Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) Management

Study Notes

Types of Solid Wastes

Solid wastes are non-liquid and non-gaseous, including durable goods, nondurable goods, containers, packaging, food scraps, yard trimmings, and miscellaneous inorganic wastes.

Municipal Solid Waste (MSW)

MSW is solid waste from residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial sources.

Garbage or Food Waste

Garbage is the animal and vegetable residue resulting from food preparation, cooking, and serving, and is largely putrescible organic matter and moisture.

Rubbish

Rubbish consists of old tin cans, newspaper, tires, packaging materials, bottles, yard trimmings, plastics, and so forth, but excludes garbage.

Trash

Trash is the combustible portion of rubbish.

Waste Generation

Waste generation = Materials recovered + Discards

Non-Municipal Solid Waste

Solid wastes from mining, agricultural, and industrial wastes are produced in substantially larger amounts.

Hazardous Waste

Hazardous waste is ignitable, corrosive, or reactive (explosive) or contains certain concentrations of toxic chemicals specified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Pathogens in Solid Waste

Human Pathogens: diapers, handkerchiefs, contaminated food, and surgical dressings
Animal Pathogens: waste from pets
Soil Pathogens: garden waste
These pathogens include viruses, bacteria, protozoa, and helminths, and can spread diseases by attracting animals and insects.

Open Dumps

Open dumps are the old method of solid waste disposal, now illegal due to environmental and health issues.

Sanitary Landfill

Sanitary landfills are sites where waste is isolated from the environment until it is safe, with solid waste placed in a hole, compacted, and covered with a thin layer of soil daily.

Incineration

Plastics that are non-biodegradable can be disposed of through incineration, but glass, food wastes, batteries, and other electronic wastes are not incinerated.

Solid Waste Management

The system consists of storage, collection and transport, processing, and disposal, with materials recovery, composting, recycling, and energy recovery important in processing and disposal.

Reuse of Wastes

Reuse is the action or practice of using something again, whether for its original purpose (conventional reuse) or to fulfill a different function (creative reuse or repurposing).

Conventional Reuse

Conventional reuse is where the item is used again for the same function.

New-Life Reuse/Repurpose

New-life reuse/repurpose is where the item is used for a different function.

Recycling

Recycling is the process of converting waste materials into new materials and objects, an alternative to "conventional" waste disposal that can save material and help lower greenhouse emissions.

Composting

Composting is the controlled biological process of turning organic waste into a soil conditioner, producing a nutrient-rich soil additive called compost.

Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 (RA 9003)

RA 9003 provides a comprehensive ecological solid waste management program by creating necessary institutional mechanisms and incentives, appropriating funds, declaring certain acts prohibited, and providing penalties in the Philippines.

Description

Test your knowledge on municipal solid waste, including types of solid waste, such as garbage, rubbish, and their characteristics. Learn about the sources of MSW and its composition. Assess your understanding of the different types of waste and their management.

Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) Management

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary characteristic that distinguishes solid waste from other types of waste?

Which of the following types of waste is typically generated in the largest amounts?

What is the term for the portion of rubbish that is combustible?

Which of the following is an example of a human pathogen that can be found in solid waste?

What is the formula for waste generation?

Which of the following is a characteristic of hazardous waste?

What is the primary goal of sanitary landfills?

What type of waste is not suitable for incineration?

What is the main difference between conventional reuse and new-life reuse/repurposing?

What is the primary benefit of recycling?

What is the main product of composting?

What is the purpose of the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000?