Medical waste is waste sufficiently capable of causing infection during handling and disposal.
Synonyms
Biomedical waste, biohazardous waste, clinical waste, regulated medical waste (RMW), healthcare waste, infectious medical waste.
Types of medical waste
Sharps Needles, lancets, glass shards, razors, scalpels, and other objects that can pierce ones skin.
Infectious Used swabs, equipment, lab cultures, tissues, and excreta.
Radioactive Radiotherapy and lab research liquids, including contaminated holding containers.
Pathological Contaminated animal carcasses, human tissue, body parts, blood, and other bodily fluids.
Pharmaceuticals Vaccines, antibiotics, pills, and injectables that are expired, unused, or contaminated.
Chemical Heavy metals for medical equipment (mercury), batteries, solvents, and disinfectants.
Genotoxic Highly dangerous waste that can be teratogenic, carcinogenic, or mutagenic (drugs for cancer treatment).
General non-regulated this type of waste is non-hazardous.
Healthcare providers must follow the national and state regulations, such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). One must never dispose of waste in improper ways. For instance, prescription drugs should never be flushed down the drain or toilet unless specified on the label or patient information. These drugs can be disposed of through community pharmaceutical return programs or collection events.
To dispose of prescription drugs, one must take them out of their containers, mix them with an undesirable substance, put them in a disposal container with a lid, remove all personal information, and place the sealed container with this mixture trash.
Sharps are a health hazard for the public. Thus, they should be disposed of properly. One must not put shards in the waste bin without a specifically designed container. Removing an already tossed needle from the waste should not be attempted.
Medical centers can have onsite and offsite medical waste treatments. The former is expensive to maintain and manage and is used by large organizations. Smaller facilities can use offsite treatment by hiring third-party vendors that collect and dispose of waste by using mail or truck services.
Waste processing
Waste can be processed in the following ways:
Incineration Currently, the only method used for pathological waste. In 1997, the EPA regulations changed to restrict the use of burning as a primary type of waste disposal. Before this date, more than 90% of all waste was incinerated.
Autoclaving This method uses steam sterilization. It can make biohazardous waste non-infectious. After the procedure, the waste can be disposed of in standard ways.
Microwaving By microwaving waste, one can render it non-hazardous. Processed waste becomes non-infectious.
Chemical It is used for chemical waste primarily. Reactive chemicals neutralize some types of waste and make them inert.
Biological This method is used for infectious organisms. It uses enzymes and is highly experimental.
Steps of medical waste disposal
Knowing the laws is crucial for healthcare workers to classify and dispose of medical waste. The following steps should be remembered:
Separate waste by type The types are mentioned above.
Use proper containers One must use approved containers for each waste type.
Prepare containers All containers must be taped and packaged following the Department of Transportation (DOT) weight restrictions. All containers must be labeled and stored in a secure area before shipping.
Include documentation Proper documentation can protect the healthcare provider and the hired firm and be included with every container.
Use a color code Sharps go in red puncture-proof containers. Biohazard waste goes in red containers/bags. Chemical waste goes in yellow containers. Pharmaceutical waste goes in black (hazardous) or blue (non-hazardous) containers. Radioactive waste should be stored in shielded containers with a radioactive symbol.
The people living in the hilly district of Gorkha are full of expectations this year. A challenge sponsored by Engineers without Borders is focusing on the plight of the communities living on these hilltops. The activities of this group are concentrated on Sandikhola village, which was selected as the representative community in the region. As an organisation, Engineers without Borders intends to help the people living in this village to find sustainable solutions for the problems that affect them.
The group acknowledges that waste management is one of the greatest problems affecting the people of Sandikhola. The waste directly impacts on the wellbeing of the communities living in the village, especially with regards to health. The realisation has seen a number of non-governmental organisations initiate projects in the area to empower the community on ways to create a sustainable waste management system. Nepal Water for Health (NEWAH) is one such NGO operating in Sandikhola village. The group realised that in order to have lasting solutions concerning waste management in the area, it is important to involve the people who are to benefit from the project. For this reason, the group embarked on a research and a number of discussions with EWB to come up with the best design to address the problem of waste management in the area. The design to be adopted was meant to meet the criteria formulated.
Following a series of evaluations and calculations, NEWAH came up with the final design that narrowed down to solid waste. The system was viewed as the most suitable for the problem affecting the people of Nepal since it combines four different waste management solutions. That is why it is named the 4S method. It is important to ensure that the system is supported by a well-designed education program for the local people. The success of the design depends on the effectiveness of the education program. The project is aimed at improving the lives of the people of Sandikhola, Gorkha district. It is also aimed at helping the people of Nepal at large. Through better waste management solutions, the residents of Sandikhola will be in a position to change their lifestyle in order to reduce waste.
Introduction
Nepal is one of the developing countries in the world. As such, it is experiencing rapid urbanisation due to increased population growth. Urbanisation in the country has been as a result of increased trading and commercial activities. Increased business activities have, however, led to the generation of enormous amounts of waste (Anderzen & Blees 2014). However, little has been done by municipal councils in the country to deal with the waste menace. For this reason, the municipalities are said to lack the capacity to deal with the rising quantities of waste. Considering that it is a developing nation, Nepal has to allocate its scarce resources to a number of development projects. As a result, little attention is given to the issue of waste management. The country also lacks controlled areas for waste handling. As a result, refused is disposed of in a haphazard way.
People living in the slums are the most affected by the problem of waste disposal. They lack the resources to pay for quality waste disposal services compared to their wealthy counterparts (Dangi, Urynowicz & Belbase 2013). People who live in poor regions, such as Sandikhola village, are also affected by the problem of waste. Persons living in these areas lack knowledge of effective waste disposal mechanisms. In addition, they have to contend with the problem of limited space for the disposal of waste (Anderzen & Blees 2014). As a result, it is important to empower them to develop lasting solutions in relation to the issue of waste management.
Failure to adequately manage waste in the country has raised a number of health and environmental issues (Anderzen & Blees 2014). To begin with, the refuse generated as a result of increased commercial activities in the country are hazardous. Failure to manage it has led to prolonged exposure to toxic gases and chemicals emanating from the waste (Dorsetforyou.com 2013). Failure to manage waste also leads to environmental degradation.
The current report seeks to introduce the reader to the issue of waste management in Nepal, with a special focus on the people living in Sandikhola village. A number of alternative methods of waste management that would be implemented in the country are highlighted. The alternative designs are analysed in terms of feasibility and sustainability to come up with the best solution for the Sandikhola problem. The report concludes by highlighting the implications of the alternative design used in the management of waste in Nepal. Recommendations for future research areas are also made at the end of the report.
Background
As stated earlier, Nepal is facing a waste management problem. Failure to take collective measures has exposed the population to a number of health problems. The waste menace has also resulted in environmental pollution (How can I reduce waste? n.d). A number of measures have been taken by the municipal council to address the problem. Such measures include reuse of household waste through composting, segregation of refuse based on the source at the domestic level, and door-to-door collection. Municipalities have also resorted to charging fees for the disposal of waste. The charges help finance the authorities in handling the refuse.
Revenue generation also helps create sustainability. However, most of the waste management problems are experienced in slums and poor areas. Persons living in these areas lack the knowledge on how to deal with waste. They also lack the income to pay for the services offered at the municipality level. For these reasons, the problem of waste management in the region has continued to worsen. Individuals living in these areas continue to suffer from health complications resulting from the persistence of waste in the environment.
The report seeks to explore a number of alternatives to help the people of Sandikhola. Each of the alternatives is systematically analysed to shed light on its potential to solve the menace. The limitations of these alternatives are also analysed. Following the analysis, the most suitable approach is arrived at. The approach is referred to as the final design. The sustainability of this design is analysed in terms of its environmental effects, as well as social and economic factors affecting it. The analysis is done using two tools. The two are the pairwise comparison and the selected alternative impact criteria. One of the greatest problems encountered in the process was the selection of the most appropriate alternative.
Each of the alternatives has a number of advantages and limitations. As a result, none of them is perfect in solving all waste-related problems (United Nations Environment Programme [UNEP] n.d). However, the final design will help the people of Sandikhola reduce the quantity of waste they generate. It will also help them to manage the waste that has already been produced adequately.
Literature Review
The municipal services are not in a position to regularly collect the waste produced by the ever-increasing population in the country (Waste Online 2006). The new development has led to the accumulation of waste at local dumpsites (March 2011). Garbage also remains in public places for long (WaterAid 2008). It is important to note that garbage results from household wastes (Cornell Waste Management Institute, 2014). Failure to collect garbage regularly results in its decomposition (Benefits of Recycling, 2014). Decomposition leads to the release of harmful gases and toxins to the environment (Turner & Geraldine 2010).
The garbage also serves as a medium for the growth of pathogens. Since most of these dumping sites are located near community-dwelling places, they lead to contamination of water and the environment with disease-causing microorganisms (Dorsetforyou.com 2013). Failure by the authorities to adequately manage waste has prompted the people of Nepal to seek unorthodox means of disposing of it (UNEP n.d). Such means of disposal include dumping garbage near natural resources, such as river banks and other water bodies. Such approaches expose people to more health risks.
Through education, community members are enlightened on matters surrounding the pollution effects of solid waste (Thompson 2012). After people have understood how solid waste exposes them to health problems indirectly through air pollution, they will look for measures to reduce the release of toxins into their surroundings (Anderzen & Blees 2014). Through education, members of the community can also be taught on how to reduce exposure to health risks when dealing with solid waste (Shrestha & Singh 2012). Locals are taught on the importance of using protective clothing when handling solid waste. Community members are also informed on how to recycle solid waste (Cash the trash: plastic waste management in Nepal n.d).
It is important to involve the local people in development projects taking place in their locality (Visvanathan & Norbu 2006). Involving these individuals helps them to embrace the project and identify with it (Dangi et al. 2013). Through participation, members of the community are in a position to gain the leadership skills needed in the running of the projects, even after the exit of the donors and facilitators (Robbins & Dustin 2011). Participation helps bring about sustainability. Since members of the community are the targeted beneficiaries, their participation will help them acquire the skills required to run the projects (Neupane & Neupane 2013). They also get the chance to believe in their abilities, having participated in successful demonstrations during the introduction of the plan. The locals also understand the major issues affecting them. Their participation in the projects, as a result, ensures that the matters that are of great importance to them are given priority (Gurung & Oh 2012).
The efforts made by the municipalities have failed to eradicate the problem of waste management in Nepal. As a result, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and private investors have moved in to help deal with the problem (Cornell Waste Management Institute 2014). One such NGO is the Nepal Water for Health (NEWAH). The organisation is working closely with EWB and the people of Sandikhola to help create a sustainable system of waste management (Asian Development Bank 2013). The NGO is also engaging in other projects throughout the country aimed at improving sanitation, promoting hygiene, as well as working towards the provision of clean drinking water to the people of Nepal (How can I reduce waste? n.d).
Selected Alternatives
Overview
A number of alternative designs to address the problem of waste management in Sandikhola village have been identified. The alternatives have been identified following keen deliberations with the people of Sandikhola with the assistance of NEWAH officials. They include composting, landfill disposal, incineration of waste, solid-waste, bioremediation, and onsite burial (How can I reduce waste? n.d).
In this section, the alternatives are assessed in terms of feasibility and sustainability. Nepal, a developing country, has limited resources to support many projects. As such, the waste management alternatives selected must reflect the efforts made to conserve the available resources (Asian Development Bank 2013). To this end, the projects must be of reasonable cost. Feasibility studies must reflect the affordability and cost of maintenance as far as the alternative is concerned (Dangi et al. 2013). As one of the criteria used to assess the proposed approaches, sustainability checks on the ability of the people to keep the project operational even after the NEWAH and EWB has withdrawn.
Selected Alternative 1: Solid Waste
Introduction to solid waste
Solid waste emanates from human activities. The amount of garbage generated increases with improvements in living conditions, urbanisation, and a shift in consumption patterns. For this reason, the management of waste is one of the major challenges facing communities today (Waste Online, 2006). The problem is more persistent in developing countries. Such nations have limited resources. As a result, the issue of solid waste is not treated with the seriousness it deserves despite the major health issues it poses to the population. Over the past years, accumulation of garbage has negatively impacted on the quality of life in Nepal. With increased population growth and urbanisation, solid waste is becoming a major environmental and health issue in the country. However, it is possible for a country to deal with this problem, especially through combined efforts between communities, the private sector, NGOs, and the authorities (Dangi et al. 2013).
Solid waste is associated with a number of hazards. For example, it affects the quality of soil, air, and water (Dorsetforyou.com, 2013). It also has the ability to affect human health through a number of diseases. Infections caused by waste can be spread through a number of vectors, such as rodents and insects. As such, garbage should be handled in a manner that makes it degradable. Failure to degrade turns the heaps of waste into a haven for the multiplication of rodents and insects. Garbage can also lead to health problems among humans through pollution (WaterAid, 2008). When released into the atmosphere, chemical pollutants emanating from the waste have short and long-term effects on the population. A good example of short-term effects is acid rain. The rain affects the quality of water available for consumption. Long term effects include chronic illnesses resulting from prolonged exposure to chemicals and gasses emanating from the solid waste.
Educating persons about the various harmful effects posed by this form of waste is one of the most effective measures of dealing with health problems (Thompson 2012). Community members should be educated on the most effective ways of waste disposal. It is also important to teach people how to recycle solid garbage emanating from households, offices, and such other sources. Reusing waste products not only helps clean up the environment but also empower the local communities by providing them with cheap resources. Reducing the quantity of solid waste within a certain locality helps to fight rodents by destroying their habitat and discouraging their multiplication. As a result, diseases that were previously transmitted by the vectors no longer affect the population.
When dealing with the problem of waste management in Sandikhola, it is important to engage the local people (Engineers without Borders 2014). Participation is the best way to reduce wastage of resources. By involving the locals in the waste management project, few resources will be spent in terms of hiring employees. Members of the community will act as the source of labour in their own schemes.
The community members will also learn the virtue of working together towards the success of local development projects (WaterAid 2008). For example, ideas generated through education can be easily passed from the literate to the illiterate people through the use of native languages. Local dialects act as an important tool for passing ideas and educating members of the society. For this reason, through participation, even the illiterate persons in Sandikhola will gain knowledge and will help educate other members of the community. Residents of Sandikhola will also be in a position to understand the current status in terms of waste management and the possible outcomes of their failure to act.
