Summary

In this study session, you have learned that:

1. Waste can be categorised as solid or liquid waste based on its physical state. It can also be categorised as hazardous and non-hazardous waste.
2. Liquid waste includes human waste, runoff (flooding), sullage (or greywater) and other forms of wastewater from different sources.
3. Solid waste is any dry waste that is discarded by people because they no longer need it. It can arise from households, industrial, commercial or agricultural activities, or from streets.
4. Human waste is biodegradable, meaning it will decompose by a biological process due to microorganisms, particularly bacteria.
5. The type, generation rate and characteristics of solid waste depend on the source of the waste and on cultural habits, urbanisation, season of the year and the agro-ecological zone of the area.
6. Poor waste management could result in various diseases, accidental fire or nuisance conditions for the environment and families.
7. Properly managed waste could benefit your community socially and economically by recycling and reusing waste, where possible.
8. The main components of solid waste management include onsite handling, storage and processing; waste collection; transfer and transport of solid waste; and waste recovery and final disposal.