all activities pertaining to the control, transfer and transport,

processing and disposal of solid wastes in accordance with the best principles
of public health, economic, engineering, conservation, aesthetic and other
environmental consideration.

Characteristics of Solid waste

Garbage It is composed largely of putrescible organic matter and moisture.
Garbage decomposes rapidly, particularly in warm weather, and may quickly
produce disagreeable odors.
Rubbish These are waste that is either combustible or non-combustible.
Combustible rubbish is not putrescible and may be stored in a longer period of time,
non-combustible rubbish are materials that cannot be burned.
Classifications of solid waste
Biodegradable waste Is any material that can decompose by microbiological
organisms or enzymes. Examples of this are kitchen waste, such as peelings and
food leftovers, withered trees and grasses.
Non-Biodegradable waste refers to solid wastes which do not undergo
decomposition hence are non-compostable and no putrescible waste materials. This
includes all kinds of synthetic plastic, glass, metals, and ceramics.
Hazardous waste is any waste that is potentially dangerous to the environment
and health because of chemical reactivity, toxicity, flammability and explosiveness.
Such involves sharp materials and tools, household and laboratory chemicals and
corrosive liquids. It can be in solid, liquid or gaseous state.
Pathological waste Is that which includes tissues, organs, and body parts, human
features from surgical operations, biopsy and autopsy. Also animal carcasses, blood
and body fluids.