Waste management projects have a number of objectives. The major aim of the current undertaking involves convincing every individual in Sandikhola to reduce the amount of waste that they produce (Anderzen & Blees 2014). Reducing the amount of solid waste generated by households will translate to an overall decrease in the quantity of garbage collected in the entire community. After each and every individual has adopted the practice of reducing the quantity of waste, it is easier for the people of Sandikhola to deliberate on the way forward with regards to the elimination of the refuse produced in the entire community. The participation of the people of Sandikhola in the project will ensure that all community members collaborate in the new management efforts. Members of the society will use equal efforts in collecting and disposing of waste that they had accumulated prior to the initiation of the project.
How to address the people of Sandikhola
The residents of this village need guidance on how to best deal with the problem of solid waste. A four-step procedure can be used to help the village manage this problem. The procedure begins at the household level. It is referred to as the 4Rs. It involves reducing, reusing, recycling, and responding (Gurung & Oh, 2012). The four steps form a cycle that should be observed on a daily basis in order to reduce the amount of solid waste in the environment. Although it is difficult for the people of Sandikhola to get used to the process, they will finally embrace it having seen the benefits that come with it. The four steps are discussed in detail below:
Reducing
In Sandikhola, the focus is on reducing the problem by choosing a range of products and materials that generate the least amount of solid waste after they have been used. It is important to acknowledge the fact that items are discarded after their usefulness is exhausted (March 2011).
By buying such products, the households in Sandikhola will produce less waste than in the past. Buying products that are easier to degrade is also important when dealing with the accumulation of waste. Such products include those delivered in packages that are biodegradable. Items like fridges and television sets should be packed in wooden cartons and such other materials. Most of the solid waste that the people of Nepal have to contend with involves product wrappers (Asian Development Bank 2013). They are used as protective coats for household commodities purchased from major stores. In the case of Nepal, waste from these packaging materials should not be a big problem. The countrys tropical environment has plenty of vegetation that is capable of providing enough natural food to the population.
The communities living in Sandikhola should buy locally assembled products instead of obtaining items from stores (Asian Development Bank 2013). The decision is informed by the fact that most of the goods obtained from the stores come in plastic packages. Once the product is used, the wrappers are no longer important. As such, they are discarded. When waste is not collected, the plastic packaging materials become a major health concern to the dwellers. The impacts of locally generated products on waste management may be negligible at the household level. However, there will be an overall reduction in the amount of waste generated in the village as a whole.
Reusing
Recycling of items is identified as one of the most effective ways through which waste can be reduced. It is noted that there are two major guiding principles when it comes to the reuse of waste. To begin with, the people must be aware of the products that are reusable (Cash the trash: plastic waste management in Nepal n.d). People should also learn to share the items that they do not use on a regular basis. Reusing ensures that items are utilised until they are no longer beneficial to the owner. For this reason, little waste is produced in a given duration of time. The element of wastage is eliminated in the process. Through reuse of products, the people of Sandikhola will be able to produce manageable amounts of waste over time.
As stated earlier, it is important to know the kind of products that can be reused and those that cannot. It is noted that most organic products cannot be reused. However, most inorganic goods can be used more than once (Neupane & Neupane 2013).
Plastics are some of the most reused products. Their ability to be used more than once is attributed to the fact that they are tough in nature and are not easily worn out. Unlike organic products, plastics are synthetic and their quality does not deteriorate with time. Communities living in Sandikhola can wash and use these products, including polythene papers and plastic water bottles. For example, a person washing and reusing the same water bottle for a month will have produced thirty times as less waste compared to an individual who purchases a new bottle of water daily and discards it. Fabrics, such as table clothes and garments, can also be reused for a long time. Washing the fabrics improves their appearance, making sure that they can continue to be used for many years. Some organic products, such as scrap paper, can also be reused. The amount of waste paper produced can be reduced by writing on both sides of the paper.
Sharing items that are not needed regularly has also been identified as one of the key principles of reusing. Equipments, such as drills, printers, and pumps, are not put into use for long durations (Cash the trash: plastic waste management in Nepal n.d). They are only retrieved by the users when the need arises. As a result, it is easy for these equipments to get damaged due to prolonged stay in the store where they collect dust and rust. As a result, such products are discarded as a result of malfunctioning and lack of regular servicing. When discarded in large numbers, they may lead to pollution of the environment.
Sharing of items ensures that a single resource is shared amongst several households, rather than having each of them purchase the same tool (Neupane & Neupane 2013). It also reduces the accumulation of items that are not of any use to the household. Renting out these tools for a given duration of time should also be encouraged. Through sharing, the items are properly maintained by the people who use them. The tools and equipment that are no longer needed can be donated to charity, rather than discarding them.
Recycling
Recycling is closely related to reusing. It refers to the process through which waste is converted into new products. The process is important since it ensures that potentially useful materials do not go to waste (Shrestha & Singh 2012). Recycling of waste products, however, requires specialised technology and equipment. As a result, not all individuals in Sandikhola village can directly participate in the recycling process. However, the locals can help in the separation of non-recyclable solid waste from recyclable materials (Shrestha & Singh 2012). Two basic processes must be followed for the process to be possible. To begin with, composting of food scraps is needed. Secondly, the recyclable products must be carefully chosen and separated from those that cannot be recycled.
Compositing of food scraps is a simple process that each and every household in Sandikhola can be able to engage in (Marsh 2011). Yard garbage and waste emanating from the kitchen is composted and moved to the backyards. Composting will help the residents to turn waste into nutrients that can be added into the soil to improve its fertility (Turner & Geraldine 2010). The process also improves the amount of water and air that is needed by the soil by enhancing its texture. In addition, it controls weed, eliminating the need to use chemicals, such as herbicides, in farming.
The process of choosing recyclable products is important in the management of waste. By using these products, the people living in Sandikhola will be in a position to reduce the amount of waste in their surroundings (Shrestha & Singh 2012). Education can be used to complement this approach. To this end, members of the society are advised on means through which they can be able to gather the recyclable waste for collection. Collection of these waste products can be done at the household or at the community level. It is also important for the locals to be able to point out examples of materials that can be recycled. They (materials) include glass, plastic, and steel. Recycling of waste is important since it requires low amounts of energy to come up with the final products. Natural resources that would have been used in the assembly of entirely new products are conserved. As such, the government and the residents benefit from this process.
Responding
The process takes place when people are left to share and help each other on issues to do with waste management. Without the sharing of information amongst the people living in Sandikhola, the efforts made to reduce the amount of waste generated will be futile (Waste Online 2006). It is important to note that no single individual is in a position to retain everything taught during the launch and implementation of the project. Members of the community have to come together and share what they have learnt during the implementation of the entire program. As a result, individuals will have an idea of what is expected of them. Through sharing, ignorance among the members of the society is also eliminated. Each and every individual assumes responsibility when it comes to matters of solid waste management. Sustainability will be achieved since all individuals will learn how to care for their environment, even without the presence of NGOs to guide them.
Everyone should take the responsibility of spreading information relating to the reduction, reuse, and recycling of waste. It is a fact that it is not possible for a single individual to impact on the entire village of Sandikhola. However, everyone should take the initiative to share the information with their friends, families, neighbours, and workmates. Providing these people with information will give them the ability to reduce waste (Visvanathan & Norbu 2006).
By educating their friends, individuals can help reduce waste at their work places. It is important to realise that the aim of the project is to prevent the accumulation of waste by targeting all the possible sources. One should take the responsibility of encouraging and checking the progress of other members of the society in their bid to reduce waste. The practice will motivate people to stick to the process of cleaning up the environment and reducing the amount of waste that they generate in order to stop further degradation (Visvanathan & Norbu 2006). Through follow up, they will gain a sense of responsibility since they feel that they are not the only ones who are using their time in making efforts to clean up the environment.
Information on reducing the amount of waste should also be provided to school going children. For example, the children can be taught on how to build composting systems. Involving the young members of the society will ensure that they reduce the amount of waste that they generate at school. Lessons given to the students can also be applied at home. The students can share the information with their parents, siblings, friends, and neighbours. Schools provide a platform from which information on waste management can be passed to a large number of persons at a go (UNEP n.d).
School meetings in Nepal can, for example, be used to educate members of the society. Information that is provided in such forums will impact on the lives of many members of the society in terms of their ability to reduce waste. Teaching the individuals on how to manage waste at a tender age will turn them into responsible citizens. They are also likely to grow accustomed to waste reduction. In addition, they are likely to take care of their environment in a better way compared to previous generations. Sustainability will be achieved in the process since new generations will have the knowledge to combat the waste menace.
Educating others on waste management is also important since it enables members of the society to come together to seek a lasting solution (UNEP n.d). Education forums encourage creativity in the community. Through the exchange of ideas, new possibilities to reduce waste can be suggested and explored. By exchanging ideas, the people of Sandikhola can come up with alternative ways of dealing with waste. For example, suggestions may be made on how to improve the efficiency of the design used to manufacture or assemble the composting systems (Dangi et al. 2013). Individuals can also come up with better ways of reusing waste. For example, biscuit tins can be used to grow plants. Tires that are worn out can be used to make swings for the children, rather than buying new ones. Through education, individuals are empowered. Entrepreneurial minds may also be created in the process. An individual can, for instance, discover a viable economic opportunity in the collection of renewable waste.
Selected Alternative 2 Incineration of Waste
Incineration is one of the traditional practices that are used in Nepal to dispose large amounts of waste. The practice is common in many other Asian countries. In Nepal, the approach is mostly used in the disposal of hospital wastes. A study to this end was conducted by Pesticide Watch Group on 16 hospitals in Kathmandu valley. The research found that 62 percent of health institutions resorted to combustion to manage their waste.
The hospitals practiced either open burning or incineration. Both practices were carried out within the premises. In addition, the study revealed that there were two main types of incinerators that were commonly used. The incinerators used were observed to have either one or two chambers. Some of them were locally made, while others were imported. Some hospitals incinerated all their waste products, while others only burnt items that were considered to have the potential of spreading infections (Dorsetforyou.com 2013). The government of Nepal has funded many incinerator projects across the country. However, the construction of a state-of-the-art incinerator plant at Sherlo Monastery is seen as one of the most optimistic projects implemented by the government of Nepal to deal with the waste problem in the country. The image in appendix 1 shows a picture of a worker putting waste into an incinerator situated at Sherlo Monastery.
There are a number of advantages associated with the incineration of waste in Nepal, particularly for the people of Sandikhola. To start with, incineration requires a small piece of land for the management of waste compared to other alternative designs, such as landfill (WaterAid 2008). With the help of this process, the weight and volume of waste is reduced to manageable levels. As such, incineration helps reduce the bulk of the waste.
Only a small piece of land is required for the disposal of the waste using the incineration method. There is a 75 percent reduction in the weight of waste following incineration. The burning is also important as it ensures that the flue and the heavy metal-laden gases produced following incineration are cleaned to reduce their effect on the environment. The approach is important in that it ensures that the gases produced are released to the environment in a friendly manner. It averts the occurrence of pollution related problems, such as the greenhouse effect.
It is possible to locate incinerators near residential areas. As already indicated, most of the waste produced in Sandikhola emanates from households (Waste Online 2006). The ability to construct the incinerators close to residential areas with minimal effects on the people will reduce the volume of traffic associated with waste disposal efforts. The waste does not have to be transported over long distances since it is incinerated close to the site where it was produced. Incinerators set up in residential areas also help reduce the cost of transporting waste. In addition, air pollution is reduced since less fossil fuel is burnt to transport the waste using heavy trucks.
Incinerators do not cause noise pollution since waste is burnt under controlled environment (Waste Online 2006). By adopting this approach, members of the community will not need to use other waste management alternatives, such as landfill. The heat generated by these burners can be put into good use. It can be used to power steam turbines for the generation of power. It can be used for heating during cold weather. The products of incineration include flue gases, slag, ash, and other residues. The by-products are not associated with foul smells like other solid wastes. It is also important to note that the waste that is managed through incineration is renewable since it assists in the conservation of fossil fuel, which is a non-renewable resource.
Incineration is, however, more expensive compared to alternative forms of waste management, such as landfill (Visvanathan & Norbu 2006). The cost associated with this method continues to rise, especially as a result of skyrocketing prices of fuel. A lot of energy is required to completely burn the waste products. The energy is mainly sourced from petroleum products or electricity. People living in poor regions, such as Sandikhola, cannot afford to put up with the high cost of fuel. Measures put in place to reduce pollution are expensive. Such measures include cleaning the gases released after the incineration of the waste. Expensive technology in terms of sieves and chemical reactants are used. The gas must be checked for harmful elements before it is released into the environment. It is argued that measures put in place to avert pollution contribute to over half the total cost of the incineration process.
The success of incineration as the most suitable waste management alternative for the people of Sandikhola is limited. To begin with, the approach requires expensive technology when compared to other alternatives (Visvanathan & Norbu 2006). To this end, it is not easy for the people of Sandikhola to purchase and maintain these technologies. Most of the incinerators used in Nepal are imported and require a lot of capital to install and maintain.
The machines also need skilled personnel to operate them. As a result, such a project will not be feasible and sustainable in the long term. In addition, the use of incineration as an alternative wastage management strategy in Nepal is limited. The alternative is not popular with the people of Sandikhola. As such, people will take long fully adopt and embrace the strategy. Incinerators also have a considerably small capacity. For instance, only one major installation is found in Kathmandu valley. It is situated at Patan Hospital. Other smaller incinerators in the area can only handle a daily waste capacity of 400 kilograms.
Many Nepalese have protested against the setting up of incinerators. They are not comfortable with the installations close to their households. It is not easy to convince them that the incinerators will help them deal with the problem of waste disposal (Asian Development Bank 2013). On the contrary, they continue to express fears that the facilities will expose them to a number of health issues. They particularly raise concerns with the emissions produced by the incinerators (Asian Development Bank 2013). The picture in appendix 2 is an illustration of such emissions. The realisation is an indication of some of the negative effects that incinerators have on people living near the facilities.
