Waste Disposal : A Workable Remedy for the Environment in Developing Countries

    
Abstract: Problem statement: Both wastes and the crude disposal techniques have created subtle and yet serious environmental pollution havoc in many developing countries. This has lead to the degradation of abiotic and biotic components of these nations’ ecological systems. Poor industrial waste
disposal systems as well as the indiscriminate and inappropriate domestic litter disposal habit have been identified and proved to be basic features in rural settlements, semi-urban areas and urban centers of the developing world. These have seriously contributed to environmental pollution and

ecological deterioration. The major reasons for these were identified to be inadequate information and insufficient modern waste disposal facilities. Approach: This study highlighted the use of simple, yet efficient waste disposal techniques and recommends  the adequate supply and optimal utilization of trashcan and rubbish drums in private and public places; the consistent and wide use of recyclable materials and recycling equipment; information flow and training of all on the use of new techniques and methods and the need for the production and/or introduction of other appropriate technology and policy to enhance the implementation and execution of proper waste management schemes that will contribute to a cleaner and safer environment in developing countries. Results: As a result, sanitary landfills were developed to replace the practice of open dumping and to reduce the reliance on waste incineration. Conclusion: In the light of this review research, I recommend that there should be private participation in managing wastes in the developing nation. Since the largest percentage of wastes in developing countries is mainly organic, composting of wastes should be encouraged.
 

 

INTRODUCTION

Solid and fluid (liquid and gas) wastes and their disposal methods have gradually become an added treat to the environment of developing countries as they progressively move towards industrialization. The rapid rural-urban shift and increased population of many African, Asian and South American countries have also intensified and contributed their quota to the pollution hazards on and in the environment. Inadequate information and insufficient resources such as technology finance, facility and policy execution capability are limiting factors observed to hinder an efficient method to fight and reduce environmental pollution caused by domestic and industrial wastes. Proper waste management and an efficient system of solid and fluid waste disposal techniques are required in these countries. Appropriate technologies and efficient facilities suitable for environmental protection should be introduced and utilized for the benefit of all in the waste-polluted environs. In developing urban areas massive wastes generally consist of domestic garbage, organic litter, plant leaves, branches, logs, spoiled agric produce, crop residues, bad food materials, pieces of paper, polythene bags, rags, vehicle scraps, used tires, dusts, mire, plastics, glass, blood, bones, animal skins, hides, leather, urinary and fecal materials. When these wastes are improperly disposed-which is generally the casethey constitute threat to air, water, land, vegetable, wildlife and man. Sickness and disease epidemics often occur when sewage, garbage wastes and unwanted substances are not properly disposed of and well managed. The situation is quite similar in rural surroundings, but because human population pressure is usually lower (hence, less wastes quantity and less congestions) than that of the urban communities, the impacts and repercussions are less severe. In addition, some of these waste types may not exist in remote rural areas (glass, tires and vehicle scrapes are seldom found in a typical rural settlement). While solid wastes may be found in rural communities, industrial wastes and toxic inorganic chemicals are rare in rural areas at great distances from large factories, manufacturing industries and exploration/mining zones. However, the ecosystems of watersheds, inland waterways, shoreline and coastal creeks close to these anthropogenic activities are at constant risk of pollution and degradation. The objective of this study is to review the simple waste disposal techniques that could be efficiently utilized in developing nations. Recommendation on the wide use of recyclable materials as well as flow of information and training of all on the use of new techniques and methods and the need for the production and/or introduction of other appropriate technology and policy were suggested.

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