Nepalese citizens have in the past held protests demanding to know who is responsible for the management of medical waste. Currently, the countrys ministry of health is responsible for large healthcare institutions. The ministry of education is responsible for teaching persons working in the healthcare facilities (How can I reduce waste? n.d). The health practitioners should be taught on how to appropriately dispose medical waste. The ministry of industry on the other hand is in charge of nursing hospitals. Failure to streamline the system has lead to a crisis in terms of the disposal of medical waste. No single government department is responsible for the disposal of the waste, a situation that has created confusion in the countries public sector. As a result, medical waste in the country has always been mishandled and carelessly disposed (How can I reduce waste? n.d).
Selected Alternative 3 Bioremediation in Nepal
Bioremediation is also one of the most commonly used waste management alternatives. The technique has been used for over three decades now since it was introduced. Vermicomposting is the mostly used bioremediation technology in Nepal (How can I reduce waste? n.d). In vermicomposting, worms are used to speed up the rate of decomposition of food and vegetable wastes. Earthworms, red wigglers and white worms are the most commonly used. The diagram in appendix 3 illustrates this clearly. It shows a picture of vendors selling compost kits containing worms that are used in vermicomposting.
However, it is noted that the country lacks large composting facilities. The technology has also not been adopted in all parts of the country. Lack of adequate resources in Sandikhola has hindered the locals from adopting the technology. It is however important to note that composting activities have been ongoing in Nepal especially in the Hetaudu, Bhaktapur and Kathmandu regions. Currently, the municipality of Bhaktapur has the largest compost plant in the country. The plant is in a position to handle atleast six tons of waste on a daily basis.
On the other hand, Hetaudu and Kathmandu municipalities encourage communal and household composting activities (Asian Development Bank 2013). Kathmandu composting plant has been operational for over two decades now. Efforts to install another composting plant in Bhaktapur municipality are underway. The new plant will have the capacity to work on at least 3 tons of waste daily. Both the private sector and the members of the community are being involved in the efforts to manage organic waste through composting. A number of NGOs working in the region are also encouraging composting activities. Such NGOs include WEPCO and NEPCEMAC.
Composting would be important in the management of waste in the Sandikhola. Quality compost obtained from Vermicomposting sites is sold to farmers and landscapers (Benefits of Recycling 2014). As a result, composting will help to improve on the quality and quantity of food produced by the people of Sandikhola. Through composting, pathogens and weeds can also be controlled. Cases of health risks associated with waste will therefore be reduced.
Compost plants maintain temperatures of over 400 centigrade for a few weeks. The temperatures are unfavourable for growth of pathogens, such as bacteria and harmful fungi. Through composting, the mass and volume of the waste is also reduced. A reduction in weight results from the loss of some of the water in the waste material. The bulkiness of the waste is also reduced thus improving its handling. Composting of organic waste also reduces the odours produced. As a result, air pollution is controlled.
There is a possibility that bioremediation can be successfully used in waste management efforts in Sandikhola is high (Benefits of Recycling 2014). Since vermicomposting was introduced in the country in 1996, it has been greatly embraced by the Nepalese people. For example, the practice of selling vermicomposting kits containing 300 worms is common in Kathmandu. The most commonly used worm species is the Eisenia foetida. The cost of these compost kits is much lower compared to other alternatives of waste management, such as incineration. The project is therefore feasible and can be afforded by most households.
The figure in appendix 4 is an illustration of a conventional compost bin. The figure is an image of a Nepalese woman standing in front of such a bin located near a household.
Members of the community in Kathmandu Metropolitan City have also participated in voluntary work involving the composting of waste (Robbins & Dustin 2011). Currently, there are over 100 youths who have volunteered to promote the popularity of vermicomposting as the means of managing waste. The volunteers act as a link between the municipality authority and the members of the community. They guide the locals on the right procedures to be followed during composting to ensure that the process is successful. It is therefore easy to conduct a follow up to ensure that the right thing is being done. As a result, sustainability will be achieved. They also help in demonstrating to the community members on how to construct compost kits without having to buy commercial ones.
However, it is important to note that the vermicomposting plants can only handle minimal amounts of waste. The largest plant in the country can only handle six tons of organic waste dairy (How can I reduce waste? n.d). The capacity of the composting plants does not however match the ever rising amount of organic waste produced by the households. Bioremediation through composting also only helps people deal with organic waste.
The alternative will not be in a position to deal with inorganic wastes, such as plastic. Composting has also been noted to be effective only on fast decomposing waste products, such as vegetables and food scraps. Vermicomposting is therefore not an effective practice in dealing with waste management since it is selective. It is important to note that the people of Sandikhola need to seek an alternative that deals with all forms of waste. Persons are also required to purchase the compost kits which contain worms. Poor households will not be in a position to purchase these kits and will continue relying on municipal services.
Selected Alternative 4 Composting
Composting is an alternative to dealing with waste that involves its conversion to fertiliser. The alternative only helps deal with organic matter which is decomposed and recycled back into the soil. For this reason, the composting process is also commonly referred to as soil amendment. It is one of the key ingredients of organic farming (Robbins & Dustin 2011). Through composting, nature helps in the recycling of matter into humus like substances.
Examples of substances that are broken down include manure, leaves, food remains, coffee grounds, worms, grass trimmings, as well as papers. A number of microorganisms are used in the process of composting. Bacteria are the most actively involved group of microbes in facilitating the process. Fungi and actinomycetes are also involved in composting. They are able to break down waste only in presence of oxygen. During composting, the aerobic micro organisms turn the organic waste into ammonium, heat, and carbon dioxide (Cornell Waste Management Institute 2014). Ammonium is produced in form of nitrogen (NH4) which is an important nutrient for perennials, such as maize and shrubs. Failure to consume NH4 by the plants leads to further conversion of the product into nitrate (NO3) which also helps complete the nitrogen cycle. Generally, the process of composting takes place naturally. However, human interventions can be used to speed up the process of composting.
The process of composting only takes place under favourable conditions. Five conditions that promote composting have been identified. To begin with, worms and micro organisms must be introduced into the waste for the process to kick off. The organisms, which act as catalysts to the process, are referred to as compost activators. Bacteria, fungi, or both may be used. The right nutrients in their right quantities must also be present for the process of composting to take place. Waste to be used for the preparation of compost should be composed of both brown and green organic waste. Brown organic waste is rich in carbon. It consists of materials, such as manure and dead leaves. Green organic waste on the other hand is rich in nitrogen and is composed of materials, such as grass and food waste (Cornell Waste Management Institute 2014). While comparing compost, the two should be mixed in a ratio of 1 green part to 20 parts of brown material.
Oxygen is also essential for the process of composting to occur. Microbes require oxygen for them to survive and for their respiration. As a result, it is important to ensure that the waste is properly aerated to ensure that there is swift breakdown of the waste (Turner & Geraldine 2010). Water is also an important requirement for the process of composting. Water is a medium for most microbes, such as bacteria. Water also helps hydrolyse the organic matter making it easier for the microbes to break it down. Moisture is also important for the growth of fungi. Enough time must also be allowed for the compost to be ready. The process of composting takes several weeks and can at times take even months. What this means is that it is a long term waste management strategy.
Compost designs are simple and inexpensive (Cornell Waste Management Institute 2014). They can be built at any location. Site selection is however very important when designing a compost site. It is important to ensure that the designs are built away from dwelling places in order to avoid air pollution. The direction of the wind should also be considered to avoid carrying the odour from compost to the homes. While preparing a compost pit, the waste should be arranged into two layers.
The first layer should be made up of the green organic material, such as grass and leaves. The materials are rich in nitrogen. The reason behind using these materials on the lower layer is to improve on aeration. Since large air spaces are left between the materials, the rate of airflow will be increased in the compost. The activity of the bacteria is therefore promoted in the process (Turner & Geraldine 2010). The upper layer is made up of the carbon based materials. Here, more dense materials such as manure and soils rich in nutrients can be used. Carbon rich materials act as a source of nutrition for the microbes. Food scraps are also added in this layer to improve on the quality of the compost.
In order for the compost to be more efficient, it is important to build several rows. Having several rows ensures that the new waste is not mixed with older waste. As such, fresh waste added will have enough time to decompose. The waste should also be turned regularly to ensure that it is evenly broken down (Turner & Geraldine 2010). Turning the compost regularly also ensures that it is properly aerated and prevents the rotting of the materials used. Rotting would lead to the release of unpleasant odours that would pollute the air. Once the compost is ready, it can be transferred to the backyards where it can be used to grow vegetables and other crops.
A number of advantages are associated with composting as one of the alternatives designs to waste management. Should the people of Sandikhola adopt composting, they will enjoy flexibility in waste management (Turner & Geraldine 2010). Decomposing is a natural process and does not require much human intervention. Man can only help increase the process of decomposing the waste. Since composting does not require any specialised technology, it is a cheap method of managing waste. The procedures to be followed when preparing compost are also simple and can be followed by all members of the society, both the literate and the illiterate. Sustainability can also be achieved since the people of Sandikhola will not require constant training and follow up for them to be in a position to prepare quality compost. Compost is also beneficial to the people since it promotes farming activities.
Composting can also save the people of Sandikhola a lot of cost in terms of the transportation of waste. Composting in most cases is done at household basis unlike other alternatives, such as landfill (Robbins & Dustin 2011). Composting will also help promote recycling activities. In order to compost, households are required to separate organic wastes from that which is inorganic. During the sorting process, the villagers will also be in a position to separate recyclable waste from other materials. In the process, tons of glass, paper, and metal can be gathered from waste generated for them to be recycled. Composting is also important in that it reduces the need for synthetic fertiliser. The people of Sandikhola will be in a position to practice farming that is environmental friendly (Turner & Geraldine 2010).
Compost manure does not have as great pollution effects compared to synthetic fertiliser, such as the green house effect. The cost of purchasing synthetic fertilisers is also high and lowers the profitability of farming. Composting is also important in that it helps in the recycling of nitrogen. Through the nitrogen cycle, nitrogen contained in the organic wastes is returned back into the soil and can be used in the production of new foods and vegetative materials. The cycle is continuous and ensures that nitrogen is not exhausted.
The possibility of composting helping the people of Sandikhola deal with the problem of waste management is however limited. To begin with, the alternative only helps in the management organic waste. It does not help the people of Sandikhola deal with synthetic waste which has continued to be one of their greatest menaces. Through composting, limited amount of waste can be managed (Robbins & Dustin 2011). Compost pits can only accommodate limited amounts of waste.
The figure in appendix 5 shows a picture of a compost pit. In the picture, it is apparent that only a limited amount of waste can be accommodated in such a pit.
The alternative is also time consuming and does not provide immediate solutions to waste management compared to other alternatives, such as incineration. Composting also increases the population of microbes in the waste. Some of the microbes may be pathogenic and pose health risks to the people of Sandikhola (Turner & Geraldine 2010). Following composting, it is important to treat the waste in order to kill harmful microbes. Treating the waste increases on the cost of composting. As a result, the alternative would not be the most appropriate for the people of Sandikhola.
Selected Alternative 5 Onsite Burial
Onsite disposal is one of the alternatives to waste management. It involves placing waste on the ground at the same spot where it was generated. Onsite burial is important since it ensures that the earths surface is not littered with waste (Asian Development Bank 2013). The process involves the removal of the top soil to a given depth depending on the amount of waste that has been generated.
Through this alternative, households can be in a position to dispose their own solid waste without relying on municipal services. A number of considerations must however be taken when dealing with the waste. For example, it is important to consider the water tables depth at the site. Sound environmental controls must be taken in order to prevent the contamination of underground water. Through burying, the contamination of surface water is also prevented. The waste should be buried deep enough to prevent it being washed away following erosion of the soil. Soil should also be properly compacted to ensure that the waste is contained within the site where it was buried.
In Nepal, onsite burial as a waste disposal alternative has been mainly applied in the region of Kathmandu. Huge trenches have been dug in the area. The trenches stretch to the length of several kilometres. Most of these trenches have been filled with plastic waste. The waste is non-degradable. For this reason, it continues to persist in the soil for many decades. Soil erosion eventually leads to the exposure of these pits on to the ground surface. In areas where the amount of waste buried was considerably huge, it forms a landmark when it is exposed following erosion (UNEP n.d). The waste can be carried to water bodies through surface erosion causing contamination.
Onsite burial of waste is however associated with a number of advantages. The alternative offers instant waste management solutions to the people. If adopted by the people of Sandikhola, onsite burial will help the people to dispose of waste as soon as it is generated. Rapid management of waste helps reduce on its pollution effect (UNEP n.d). The alternative is also cost effective. The people of Sandikhola only require digging pits that are proportionate with the amount of waste that they wish to dispose off. Since waste management is done at the household level, only human effort will be required. All forms of solid waste can also be disposed through the alternative.
Onsite burial also does not require the transportation of waste from one point to another. Since waste is buried at the same spot where it is generated, the cost of transporting it is eliminated. The harmful effects associated with the waste are also contained within a small region. The design has for example been used in many countries in the control of diseases, such as anthrax. Animals that die from the disease are buried on the same spot to prevent the spread of pathogens. For this reason, the health of the people of Sandikhola will be promoted.
However, the alternative would not be effective in addressing the problem of waste management in Sandikhola since it is associated with a number of shortcomings. To begin with, onsite burial is only an effective means of waste disposal in approved sites. Organisations and agencies involved in the conservation of the environmental put in place strict regulations concerning the burial of waste. The regulations are mainly aimed at maintaining the quality of water. Onsite burial of waste therefore requires continuous monitoring (UNEP n.d). Monitoring requires the involvement of the government in the management of waste.
However, the government may lack the resources to follow up the project a situation that would negatively impact on its sustainability. People have to take the waste to the burial sites. The alternative design also requires significant amount of space. A lot of land will therefore be wasted in the process making it undesirable among the people. Land used for the burial of waste can also not be put into future economic use. Contamination may also result from the burial of waste. The waste encourages the multiplication of pathogens in the soil. If the waste is shallowly buried, the pathogens can be easily transported from one point to another through disease vectors, such as rodents and insects.
Selected Alternative 6 Landfill Disposal
The construction of landfill sites is also another alternative to the management of waste in Sandikhola. The sites are also commonly referred to as tips, middens, dumps, dumping grounds, as well as rubbish dumps (Dangi et al. 2013). The alternative has previously been used in Nepal for many decades and is considered to be one of the oldest strategies to deal with waste. There are a number of landfills situated across the country. The Karaute Danda dump is the major and the most well managed landfill in the country. Activities undertaken in the landfill include sorting of waste.
Through sorting, the management of the landfill is able to determine what waste will be reused, recycled, and that which will undergo composting. The site has for this reason been in a position to generate income through the sale of compost and recyclable waste. However, there have been concerns that the landfill is almost filled to capacity. The disposal of heavy metals and other chemicals have also led to the contamination of the landfill. The presence of contaminants has posed persons working in the landfill to a number of health conditions, such as cancer and bacterial diseases (Dangi et al. 2013). The citizens are also not willing to purchase contaminated compost. Other landfills include the Sisdole and Pokhara dumps. The two landfills are however of a smaller capacity and do not engage in the sorting of waste.
Landfills are suitable for the disposal of solid and semisolid waste. The waste to be disposed should also have low concentration of salts and hydrocarbons to avoid the contamination of surface and underground water. In most cases, the wastes are treated prior to its disposal in the landfill (Gurung & Oh 2012). Landfills are similar to the onsite burials in that on both alternative designs, the top soil is dug out before the pits are filled with waste.
The soil that had been dug out is then used to cover the waste. The two are also only practiced in restricted areas and require constant monitoring to prevent them from impacting negatively on the environment. Major differences however exist between the landfills and onsite burial. To begin with, landfills involve large-scale management of waste while onsite burials are often done on a small scale basis. Heavy machinery is used in landfills. Onsite burial on the other hand only requires small hand tools. While onsite burials are done at the local level, landfills are often run by large municipalities that generate a huge amount of waste within a short duration of time.
A number of considerations must be made while implementing landfill projects. The depth of the pit is one of the most important considerations. The site selected for the construction of the landfill should not have ground water that is close to the earth surface (Neupane & Neupane 2013).
The waste should be dumped more than five feet above the level of the ground water. The type of soil in the site is also an important consideration. Landfills should be constructed in areas where the soils have low permeability. Clay soils are the most preferred. Sandy soils would not be suitable for the construction of the landfills. Appropriate measures should also be put in place in order to prevent leaching and surface runoff (Asian Development Bank 2013). Physical barriers are used to separate the waste and the ground water in order to prevent leaching. Vegetation can be used to protect against surface runoff. Grass can be planted on top of the already filled areas to prevent erosion. Despites all these measures having been taken, it is important to closely monitor the sites to ensure that they are still in a good condition.
If the project if adopted in Sandikhola, people living in the village would enjoy a number of advantages are associated with the use of the landfills in the management of waste. To begin with, landfills are simple to construct. No complex technology is required compared to other alternative designs, such as incineration. Equipments required for the construction of landfills, such as excavators are also readily available. Many municipal services own these equipments which can be easily provided to the people to help them deal with waste (Asian Development Bank 2013). Landfills therefore meet the feasibility criteria. People of Sandikhola would also not be required to purchase expensive equipments, such as earth movers since they can be rent out or borrowed at low charges. A landfill also requires limited space compared to the amount of waste that it would help the people of Sandikhola dispose.
Landfills are also associated with a number of disadvantages. By adopting the alternative, the people of Sandikhola will have to contend with the cost of transporting waste from the spot where it is generated to the landfill sites where it is finally discarded (Waste Online 2006).
The cost of transportation would make the alternative to overburden the people of Sandikhola making it undesirable. The transportation of waste from one point to another would also lead to the spread of pathogens. Disease causing organisms, such as bacteria are carried from one area to another and can lead to pandemics. Landfills also lead to the contamination of water. Through landfills, both surface and ground water can be contaminated. Ground water is contaminated through the leaching of waste. Surface water on the other hand is contaminated through erosion. If protective vegetation is not used, surface runoff may occur (WaterAid 2008). Waste may be carried to rivers where it causes the contamination of water. Should the alternative be used in Sandikhola, residents may be faced with the risk of suffering from water borne disease. The construction and running of landfills would also require the community to adhere to strict regulations put in place by environmental agencies.
Final Design
Proposed Design
After a series of evaluations and discussions, the final design narrows down to solid waste. The final design is arrived at following the ranking of the alternatives that are available. With solid waste, we can be in a position to the 4Rs system that would better assist us deal with the issue in Sandikhola (Thompson 2012). The 4Rs design ensures that waste is adequately managed through reduction, reusing, recycling, and responding. It is important to note that the solid waste is the only alternative that can apply the system.
This section aims at studying the final design that has been selected. The feasibility of the design has also been discussed in this section. It is also important to consider the scale in which the design can be used. The scale determines the how effective the design will be in dealing with the waste. Through the 4Rs system, solid waste management can be done on a small-scale and on a large-scale basis (Waste Online 2006). The system can for example be applied by a household efficiently without relying on external help. The same system can also be applied in the entire village effectively where the people come together to reduce on the amount of waste that they generate.
The success of the design is dependent on the education program that was rolled out in the area during the launching and the implementation process. Educating the people is important since it provides them with skills that can be passed on from one generation to another. Sustainability is therefore achieved in the process (WaterAid 2008). Educating the people is also cheap and requires few resources compared to rolling out expensive projects.
Little infrastructure will also be required in the handling of solid waste. Through activities, such as recycling and reusing, the amount of waste generated will be considerably reduced. However, transportation of the waste that cannot be reused or recycled will be needed. The waste can be moved to the nearest Landfill. The only cost to be incurred by the villagers is associated with the transportation of waste that is of no value to the villagers. Since the villagers have already earned from the recycled waste, the cost of transportation will be negligible.
Resources are also conserved through the adoption of the design. The design ensures that the people of Sandikhola use minimal resources since little is wasted (How can I reduce waste? n.d). Products are reused instead of throwing away after they have been utilised. Persons are also encouraged to avoid buying items that they are not to use often to avoid piling up unnecessary items in stores. Recycling also allows the people of Sandikhola to generate revenue from waste. Generation of income has a number of advantages as far as the management of waste is concerned. First, people are encouraged to participate in the management activities due to the associated benefits. Second, the quality of life in the community is improved as a result of an alternative source of income.
Sustainability of the Final Design
For the final design to be effective in addressing the waste problem affecting the people of Sandikhola, it must have an element of sustainability. The designs sustainability is assessed through the 4S method. Four factors are normally assessed in the 4S method. The factors are sustainability in general, environmental, social as well as economic factors. The solid waste design allows us to use a 4 step system in order to achieve sustainability (Thompson 2012).
The four steps involve a comprehensive strategy of handling waste. They include reducing, reusing, recycling, and responding with regards to waste. The system is systematic and strategic in the management of waste. Rather than relying on projects, the design only depends on the education of the community members. Reusing of materials also ensures that there is little wastage and also helps in the reduction of the amount of waste generated. Recycling on the other hand is important since it generates revenue for the people living in the village of Sandikhola. Through response, information is passed amongst the people hence allowing all the members of the community to change together. The various factors associated with the 4S method are discussed below.
General aspects of sustainability
It is clear that all solid waste can be reduced, reused and recycled. As a result, the design would be able to deal with all aspects of waste management in the area. For this reason, it is the most appropriate design for the people of Sandikhola. The element of reduction ensures that little waste will be generated in future. Little efforts will therefore be required to ensure that the environment is kept clean. Reusing also ensures that waste that had been generated in the past, as well as the newly generated waste is put into use instead of being disposed (Thompson 2012). Recycling is also important in ensuring that the solid waste management efforts in Sandikhola are sustainable. Recycling makes the design important to the people since they will manage their own waste in order to earn income from it.
Environmental factors
The 4Rs system of dealing with solid waste is viable for the environment. The amount of waste released into the surrounding will be reduced through cutting on the amount generated, reusing after it has been produced, as well as recycling it (Thompson 2012). Through the 4S method, accumulation in landfills and dumping sites in Nepal will be reduced as the people begin utilising their own waste. Individuals will also go ahead to utilise the waste that had already been released in the environment. Pollution effects of the waste in the environment will therefore be reduced. Natural resources such as rivers and forestlands will also not be littered with waste.
Economical factors
The implementation of the 4Rs and the 4S systems require no financial aid. The Members of the society are only taught on how to manage waste (Asian Development Bank 2013). The success of the education offered to the people will be assessed on the basis of the peoples ability to deal with the waste. Since no financial aid is required to enable the people manage waste, there society will be in a position to continue managing their waste even after the withdrawal of NGO. Reusing waste also enables the people to conserve their resources. Since the people benefit from adequately managing the waste, they will carry on with these activities and pass on the trend to future generations.
Recycling also helps the people generate income. The people of Sandikhola will therefore find value in waste that they generate. Through the purchases of locally produced products, the economy of the area will also be improved. The only cost that the people of Sandikhola will have to incur is the transportation of waste that is of no socio-economic value to them to the landfills. The gains obtained from the waste however surpass the cost of transportation
Social factors
The 4S method will also not burden the members of the society. Instead, the method will improve on their welfare. Through reduced waste, the health of the people will be ensured (How can I reduce waste? n.d). Managing waste will translate to a reduction of the pathogen population. Income saved and generated from the utilisation of waste will help improve the peoples standards of living. Since waste management acts as their source of income, they will continue to engage in these activities. In the process, waste will be reduced. Management of solid waste also does not impact negatively on the culture of the community.
General Discussion on Sustainability
The 4S method is used to assess sustainability. Sustainability in the management of solid waste will ensure that the people continue to enjoy the design applied. As stated earlier, no financial aid will be required in the implementation of the design, the people of Sandikhola will only be required to apply the skills that they have been taught through the education provided to them (How can I reduce waste? n.d). As explained earlier, the design will help reduce on the waste being generated currently, utilise that which was produced in the past, as well as help the people plan for the future.
Conclusion
Nepal is a developing nation. As a result, the country has in the past experienced rapid economic growth mostly associated with an increase in economic activities. Following these growth in the economy, the country witnessed an increase in the amount of waste being generated. The situation has been further worsened by the fact that the country is experiencing a sharp increase in the population (Waste Online 2006). Waste management has in the past been viewed as the responsibility of the municipal services. To deal with waste, a number of alternatives can be applied. The alternatives include composting, landfill disposal, incineration of waste, solid-waste, bioremediation, and onsite burial. Each of them is associated with a number of strengths and weaknesses.
A number of non-governmental organisations and private investors have in the past taken steps to help the people of Nepal in dealing with the waste problem. Engineers without Borders challenge and Nepal Water for Health are a good example of organisations that have moved in to improve on the welfare of the people by empowering them with information on how to manage waste. The two have achieved this through a number of educational programs (Asian Development Bank 2013). Currently, the two organisations are working with the people of Sandikhola.
Following a series of deliberations, it was concluded that the best design to deal with the problem was that which focused on Solid waste. The design was considered to be the most appropriate since it applied the 4Rs system in the management of waste (Thompson 2012). The design was also in a position to meet the selection criteria that focused on sustainability and feasibility. The 4S method was used to analyse the sustainability of the design.
The final design should also be implemented in other places in Nepal. Implementation of the design is associated with a number of advantages, such as feasibility and sustainability. The design is also be cheap since only educating the locals is required. No financial aid is also required in the implementation of the design. To better deal with the waste menace in Nepal, it would be important that Engineers without Borders challenge and Nepal Water for Health put in place the necessary infrastructure to ensure continuity rather than just providing education to the people. For instance, they would establish an office in the area with several staff members in order to deal with the waste menace. Several officials and staff members should also be left behind to oversee the transition. The aim of this is to ensure that members of the community learn how to deal with the various issues associated with the project when they are left alone.
Appendices
Appendix 1
Worker putting waste into an incinerator. Source: Visvanathan and Norbu (2006).
Appendix 2
Emissions. Source: Visvanathan and Norbu (2006)
Appendix 3
Vendors selling compost kits containing worms that are used in vermicomposting.
Appendix 4
Compost bin. Source: Visvanathan and Norbu (2006)
Appendix 5
Compost pit. Source: Visvanathan and Norbu (2006)
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Need assessment is an important way of attaining change in the people of a community. Health is one issue which demands different strategies depending on the situation. Need assessment procedures are very helpful in such varying circumstances. In light of these facts, community health educators are required to select suitable health plans and the related needs assessment methods.
The first step in the assessment process is planning and the organizing phase (Sharma & Lanum, 02). This includes information gathering, learning about the issue for which the assessment is being held and identifying goals and objectives of the need assessment. Information gathering is very important as it will tell the current methods of waste management present in the community and the existing resources. Creating awareness about the issue will encourage people and waste management organizations in the community as to why waste management is important and how it relates to health. Identifying goals helps to stick to a specified path and come up with plans that lead to desired goals as in this case the goal is to identify the specific issues related to waste management.
Developing nations are continuously trying to improve their waste management but at the moment they are clearly struggling for proper waste disposal. Issues related to waste collection, combustion, landfills etc are very common in the developing countries. Pakistan for example is one of the developing nations with a lot of waste management issues. Improper disposal and deficiency of adequate management are some of the main problems related to waste management. The current system of waste management includes municipal waste management authority and two private organizations. No proper disposal sites are available in the country and recycling is not considered as an option. Most of the material which can be recycled is not in the condition to be reused after the waste has been collected (Batool, 02). Third world countries too often try to imitate procedures for waste management used by the developed nations but fail at this. The reasons for this are corruption, lack of knowledge, non viable policies etc (Curi, p. 31). Thus in order to asses these issues and the current resources that are available with the community, and in order to improve these discrepancies, we can use the need assessment techniques. Methods such as scanning social indicators, records and area analysis give a thorough idea of existing issues and available resources. The utilization review technique can also be used as it gives an arranged date on socio-demographic indicators. Health status indicators also tell what kinds of diseases are spread in the locality. The cause of diseases can then be traced easily and whether they are related to waste management or not. (Umble, p. 17).
Thus the next step is development of a needs assessment survey. After the survey has been developed citizens should be requested to take part in the survey. Door to door surveys and forums are the best way of community involvement in a need assessment plan (Umble, p. 17). Focus groups can be held as well before the questionnaires as they help in getting a clearer picture form the consumers point of view. Community mapping can also help develop a good survey questionnaire as it shows how people see the community and what they think will be most beneficial for the community. Community mapping shows where the problem is, who gets affected by it and how it can be better managed (Fadem & Conant, p. 15). Online forum for such discussion have already been started by many communities in Pakistan. After the survey is done a computer database can be used to analyze the results and then work on areas which need improvement according to the results. Summarizing the results helps the need assessment committee to see a pin point picture of the state of affairs and then act accordingly. Thus, a need assessment plan can be carried out in this way for waste management issues in developing nations.
Work Cited
Curi, K. (1985). Appropriate waste management for developing countries. Illustrated Edition. Published by Plenum Press
Batool, A. and Chaudhry, N. (2007). Economic potential of recycling business in Lahore, Pakistan. Waste Management, Volume 28, Issue 2.
Waste disposal requires standardized procedures in accordance with the Environmental Management Act (Victoria: fair trading amendment, 2010). It is the responsibility of Transpacific to monitor, handle, evaluate, characterise toxic and non-toxic materials. As a result, Transpacific act on legislation that enforces waste management procedures for organisations, industries, and corporations. The waste disposal hierarchy provides steps to efficient waste disposal. Thus, the hierarchy evaluates collection schedules based on priority. The steps include prevention, reuse, recycling, energy recovery, treatment, containment, and disposal. Guidelines for waste disposal in Victoria must follow the hierarchy. The diagram below summarises the procedures for waste disposal in Victoria.
Waste Management Hierarchy
The EPA established sub-legislations that monitor and control the primary action. Thus, the secondary legislation or subordinate legislation derives its power from the primary environmental policy. Some sub-legislation includes Prescribed Industrial Waste 2009, Industrial Management Policy 2000, and Waste Management Act 1998 (EPA VICTORIA: waste management policies 2012). Waste materials at Woolworth plaza are managed by Transpacific Company. Waste materials are transported after sorting and classification. Trading hours begin at 7am and closes at 2 pm on weekdays. The organisation has a functional website, which is www.transpacific.com.au. Contact numbers are available on the website.
Transpacific
Transpacific was consulted to provide an environmental management plan (EMP) for Woolworth Plaza in Weribee. The EMP guides the organisation to ensure proper waste management and safety. As a result, the cost, techniques, risk assessment, and implementation plan will be highlighted in the environmental assessment report. Consequently, a waste disposal mechanism will be provided for the organisation. As a result, waste materials are disposed of in specific facilities. The company formulates contract clauses that comply with prescribed regulations on toxic waste disposal. Waste disposal is the primary responsibility of Transpacific Company. However, the company provides other services associated with hazardous materials. The services department is classified into the general waste disposal, hazardous waste disposal unit, industrial waste disposal and other waste disposal unit. General waste disposal services include recycling, compactors, bin disposal, and waste services. Industrial waste disposal services include pressure cleaning, emergency spills and hydro evacuation. Hazardous waste services include drum collection, oil disposal, and clinical waste. Other waste services include water waste management, site remediation, and industrial waste solutions. The company has an efficient staff strength that provides quality service.
Trained staff supervises the conduct and implementation of waste disposal services. Thus, Transpacific Company provides the best consultancy services for waste disposal. In accordance with the Waste Management Act, the company has the certification and requirements for waste disposal. As a result, the company handles disaster waste, e-waste, hazardous waste healthcare waste, integrated solid waste, waste plastics, agricultural waste, landfills, policymaking, and industrial waste. Waste materials are graded in accordance with the best management practice. As a result, some waste materials can be recycled, reused, or disposed of. Transpacific has different waste storage facilities to ensure proper disposal. As a result, the organisation has a waiting section that evaluates waste materials. Only certified personnel are authorized to handle toxic and hazardous waste. Thus, quality service delivery and environmental safety are guaranteed. Consequently, our landfill expansion plan guarantees a long-term waste management plan.
Transpacific has efficient landfill equipment to evacuate, manage, and control waste materials. The storage facilities have multiple compartments for long-term EMP. As a result, site containers are used for liquid storage. Liquid waste materials are handled in accordance with the Environmental Management Act. Traffic control at the facility prevents over speeding and traffic jam. Dumbtrucks are available at each storage facility to convey liquid waste. Waste documentation and clearance are reported in all transactions. In accordance with regulatory laws, Transpacific Company documents waste services and timeline for future use. Service payments depend on the nature of the waste material. Transpacific provides free services for electronics and computer waste. The organisation has fair charges on all service payments. However, the contract agreement will not require payment charge. The charges for services will be summarised below.
Waste category
Price per unit/ container ($)
Cardboard/ Metallic materials
Free
Electrical components
Free
Crude oil spills
1
Paint and its substitutes
5
Glass (bottles only)
5
Foams and beddings
20
Tyres
6
Heavy equipment
15
Heavy-duty tyres
40
Transpacific is a major enterprise for waste disposal in Australia. The organisation has the required certification, land permit, and clearance documents for waste disposal. As a result, the organisation can serve 5000 clients simultaneously. Thus, business transaction within the organisation aligns with the objective of the EMP. The organisation combines different waste management strategies to fulfil each task. Thus, turnover efficiency is guaranteed. Waste streams are evaluated based on the environmental condition. The organisation provides services that suit different environmental conditions. Implementation guidelines for waste streams include disposal options review storage procedures, evaluate process inefficiencies, identify alternatives, and develop a suitable recycle plan.
The organisational structure and implementation plan for waste management satisfy the customer. I will recommend the company for clients that require quality service. Our organisation will benefit from the services of Transpacific Company. The quality assurance mechanism of the organisation aligns with our objectives.
The increasing population and urbanization of third world countries has been widely documented. Recent studies by Hasanah from World Bank in 2003, shows that waste management is a challenge to environmental and social scientists. Waste management within communities is an intricate activity that involves collection, storing, handling and disposal of waste which has serious environmental implications in terms of ground water pollution, public health risk and contribution to global warming. Factors such as rapid urbanization, globalization and economic growth within major cities have compounded the problem of increased waste disposal. There have been reported instances all over the Africa countries of the neglect of treating and disposing the waste.
Purpose
An exhaustive study was carried out to analyze waste management in African countries focusing on Port Said, a city in North-East Egypt. Despite the increasing concern on the amount of waste generated in both urban and rural areas, studies have revealed that two thirds of solid wastes generated are not collected in African countries. Studies by Bushra in 2000, show that Egypt is generating 10 million tons of municipal solid waste annually.
Scope
According to Badran and El-Haggar in 2005, solid waste that drains in Port Said is generated from several sources such as residential, commercial, institutional, construction and demolition, and municipal services. The scope of the report have specifically dealt with three critical themes; waste transportation, waste collection and recycling. The report addresses problems in developing African countries in general and the city of Port Said in particular. It is a good example of what is currently going on in most developing countries in Africa and hence sets a good case for comparison and analysis.
Sources and Methods
The study was conducted using qualitative research method by comparing data and works from various past studies on waste management within African nations and the developing world at large. Qualitative method within this particular area is more diverse and emphasizes particularity over generalizations. Diverse literature about waste management has been widely documented especially for Port Said from professional journal articles, books, websites and newspapers. All these sources were considered and used for the study.
Limitations and Assumptionns
Although numerous studies have been undertaken in Port Said, it is worth noting that some of the statistical data presented are approximate. Furthermore, since no precise pictures were taken on the case of Port Said, some of them provide information that may be general.
Background
Martin Medina in 2004 urges that third World cities have undergone a rapid urbanization during the past fifty years. Deliberated one of the salient Egyptian ports as a result of its distinctive location at the entrance of the Suez Canal and one of the most significant waterways in the world, Port Said is located in North East Egypt within the biggest merchant shipping line between Europe and Asia, (Badran and El-Haggar, 2005). Port Said as show in pictures 1and 2 (Collected from the internet), is also regarded as the biggest transit port in the world with an estimated population of 588, 768 as at 2007.
Comparative to other Egyptian and African Cities, the city has not optimized its waste management systems thereby creating serious environmental problems. According to Badran and El-Haggar (2005), in excess of 700 tons of wastes are generated within the port daily. They further note that the city uses a system used by nearly all other African urban centers in which waste are transferred between the collection points and the land fields. With the several cultural differences in the country, these contribute to the different clusters of waste generated from the city.
Picture 1 and 2. Shows Port Said.
Waste Transportation
The most commonly used means of transporting waste in Port Said are trucks, trailers and animal drawn carriers. The modernization process in waste transportation has seen the entry of lag carriers which transport larger volume of waste. Despite being classified by most scientists as primitive and weak transportation systems, the modern trends in developed countries depicts ineffective and very costly. Studies by Achankeng (2003) reveals that African countries (Egypt included) invest on average about 50% of the waste management budget on waste transportation but only 20% of the total waste is transported. It is the responsibility of the local government to transport waste since this falls under their docket according to the government strategic plan.
Waste Collection
The appropriate method of waste collection has been detailed by Medina study of 1998 that involves setting designate collecting bins all of different characteristic. The waste is then sorted and proper disposal implemented by the relevant authority. In Port Said, waste collection is done by local authority employees and is largely dependent on two critical factors, transportation capacity and the availability of manpower. Most of developing African cities, of which Port Said is part of, falls below the accepted benchmark for the optimum workforce requirement in waste collection.
Recycling
Environmental concerns on the amount of waste management stretched to critical levels globally leading to acceptance and promotion of recycling and reuse of waste which was regarded as an excellent waste management approach. Comparing with the developed countries, majority of the developing nations have fairly lower consumption levels hence the recycling practices are often guided by values, traditional practices and the prevailing socio-economic conditions (Achankeng, 2003).
The larger amounts of wastes generated from Port Said are: paper, plastics, metals, glass and rags respectively. Even though most of waste collection is done local authorities, there are pool representatives within specific sites which collect the majority of the recycled waste. Call for greener and clean development mechanisms to recover and recycle waste has lead the initiatives by NGOs, environmentalists, municipal councils and other stakeholders promoting a culture of recycling not only in Port Said but in most of the African countries.
Analysis
The facts collected on the waste management methods depicted in Port Said, it is clear that there is a direct relationship on the environmental aspects and the relevant body involved in the management of waste. Port Said waste management strategies drawn from the study indicate a centralized approach in which the local government is responsible for waste collection, transportation and disposal. This approach does not only limit community participation but is capital intensive.
Conclusion
With the data collected and case analyzed for Port Said, it is clearly emphatic and specific that the methods of waste management used in most African cities are rigid, unified and do not involve the casual sector hence the reason why the menace have not been properly solved. It is very clear that waste conditions in African cities are different as compared to those of the developed world hence innovative approaches such as decentralized system of waste management should be put in place to address the problem. Medina (1998), proposes a high breed approach which involves the participation of the Low, middle and high income earners to be part of the team and be involved in all stages of waste management thus solving the problem amicably.
Recommendations
The study recommends that the local authority should privatize waste collection and transportation thereby incorporating the private sector to provide the necessary services for additional demand. There should also be sensitization and awareness creation of the communities on increased volume of recycled waste within the city. In addition, transportation trucks should be provided by the local government in Port Said to effectively manage the estimated 160 m3 of waste discharged daily within the city. It is also paramount for the government to move from the centralized model and involve other small players such as the community members, micro-enterprises and the private sector.
References
Achankeng, E. (2003) Globalization, Urbanization and Municipal Solid Waste Management in Africa. African Studies Associations of Australasia and the Pacific. Conference Proceedings-African on a Global Stage, 65 (1), pp. 4-13.
Badran M. F. and El-Haggar S. M., 2005. Optimization of municipal solid waste management in Port Said Egypt, 23 (1), pp. 27-33.
Bushra, M., 2000. Regional Study on Policies and Institutional Assessment of Solid Waste Management in Egypt. Blue Plan Regional Activity Centre, Sophia Antipolis. 66 (1), pp. 58-61.
Enurlaela, H., (2003) Crises and Contradictions: Understanding the Origins of a Community Development Project in Indonesia Scott Guggenheim, 8 (1), pp. 7-9.
Medina, M., 1998. Globalization, Development and Municipal Solid Waste Management in Third World Cities. El Colegio de la Frontera Notre, Tijuana, Mexico, 77(1), pp. 45-48.
Waste management agencies provide waste disposal services in accordance with the Environmental Protection Act. Geelong Resource Recovery Centre (GRRC) is a waste disposal agency in North Geelong. The centre transports and processes waste materials from residents, organizations, industries, hospitals, and terminals. However, the geographical location of the centre influenced small and medium scale enterprises. As a result, small businesses utilize the services of GRRC. The GRRC has a tour guide that assists clients and customers. As a result, clients process their service documents without complications. GRRC waste disposal services include recyclables, green organics, detox, salvage and transfer station. Services under recyclables include paper material, cardboard, soft plastic mingled oil, and cooking oil. The process mechanism is simple. The customer sorts items in the facility nearest to his or her location. Consequently, an operator conducts waste shedding at the appropriate time.
The operation is supervised under strict management. As a result, waste management safety is guaranteed. Services under green organics include grasses, shrubs, and leaves. Services under home detox include battery waste, glass, light tubes, paint, paint can, and BBQ bottles. The facility has different compartments for waste disposal. As a result, each class of waste material has a disposal unit. Trained personnel work simultaneously to reduce the workload. Salvage materials include metal sheets, metallic waste, copper shillings, and motor machines. GRRC waste management plan combines various techniques to reduce environmental impact. As a result, reusable goods are sold at the facility.
Recycle materials are sold to clients as recycled waste products. Transfer Service department conducts waste transportation from the source to the facility. The transport option depends on the nature of the waste material. Liquid and hazardous materials are transported to ensure safety. Protective equipment regulation is enforced in the facility. Consequently, safety training and first aid drills facilitate the waste management plan. The waste management supervisor evaluates the concentration of the waste material before documentation. As a result, waste transportation from one location to another requires modern equipment. The risk assessment plan of the facility supports the waste disposal mechanism.
The risk assessment plan of the facility
The Organogram of the facility supports the waste disposal system. Consequently, disposal centres surround the facility. The disposal units include recyclable, green organics, home detox, recycling shop, and transfer station. Waste disposal trucks are placed at a strategic point on the facility. Thus, recyclable materials are sorted from the gate to reduce landfill space. As a result, reusable materials are sold to the public. The control plan influences the quality of waste material that enters the landfill facility. Recycle materials are boldly written on masking boards to avoid misunderstanding. Waste disposal personnel must wear protective equipment to avoid accident. Security measures are enforced to maintain order.
Clients fill the contract form to ensure compliance. As a result, the facility bears the risk after the parties sign the contract agreement form. The contract form stipulates waste management procedures in the facility. The Environmental Protection Regulation 2009 categorizes waste materials by their concentration. As a result, charges depend on the waste material. However, the company provides free services for recyclable materials. Consequently, some waste materials are not transported to the landfill facility. As a result, the facility does not accept poultry waste, clinical waste, radioactive materials, and chemicals. GRRC complies with waste management regulation to mitigate environmental impact. Thus, the organization determines the impact assessment of the facility to ensure compliance. The facility operates between 7 am and 4 pm.
Waste Disposal
Price per unit from July 2013($)
Car boot
18.50
Utilities, Vans Single axle Trailers
37.00
Utilities, Single axle trailers(min)
48.00
Tandem Trailers(waterline) (min)
48.00
Tandem Trailers ( heaped)
96.00
Car tyres (>1 metre diameter)
9.50
Car tyres on rims
10.50
Truck tyres
33.00
Mattresses
20.50
Televisions
Free
Note: All fees are GST inclusive
Recycling materials
Clean Cardboard and paper
Free
Refrigerators/ pressed metal
Free
Aluminium and steel
Free
Car batteries
Free
Scrap metal
Free
BBQ bottles
Free
Oil/ containers
Free
Plastic, juice, milk, beverage can
Free
Machine oil, light tubes
Free
Computer items
Free
Hot water services
Free
Rigid plastic containers
Free
Televisions
Free
Tools
Free
White goods-fridges, oven, dryer
Free
Recycle materials include plastic, batteries, aluminium, copper shillings metal plates, cylinders, paperboard, and juice cans. Detox home materials include electronics, toolbox, dryers, microwaves, and light tubes. Recycled materials are not charged in the facility. However, charges may apply to contaminated waste materials. The company has a quality assurance team that monitors environmental safety in each facility. As a result, workers without their protective wears are penalized for avoiding accidents. The traffic control system at the facility is powered by solar panels to avoid power failure. Drainage channels are sanitized to avoid water contamination. First aid equipment is provided at a strategic location in the facility. The security personnel are trained to handle emergencies. The facility has a power backup to avoid systemic collapse during transportation. The GRRC combines innovation, auditing, and quality control to process customer feedback. Watch guards conduct a visual check to mitigate noise, intruders and dust on neighbours. Drainage systems are cleansed to avoid water clogs.
Transpacific is a leading waste treatment and recycling and management facility (company) operating in Australia. The company has been delivering safe, responsible waste management services for many years. The facility serves a range of businesses from small-sized to large multinational companies. The company has one of the largest and most specialized laboratories in Australia (Transpacific.com n.p).
The location of the Transpacific waste management facility and its users
Its liquid hazardous waste treatment and recycling department are located at Woree in Cairns, Queensland, Australia. The companys experience enables it to manage waste from customers in all the industries ranging from workshops, restaurants to large mining firms. Regardless of the type of waste you produce, Transpacific provides customized waste management solutions (Transpacific.com n.p).
What systems are in place to maximize diversion from landfills?
The technical department of the company is highly backed up with high-tech purpose-built, environmentally compliant waste management tools and equipment. For example, vacuum loaders are used by its on-site waste management plant (Bowman, 1985).
The plant management and technical teams have a continuous improvement plan set in place to investigate new treatment and recycling procedures to further cause a reduction in waste sent to landfills. Through its continuous improvement plan, Transpacific ensures there is a reduction in the energy and waste usage as well as reduced negative effects on the environment (Daven & Klein, 2008).
They also have special processing equipment and technical staff that have extensive knowledge in liquid waste management.
Types of waste accepted, and how the facility manages them
The Transpacific treatment plant is highly specialized in the collection, treatment of various liquid wastes and other prescribed industrial waste. The company has a wide range of waste removal, management, and disposal arrangements that have been fully certified to manage liquid and hazardous waste materials (Hosetti, 2006).
The plant has a remarkable ability to handle a range of liquid and hazardous wastes. Here is a list of the wastes that the company specializes on:
Acid waste
Caustic waste
Oily sludges,
Grease trap waste
Contaminated stormwater
Septic waste
Used cooking oil
Solvents
Waste oil
Wastewater
Triple interceptors
Trade waste
The facilitys compliance with the provisions of any legislation
The facility has laboratories that have been accredited by the Australian National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA). This means that the facility can guarantee compliance with the statutory and environmental standards, as well as industry best practices (Hosetti, 2006). The plant operates its hazardous waste management activities in compliance with the provisions of externally certified Integrated Management Systems. The company also aims to meet the strict requirements of Australian quality standards and OHS (Rhyner, Schwartz, Wenger, & Kohrell, 1995).
Is the facility appropriate for the types of waste that are sent there for treatment/disposal?
In my view, the facility is fully equipped to handle all the liquid waste materials that are sent to its plant. This is because the company has the most up-to-date processing technologies with a capacity to handle all the physical and chemical properties contained in almost all liquid and hazardous wastes. The assessment report released recently regarding its liquid processing facility shows that the facility is capable of treating the waste before it can be reused or released to landfills safely.
Charges applied for the different wastes
The facility charges the fees on a per-kilolitre basis, and each waste category has different pricing as follows:
Low strength BOD $1.6/kilolitre
High-strength BOD food $2.8/ kilolitre
Automotive $0.5
These charges are likely to go up if the customer does not maintain a pre-treatment.
Innovative steps are taken to minimize the impact of the operations on the environment and any neighbors
The company has developed comprehensive emergency spills and recovery services to provide emergency waste management services to customers. This emergency spills plan has been successful in minimizing the dangers posed by hazardous liquid wastes. With this creative plan, Transpacific has been certified to handle all types of quarantine wastes (Martin & Johnson, 1987; Dhamija, 2006).
Regulatory compliance
As a licensed trackable waste collector and recycler, Transpacific has systems to help customers track their waste on-site. This allows customers to reduce the risk of overstocking or overproduction of waste materials. As an EPA complaint company, Transpacific has set up a rapid response plan to help reduce the risk profile of its customers (Haggar, 2007).
Recommendations for future Improvements
While Transpacific has plans put in place to guarantee safety in handling liquid waste on-site, there are a few issues that the company can implement to strengthen its liquid waste management capacity (Daven & Klein, 2008).
First, the company should develop the process of designing and implementing a plan that complies with the Carbon Management Principles, such as avoidance, switching, reduction and offsetting (Environment Protection Authority, 2007; Vanatta, 2000). The change impact will be a reduced amount of greenhouse emissions from its landfills, on-site fuel and energy use.
The company can also produce and implement a comprehensive greenhouse gas emission reduction plan that complies with the Carbon Farming Initiative. This will reduce costs and increase savings that come with a carbon tax.
References
Bowman, AO 1985, Hazardous Waste Management: An Emerging Policy Area within an Emerging Federalism , Journal of Federalism, vol. 15, no. 1, pp. 131-144.
Daven, JI., & Klein, RN 2008, Progress in waste management research, Nova Science Publishers, New York.
Dhamija, U 2006, Sustainable solid waste management: issues policies and structures, Academic Foundation, New Delhi.
The essay is a book report about The Big Necessity: The Unmentionable World of Human Waste and Why It Matters written by Rose George in 2008 a publication of Metropolitan Books. To accomplish this three major issues are addressed; the authors points as well as my intention, things I have learned from the book as well as my thoughts, and lastly the benefits of the book. The author talks of how humans shun away from talking about human waste management. She clearly depicts and makes the reader understand that this is quite important. The whole issue is ignored by the majority in the world.
According to Rose 73 based on careful global research about 2.6 billion individuals do not have access to proper sanitation. The consequences she says are much more harmful than what AIDS and HIV, tuberculosis, armed conflicts as well as malaria cannot match. To her diarrhea is much worse and more threatening to human existence. For this reason, waste management is one of the most burning issues that are currently facing humanity as their number keeps on swelling resulting in overcrowding.
The author compares the state of sanitation in major cities such as London, New York to cities in developing countries as well as those in the Middle East, especially India. In the latter, fecal waste is just deposited openly in crowded residential places. Women are forced to clean these wastes by using bare hands making them prone to dysentery (Rose 212). Big and clean cities have managed to construct very good lavatories which use a lot of water. Additionally, governments also seem to pay little attention to the matter. In her view, for a human to improve on sanitation, there is a need to have a champion who will lead from the front. An example given is the efforts made by Matt Damon who came up with a campaign dubbed bring clean water to Africa
The author is of the view that with a population of close to three billion, it will not be rational to provide these individuals with clean water while the issue of proper sanitation is completely ignored. Close to 2 million children die annually from health problems associated with poor sanitation (Rose 153).
Additionally, she makes it explicit that as time moves; the sewerage system of the world will continue to get worse. According to U.S Environmental Protection Agency, by the year 2020 about half of the sewage pipes will be in a crumbling state which will pose a greater threat to human health. Through the author, there are a number of issues have learned and come to appreciate. Among them is that human beings are refraining to tackle the issue of waste management head-on. As proposed by the author I agree that we indeed need the icon in the society who will help others champion proper waste management in the world.
Additionally, the issue of poor sanitation with the health problem associated with it has negatively impacted those in the third world country more as compared to their counterparts in developed countries. For instance, young people fail to attend school due to sickness as a result of poor sanitation. This coupled with lack of equipment such as internet connection has made African children as well as those in other developing countries to be disadvantaged in terms of knowledge and skill acquisition.
On the same note, I have learned that sewage treatment plants do pose a health problem to local populations. Diseases associated with cancer as well as other auto-immune ailments. Governments also contribute to the problem facing mankind when it comes to waste management. For instance, through Environmental Protection Agency allowed firms to categorize sewage as fertilizers. Having in mind that without being fully treated the fertilizer, it will allow heavy metals such as mercury to enter agricultural products which are consumed by living organisms. Additionally, lack of proper lavatories especially in slums that are over populated for instance in east Africa has resorted to using flying toilets. This poses great danger to human health. Through the views of the Rose, fecal matter has been not only used as fertilizers but also in generating energy to light stoves. In France, buses were run on bio-methane. Additionally, in politics, controlling riot has been in part handled by using fecal stink bombs.
In my own view, the problems associated with inadequate waste management are of health concern to people in the world (Rose 231). There is thus need to get everyone on board in trying to bring a culture of managing human waste in the most proper manner. It is no doubt that the book has left me thinking on how waste management will look like if we do not take necessary corrective action at present. Before reading the book I held the belief that human waste management is an easy task that the current efforts can help address emerging problem. However, a close scrutiny of event through ready the book has painted another picture in my mind. Ion the near future I fore see a situation whereby if we do not join hands and have true champions of proper human waste then we will see more people dying and suffering from diseases that could be prevented.
Work Cited
Rose, George. The Big Necessity: The Unmentionable World of Human Waste and Why It Matters. New York: Metropolitan Books, 2008. Print.
The life of the modern man is associated with a lot of waste surrounding him everywhere. The problem is in the fact it seems that the contemporary industries work to provide people with more waste, and the principles of consumption contribute to the development of the situation. The issue of waste management is current for the campus community, but the situation is complicated with the fact that the surrounding community is also involved in realizing waste management because of the systems specifics.
Today, the campus community has no necessary resources to realize waste disposal independently, and the issues of ignoring the principles of dividing and recycling the waste fixed by the campus and surrounding communities contribute to the development of the conflict situations. It is important to pay attention to the fact that the problem can be solved effectively if the accents are made on providing the students with the necessary knowledge of the question and the ways of its resolving.
Students should know that the effective waste management is the first step to resolving the global environmental issues, and the problem can be overcome with references to rethinking its aspects. The current agreement with the surrounding community on the problem of waste management is based on such principles as the reduction of the waste and its division according the recycling standards.
However, many students do not follow these principles, creating the conditions for conflicts with the local communities and rejecting the ideas of the environmental sustainability. The action of a student can reduce the positive effects of the campus communitys activities and influence the local surroundings. That is why, the environmental protection policy associated with waste management should be followed strictly.
The problem of waste management is always current because the number of waste can be reduced, but it does not disappear. That is why, students should be aware of the problem, and the administrators task is to develop the necessary strategies to cope with the problem of waste at the campus territories and its further recycling with the help of the surrounding communitys resources.
The accents should be made on the integrated and sustainable waste management (Wilson and Scheinberg 1055). Nevertheless, students should not only know about the principles of recycling and dividing the waste according to the material but also follow these rules to save the environment.
Each students efforts to contribute to the effective waste management matter when the ignorance of the principles leads to the environmental pollution. It can seem that the effects of ignoring the practice of waste disposal are minimal because it is rather difficult to observe the immediate results. Nevertheless, the ignorance of the waste management principles can lead to such long-term results as the soil and water pollution and to the negative effects on the public health (Monahan).
Thus, it is important to change the attitude to the problem and pay more attention to such simple actions as the regular division of the waste according to the material. It is easy to separate plastic boxes, organic waste, and paper to contribute to the effective recycling process.
Moreover, it is easy not to collect the waste in rooms. Such simple actions can be effective in reducing the threat of the environmental pollution from the large perspective and avoid the local conflicts between the campus and surrounding communities because it is more pleasant to live in the world free of waste.
Works Cited
Monahan, Matt 2004, Municipal Solid Waste Study. PDF file. Web.
Wilson, David and Anne Scheinberg. What Is Good Practice in Solid Management? Waste Management & Research 28.12 (2010): 1055-1056. Print.
Environmental conservation is one of the main issues affecting the modern global society. Environmental scientists have warned against global warming and other serious consequences of environmental conservation.
According to Liu et al. (2018), one of the major areas of concern in environmental conservation is the massive generation of electronic wastes. The growing popularity of mobile phones, television sets, computers, and other electronic products means that a significant amount of these wastes is produced every year. One of the countries that produce a massive amount of electronic wastes in China. Unlike the biodegradable wastes, components of electronic wastes such as plastic wastes and metals may have lasting environmental consequences. As Namias (2013) observes, it is expected that China will continue producing more electronic wastes within the coming years. It is important to find ways of managing these wastes responsibly.
Aim and Objectives
The primary aim of this project is to investigate the current electronic waste management practices in China and propose effective approaches that the country can embrace to deal with the problem. The study will propose ways in which the country can deal with the issue of the ever-increasing generation of this form of waste. The following are the objectives that had to be achieved by the end of the study.
To identify current electronic waste management practices in China;
To determine weaknesses in the current waste management practices in China;
To propose environmentally responsible ways that the country can embrace to deal with the problem of electronic waste generation.
Demographics
The amount of waste that a country generates, as Williams (2016) observes, directly relates to the size of its population. It is estimated that the current population of China is over 1.4 billion people, which accounts for one-fifth of the worlds total population (Williams 2016). The majority of the population (over 90%) are the Han ethnic group. The Zhuang forms a significant minority (7.13%). Other ethnic groups account for about 1% of the entire population of the country (Khan & Chang 2018). Figure 1 below summarises the ethnic composition of the Chinese population.
Fig. 1. Chinese ethnic composition (Anttila & Boffetta 2014, p. 78).
Problem Identification
Recent scientific studies show that the earth may not withstand the massive pollution that has been going on for the last several decades shortly. The impact of environmental degradation is already being experienced in various parts of the world. The frequent cyclones in Asia, disastrous wildfires in North America and Europe, and prolonged drought in African are indications that the pressure exerted on nature by various pollutants is too great to bear.
One of the countries which are worst affected by this problem is China. According to Washburn (2013), major industrial cities such as Shanghai have had to bear a high level of air pollutants that infants and the elderly people have to remain indoors at specific hours of the day to avoid respiratory diseases.
If the current trends continue, some of these Chinese cities will be inhabitable. The goal of economic growth and development is to make life easier and better for the citizens of a given country. Such a goal will be lost if people are forced to leave their homes because of the high levels of contamination of the air. The countrys economic progress will ultimately be meaningless.
Electronic waste is one of the most common sources of pollutants in China. According to Yamamoto and Hosoda (2016), almost every resident in China (over 1.4 billion people) use some form of electronic gadget. It may be an electronic toy that is very popular with children; phones, tablets, or personal computers popular among youths and adults; and television sets popular among the elderly. In the end, these products become wastes that have to be disposed of.
Every time a new model of a phone or computer emerges, people rush to dispose of the old models in favor of the new arrivals. It means that in some cases these electronic products are disposed of even before they complete their lifespan. With such a massive population, it is a major cause of concern that the country produces such a significant amount of waste. Components of these wastes such as plastic and specific metals pose a serious threat to the environment. Yamamoto and Hosoda (2016) warn that if these wastes are not managed properly, the country may face serious environmental consequences. The project seeks to find ways in which this country can deal with the problem before it becomes too overwhelming to overcome.
Methodology
When conducting research, it is necessary to develop a plan that defines how data will be collected and analyzed. The limited-time available for this project made it difficult to collect data from primary sources. As such, the researcher opted to conduct desk research. This approach involves using online libraries and platforms to collect secondary data needed for the study. Information about the management of electronic waste is readily available in books, articles, and other online platforms. The method was chosen because it is simple, cost-effective, and less time-consuming. The goal was to ensure that information collected from these sources was able to address the aim and objectives of the study.
Economy
Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
When analyzing the number of electronic wastes that a country produces, one of the factors that cannot be ignored is the gross domestic product. China has the second-largest GDP in the world, second only to that of the United States. As shown in figure 2 below, the GDP of this country has been growing consistently over the past ten years, and Veit and Bernardes (2015) project that it will surpass that of the United States in a few years to come. The growth has been stimulated by the massive manufacturing industry and the export of these products to the international market. As Gardner (2018) observes, the larger the GDP, the greater the generation of electronic waste, especially in a country that has a huge population.
Fig. 2. Chinese gross domestic product from 2008 to 2018 (Khan & Chang, 2018, p. 2547).
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) Growth Rate
It is important to look at the growth rate of the GDP because it also defines how much the country is projected to use electronic resources. According to Veit and Bernardes (2015), China has one of the highest GDP growth rates of all the developed economies.
As shown in figure 3 below, in 2010 when the United States, Europe, and other economies around the world were affected by the recession, Chinese GDP was growing at double digits (10.16%) (Veit & Bernardes 2015). Although the growth rate has slowed consistently since then, partly because of the huge size of the economy, it is still experiencing impressive growth compared with other developed nations. It is an indication that electronic waste generation is likely to become a major problem in this country in the coming future.
Fig. 3. GDP growth rate of China (Sternfeld 2017, p. 78).
Major Sources of Income
A critical analysis of major sources of income in a country can also help in determining the rate at which electronic wastes are generated. As Sternfeld (2017) explains, countries that rely on agricultural-based income sources tend to generate less electronic wastes than those that emphasize manufacturing. China is currently the leading manufacturer of various electronic products, outpacing the United States and Japan. The following are the main sources of income in China.
Manufacturing
Manufacturing is the primary source of income in China. After many years of the economic revolution, the Chinese government came up with ways of promoting its manufacturing sector. It lowered its energy cost, improved skills of the local human resource, and created a huge market both locally and internationally for these products. The ability of the country to produce cheap products for developing states has enabled it to dominate the African market (Veit & Bernardes 2015). The country also exports these manufactured products to North America, Europe, and other parts of Asia-Pacific.
Services
The service industry has also been growing rapidly over the years. The banking sector, entertainment, and education are some of the main service industries, which have registered impressive growth over the recent past (Sternfeld 2017). These sectors rely on various electronic products. Schools are currently using iPads and computers to make learning easier than it was in the past. Entertainment in modern society is purely based on different electronic gadgets.
Banks and microfinance institutions have to use computers to facilitate their operations. Al-Habaibeh, Meyerowitz, and Athresh (2015) explain that the emerging technology-based trends are likely to promote the use of electronic products. Figure 4 below shows how the education sector is becoming increasingly reliant on electronic gadgets to disseminate knowledge.
Fig. 4. A Chinese teacher using an infrared interactive whiteboard (Steven 2014).
Agriculture
The Chinese economic revolution did not only focus on the industrial sector but also on agriculture. It was necessary to ensure that the country could feed its 1.4 billion people. According to Al-Habaibeh, Meyerowitz, and Athresh (2015), the Chinese agricultural sector employs more than 300 million people who use modern technology to improve yield. It is the worlds top producer of agricultural produce, with wheat, rice, soybeans, peanuts, tea, sorghum, cotton, and barley being some of the main crops. The agricultural sector is capable of meeting the local needs and export excess to the international market.
Poverty Rate
The rate of poverty is also relevant when investigating the problem of electronic waste production. According to Sternfeld (2017), the rate of poverty in China has been on a downward trend since the 1980s. Rural dwellers are relatively poorer than those living in major urban centers are. However, statistics in figure 5 below show that living standards for both rural and urban dwellers are improving. It means that more people can now afford to use multiple electronic gadgets such as phones, tablets, and personal computers. It is an indication that the amount of electronic waste generation is likely to increase in the coming future.
Fig. 5. Decreasing the rate of poverty in China (Steven 2014).
Human Development Index
According to Yamamoto and Hosoda (2016), the human development index is a composite of life expectancy, per capita income, and education. These three defining factors of HDI are affected by the level of wealth that a country has. Sternfeld (2017) notes that although Chinese HDI is relatively below that of most of the developed economies (ranked 65th in the world), it has been improving steadily over the past decades.
Its education system has improved significantly, as it embraces the emerging concepts and new technologies. The per capita income has also been increasing relative to the countrys GDP growth. Life expectancy has also increased as the government improves the health sector and people embrace healthy lifestyles. Figure 6 below shows the decreasing mortality rate in China from 1970 to 2015.
Fig. 6. The mortality rate in China from 1970 to 2015 (Al-Habaibeh, Meyerowitz & Athresh 2015).
Resources
Managing wastes is one of the challenges that many countries around the world face in modern society. People must earn their living and in so doing, it is not possible to avoid the generation of waste. A critical analysis of resources available within a country can help in defining how they can be tapped in a way that generates the least possible pollution. One of the biggest resources that China has over any other nation in the world is human labor. According to Yamamoto and Hosoda (2016), the Chinese labor force (people who are involved in income-generating activities) was estimated to be over 776 million people. The number will increase. The following resources are important when focusing on waste management.
Water Sources
China has an adequate supply of water in most parts of its territories. Some of the main rivers that supply water for domestic, industrial, and agricultural use include the Pearl River, Yellow River, Yangtze River, Huai River, and Liaohe River (Amjad et al. 2015).
Some of these rivers have poor water quality because of pollution. The effluents from major industries in the country and irresponsible disposal of various forms of waste have led to the pollution of these major rivers. However, the effort put in place by the government and various environmental agencies has helped in reducing the number of pollutants getting into these water sources. Songhua River, which was classified as moderately polluted, has improved its status to slightly-pollute because of these efforts to control the number of wastes released into water sources.
Energy Sources
The massive population and rapidly expanding industrial sector has transformed China into one of the leading consumers of energy. It is currently the second leading importer of oil and gas to facilitate normal operations in the industrial sector (Anttila & Boffetta 2014). Although petroleum products are still important sources of energy, the country has taken bold steps to increase its production and consumption of renewable energy.
Wind and solar energy are becoming popular in the domestic and industrial sectors. The government has given tax incentives to companies specializing in the production of these renewable energy sources. Geothermal and hydroelectric power sources are also critical in providing the energy that the country needs. Yamamoto and Hosoda (2016) explain that China has also taken impressive steps in promoting the production and use of biomass for domestic use.
Electronic Waste
In the previous sections, the researcher has provided a detailed overview of the Chinese economy, its population, resources, and factors that may be linked directly to the problem of e-waste generation. In this section, the focus is on providing a detailed definition of e-waste, its generation, components, and the current approach that local stakeholders use to manage it, and appropriate methods that should be embraced based on the emerging trends.
Definition
Electronic waste, also known as e-waste, has been defined by different entities in different ways. Yamamoto and Hosoda (2016, p. 78) on the other hand defines it as discarded appliances using electricity, which includes a wide range of e-products from large household devices such as refrigerators, air conditioners, cell phones, personal stereos and consumer electronics to computers which have been discarded by their users.
Gardner (2018, p. 56) on the other hand defines electronic waste as any refuse created by discarded electronic devices and components as well as substances involved in their manufacture or use. Although scholars and environmental conservationists are yet to develop a standard definition for electronic waste, there is an agreement that the term refers to discarded electronic products. They may or may not be recyclable depending on several factors.
Table 2 below identifies how the term electronic waste has been defined by different entities over time. Electronic products have become critical in modern society. From school to home and in the industrial sector, different electronic products play different roles in society. At home, television sets, mobile phones, music systems, fridges, microwaves, and related gadgets are instrumental in normal daily life. At school, computers and iPads have become essential tools of learning. Large companies rely on computers to process, store, and share data when it is necessary. These instruments have to be discarded at the end of their lifespan. When they are disposed of, they become electronic waste.
Gardner (2018) explains that electronic waste goes beyond the specific electronic instrument that a person discards. It also includes packages and casing of these instruments. It means that when a person discards an old computer that is no longer operational or is ineffective because of the emergence of new more efficient models, the entire system is considered electronic waste. Steven (2014) argues that there has been a misleading argument that electronic waste only refers to the electric component of the equipment.
Classifying the entire system as electronic waste makes it easy to determine how to dispose of each component. It is important to note that plastic materials used in some parts of a computer system are significantly different from the plastics used to make chairs or bottles. The approach used in their disposal may be different. As such, understanding the proper definition of electronic waste is critical.
Table 1: Different definitions of electronic wastes.
Electronic Waste Generation
Electronic waste, as shown in its definition, is generated when an electronic gadget is disposed of. Although most of these wastes come from old products that can no longer be in use, sometimes people discard functional products because of the emergence of new ones considered more fashionable (Anttila & Boffetta 2014). An individual can discard an iPhone 6s because iPhone X is considered more fashionable. Throwing away from less fashionable items is a common practice among the rich or in cases where one cannot sell or donate the old equipment. Whether it was functional or not at the time of disposal, the gadget becomes e-waste.
Sources. The electronic wastes come from various sources. One of the most common sources of electronic waste is discarded home electronic appliances. According to Gardner (2018), home appliances account for a significant portion of electronic waste generated in China and the rest of the world. It may be an old iron box, microwave, television set, a music system, or mobile phones. Once these items cease to be of meaning to the owners, they end up in dumping sites.
Another major source of electronic waste is the industrial sector. Companies are under pressure to embrace the use of technology as a way of improving their products in the market. In most cases, they have to replace computers they use periodically, especially when a new better generation emerges.
Traditionally, such old and less efficient computers would be donated to African and other less-developed nations at a small fee (Anttila & Boffetta 2014). However, these nations are no longer interested in the old electronic products. Their leaders are aware of this dumping strategy and restrict the types of electronic products that they allow into their country. It means that some of these computers have to be sent to the dumpsites once they are considered irrelevant to the companies.
Educational institutions and other government entities are also responsible for the production of electronic wastes. Each year, millions of tones of electronic wastes are generated and it is not yet clear to many countries around the world how it should be managed. The unique components of these wastes make it necessary to avoid some of the conventional methods of processing wastes.
Composition. The composition of an electronic waste varies depending on the type of the device, its model, date of manufacture, the company that manufactures it, and its age. Some of these components may be useful in the manufacture of various products while others are toxic and require proper management. A product such as a mobile phone has numerous elements. It has metals such as Copper (Cu), Lithium (Li), Tin (Sn), Cobolt (Co), Antimony (Sb), Indium (In), Palladium (Pd), Gold (Au), and Silver (Ag) (Anttila & Boffetta 2014).
It also has plastic and rubber materials. An obsolete freezer, refrigerator, and air conditioners have Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), which is a dangerous substance to the ozone layer. It also has barium, copper, lead, cadmium, zinc, and other metals. Figure 7 below identifies the primary composition of electronic wastes. As shown in the figure, different types of metal form the main components of electronic wastes. Pollutants in liquid, gaseous and solid forms are also part of the electronic wastes. Other major components include printed circuit boards, CRT and LCD monitors, metal-plastic mixture, cables, plastics, and other components depending on the nature and model of the product.
Fig. 7. The primary composition of electronic wastes (Brinkmann 2016, p. 89).
These wastes are often heaped in piles in various dumpsites within the country as they wait for the proper approach of disposal. In the past, it was common to find electronic wastes heaped together with general wastes and dumped in landfills without any regard for the environmental consequences they may have. However, that trend is changing as people become more conscious of the dangers of different components of these wastes. Figure 8 below shows a wide variety of electronic wastes, which are yet to be sorted out for proper disposal.
Fig. 8. A dumpsite in Hong Kong (Brinkmann 2016, p. 92).
According to Steven (2014), when managing electronic wastes, it is necessary to know the composition of different discarded gadgets. It helps in determining those that pose a serious environmental threat. A television board is primarily composed of silver, copper, gold, and palladium. The percentage weight of copper in this board is 20% (Anttila & Boffetta 2014). A personal computer board has a percentage of 20% copper. It has more silver, gold, and palladium than a television board. The percentage of copper on a mobile phone is 13%. It has the highest ppm of silver than any other board in table 2 below. Portable audio crap has 21% of copper while a DVD player crap has only 5% copper crap.
Table 2: Components of different electronic wastes.
Understanding these components is critical because some of these metals are recyclable and very important. Gold, silver, and copper are highly precious and expensive metals. They can be recycled for use in making similar products or other items. Gold can be used to make ornaments or as a store of value. Copper is useful in making cables, bullets, and numerous other products. Silver is used in making coins and other items. Instead of dumping such materials in landfills, proper mechanisms can be developed to extract them from the waste so that they can be recycled. It will ease the burden of the waste while at the same time creating value for the individuals involved in waste management.
Seasonal changes
Electronic waste generation and composition from home appliances are not often affected by season. People discard home appliances whenever they feel these items are no longer needed. However, wastes from companies and mobile phones may vary with seasons. Every time a new model of a popular phone is introduced in the market (such as iPhone), people often rush to purchase them (Anttila & Boffetta 2014). In such seasons, there may be a sudden increase in the number of mobile phone wastes. Many companies also consider reviewing and renovating their systems by the end of the year.
Anttila and Boffetta (2014) note that it is common to find cases where the number of electronic wastes such as computers increases nearing the end of December or in early January. Economic booms may also cause an increase in electronic waste. When people can afford to purchase new electronic products, they find it necessary to discard the current one considered less fashionable or less efficient. Conversely, during the recession, electronic waste tends to reduce significantly (Iskyan 2016). People prefer staying with their gadgets for longer even if they are less efficient or out of fashion because they may not afford to purchase new ones. These standard practices have a direct impact on the amount and volume of electronic wastes within the country.
Estimation of electronic waste generation
According to Khan and Chang (2018), some of the developed countries are keen on hiding the true statistics about the number of electronic wastes they generate each year. Some of these countries are using the unconventional approach of dumping such wastes in developing nations. As shown in figure 9 below, China generates the highest amount of electronic wastes in the world. In 2016, it generated over 7.2 million metric tons of electronic wastes, which is estimated to be 5.2 kilograms per capita (Anttila & Boffetta 2014).
The United States came second, generating 6.3 million metric tons of electronic wastes in the same year. Other countries ranked in the top ten in the emission of electronic wastes include Japan, India, Germany, Brazil, Russia, France, Indonesia, and Italy. The most common types of electronic wastes include television sets, mobile phones, computers, and other household electronic appliances.
Fig. 9. Electronic waste generation by country (McKinney 2017, p. 44).
Current Electronic Waste Collection and Disposal
The current approach that is used in the collection of electronic wastes does not conform to the standard practice that has been proposed to help reduce the impact of these products on the environment. According to Al-Habaibeh, Meyerowitz, and Athresh (2015), those who have an interest in electronic wastes are people who understand their value when recycled or reused. These businesspersons are interested in different parts of various electronic products that they know have value. As such, their interest is not to protect the environment but to earn a living from the wastes in what Henkel (2015) defines as waste mining.
It means that if they find electronic wastes that are of little value to their business, they will dispose of it as normal waste, which may be a threat to the environment. Efforts to promote effective management of waste are gaining ground in the country. The Chinese government, working closely with various environmental agencies, has realized that it is necessary to embrace the responsible disposal of electronic wastes. Scientific studies have proven that irresponsible waste disposal may have serious health and environmental consequences (Anttila & Boffetta 2014). The high rate of respiratory diseases in China is a clear indication that measures need to be taken to reduce pollutants in the environment.
Phases of collection
The traditional approach to waste disposal is still common in most parts of China. This approach has several phases. The first phase is the disposal by companies and households in various bins and bags provided by small firms responsible for the collection of waste. Once or twice a week, the companies will come and collect the wastes using trucks. It is important to note that at this initial stage, wastes are yet to be sorted. They are then transported to specific dumpsites where waste miners will try to sort out electronic wastes from the rest of the garbage. General waste will be taken to the landfills.
The electronic wastes will be subjected to further sorting. The miners will select all the important parts that can be recycled, reused, or sold in its current form and transport it to their warehouses (Anttila & Boffetta 2014). The other components that are of limited value will be put together with the rest of the other solid wastes destined to the landfills. The stages are based on what is of interest to the individuals mining important materials from the wastes and not the desire to protect the environment. The approach needs to change. Khan and Chang (2018) argue that managing electronic wastes should not be left to the informal sector. The government should establish specific entities to deal with this problem.
Cost of collection
Determining the accurate cost of collection and management of electronic waste in China may not be easy. According to Al-Habaibeh, Meyerowitz, and Athresh (2015), the local authorities in major urban centers often contract specific garbage collection companies to collect and dispose of all wastes without differentiating them into specific classes. It is important to note that wastes in the sewerage system are fully managed by the local authorities and it is out of the scope of this study.
According to Gardner (2018), the local authorities in China signed a contract of over 100 billion yuan ($14.6 billion) with private waste management companies in the country. Individuals working in the garbage collection industry earn 200 RMB (about USD 28.99) in a day, which translates to 67,200 RMB (about USD 9,740.64) in a year.
Gardner (2018) argues that the initiative that has been taken by the government to invest in infrastructure to help recycle wastes is set to reduce the threat posed by electronic wastes. Figure 10 below shows how much the country has been investing in infrastructural development to help promote the recycling of wastes.
Fig. 10. Chinese fixed asset investment in recycling (Qiu 2018, para. 1).
Transportation of electronic waste
When electronic wastes and other general wastes, have been collected from residential, commercial, and industrial estates, they have to be transported to various dumpsites for assortment before they can be taken to the landfills. Large trailers and specialized garbage trucks are used to transport these items to the relevant destination. The local municipal and urban authorities own some of these trucks. Private firms operating in the informal sector also own a significant number of trucks used to transport these wastes. Figure 11 below shows workers loading wastes into a trailer before they can be transported to specific destinations.
Fig. 11. Loading wastes into a truck for transportation (McKinney 2017, p. 86).
Disposal
The final stage is the disposal. After sorting out the electronic wastes, some components will be considered damaged beyond the stage that they can either be recycled or reused in their current form. Such components must be disposed of because they are no longer in use. China is currently investing in waste treatment. However, the treatment of electronic waste is still rare in the country (Anttila & Boffetta 2014). As such, most of these components end up in the landfills as their final destination. They are often disposed of alongside other wastes that belong to the same class.
Solving the Problem of Electronic Waste
Electronic waste is becoming a major problem not only in China but also to the rest of the world. According to Khan and Chang (2018), Chinas problem when it comes to the management of electronic wastes is unique. The generation of electronic wastes is defined by two principal factors. One of these factors is the living standards and the other is the population size. The rich and the middle class are mainly responsible for the generation of electronic wastes. They have the financial capacity to purchase these gadgets and have the desire to do so as a sign of their social class. Currently, about 400 million Chinese belong to the middle class.
The number is expected to increase to about 700 million people by 2022 (Anttila & Boffetta 2014). It means that a huge population in China is becoming economically empowered. People can afford to replace their electronic gadgets regularly, which means that the amount of electric wastes generated is bound to increase. The current strategies used in the management of this type of waste may not be relevant in the coming years. The country may not be able to deal with the massive amounts of wastes, especially from the major urban centers. In this section, the focus will be to look at best practices that can be embraced by the country to help manage electronic wastes.
Collection
Managing electronic wastes starts from the collection stage. Gardner (2018) explains that when proper measures are taken when collecting wastes; it will be easy to deal with electronic wastes at later stages of management. The appropriate method of data collection involves segregating the wastes from the initial stage. Instead of placing all the wastes in one container, there should be containers for a specific group of wastes.
As shown in figure 12 below, there should be a container for plastic wastes, food remains, electronic products, general waste, and paper wastes. Each of these classes would require different approaches to management. In China, it is common to find cases where many people opt to sell their old electronic gadgets to informal businesses. They often have specific locations near residential areas where people can drop these items. It is the best approach for an individual to dispose of these products. If that is not an option because of various reasons, then the electronic waste should be placed in specific containers that meet specific criteria.
Fig. 12. Segregation of electronic wastes (McKinney 2017, p. 78).
Availing relevant containers and equipment
According to Al-Habaibeh, Meyerowitz, and Athresh (2015), one of the first steps in responsible management of electronic wastes is the provision of the relevant containers and equipment. The local government authorities should ensure that these containers are made available in the residential, industrial, and commercial districts in major urban centers across the country. They should be conveniently located to avoid cases where people have to travel for several kilometers to dispose of their wastes. People are often motivated and become responsible if they have access to means of effective waste disposal. Each container should be marked appropriately, indicating the type of waste that it should hold. Using both words and pictures will help residents to understand where to place their wastes.
Planning
The local government authorities, working closely with the contracted private garbage collection firms, should develop a plan that defines how various activities will be undertaken. The plan should explain individuals who are responsible for specific activities. For instance, it should be stated in clear terms that the local government authorities would be responsible for the provision of containers used in sorting out waste.
The private contractors should inform the government when it is appropriate to either replace or upgrade these containers. During the planning stage, all stakeholders should be involved in determining appropriate ways of disposing of wastes. If some components can be recycled, then a standard practice should be developed that all stakeholders will need to follow when dealing with wastes. Developing such standard practices makes it easy to define innovative ways of dealing with the challenges faced in such processes.
Entities are responsible
The government of China, through the Ministry of Ecology and Environment and local authorities, is responsible for the elimination of all forms of wastes in the country. The principal entity must play a leading role in waste electronic management. Its primary responsibility would include planning, financing, and guiding various processes in e-waste management. Private waste collection firms are other entities responsible for the management of electronic wastes (Anttila & Boffetta 2014). They have the primary responsibility of implementing plans developed by the stakeholders on how to manage electronic waste.
They have to study and embrace best practices. Environmental conservation agencies and scientists are another group of stakeholders that must be involved in electronic waste management. They can provide appropriate advice on how electronic wastes should be managed based on research. Individuals staying in China also have a responsibility to dispose of electronic wastes based on the standard guidelines.
Disposal
When electronic wastes have been collected, the most important phase is its disposal. As explained above, some of these electronic products are often sold to private business entities, which later sell them to individuals or other businesses locally or internationally. Those that should be disposed of locally should follow a clearly defined approach. Recycling of different metals such as copper, gold, and silver components of these electronic products is highly encouraged. The unrecyclable components should be disposed of responsibly.
Location
It may be necessary to have a central location for collecting electronic wastes in readiness for disposal. Al-Habaibeh, Meyerowitz, and Athresh (2015) argue that China has made steps in identifying specific places where electronic materials can be recycled. The centrality of the location makes it easy for wastes from various locations to be processed in a given location. It will also enable the government to avail the necessary resources needed to process such wastes.
Criteria of selection
During the planning stage, a criterion should be defined on how to select various electronic wastes for various processes. Al-Habaibeh, Meyerowitz, and Athresh (2015) note that it is advisable to define the criterion that makes a given waste substance qualify as electronic waste. The waste management team should also have ways of further classifying the electronic wastes based on their models and materials used. Such steps make it easy to determine how to processes them.
Skills needed
The team involved in the management of electronic wastes should have appropriate skills that would enable them to perform their tasks effectively. According to Steven (2014), people managing wastes can sustain serious injuries if they fail to understand the proper ways in which they should undertake various tasks. Sharp objects pose physical danger while some gases can be poisonous. They need to go through proper training to know how to be protected at work.
Izatt (2016) recommends that a new policy should be introduced that defines the minimum standard of education that one should have to work in garbage collection sites. They should understand the value of these products and the danger they pose to the environment and people. The new policy should also promote social practices that make people more responsible when it comes to waste management. They also need to understand emerging trends and best practices in electronic waste management. Table 3 below identifies steps that would be needed in managing these wastes and potential environmental hazards that they may pose if they are disposed of irresponsibly.
Table 3: Managing e-wastes.
Impact of the solution
The proposed new approach to managing wastes will have a significant impact on the environment. Eliminating the irresponsible disposal of wastes will protect the environment and Chinese people from health hazards. The process may be involved in terms of time and resources needed, but the benefits are immense. It will promote the sustainable use of electronic products. The impact of electronic wastes is not only felt in China but also in a global context. Izatt (2016) explains that some of the electronic wastes end up in the ocean, which affects the marine ecosystem. The environmental impact of pollution affects all countries around the world.
Best alternative
Table 4 below identifies various e-waste disposal approaches that can be embraced. The waste management team can use landfills, incineration, pyrolysis, or recycle and reuse. Each of these methods would be suitable for different contexts. However, Little (2014) advises that recycle and reuse should always be given priority. It helps in protecting the environment.
Table 4: E-waste disposal alternatives.
Measurement of success
The government, through the Ministry of Ecology and Environment and other environmental agencies, will need to have mechanisms of assessing the success of every new e-waste management plan. Iskyan (2016) suggests that the emissions rate is one of the measurement approaches that can be used. Electronic wastes, when irresponsibly disposed of, may emit specific gases that may pollute the air. The physical materials may also be harmful. Measuring the level of threat posed by these pollutants may help in determining the level of success achieved.
Conclusion
China is one of the largest economies in the world. It is also the leading nation in the consumption of electronic products because of the improved living standards and large population. Despite these achievements, the country faces a serious threat of a massive generation of electronic waste. Statistics show that China is the worlds leading producer of electronic waste. Unfortunately, the management of these dangerous waste substances is left in the hands of individuals within the informal sector who lack the appropriate skills of dealing with the challenges involved.
The government, through the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, local authorities, and various environmental agencies have made steps to promote responsible management of this form of waste. However, more still need to be done in this field. This study has recommended a new strategy that should be embraced, based on emerging technologies and best practices around the world that the country should embrace.
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