Solid Waste Generation and its Management-A Case Study

Solid waste predominantly, is any garbage, refuse or rubbish which include- domestic, commercial and industrial wastes especially common for disposal. Solid waste should be handled and disposed off properly or else it poses numerous risks. To reduce the effects of waste on human health and environment, Solid waste management should be undertaken. The project was taken up to assess the type and amount of waste generated in St. Pious X Degree and PG College for Women, Hyderabad and suggest the possible ways of managing the solid waste generated in the college campus. The waste was collected on a daily basis from various sources in the college and was separated into dry waste and wet waste. Dry waste was then segregated into recyclables (paper, plastic, glass, metals) and non recyclables and weighed. The results showed that out of the total waste generated, 24% was wet waste, 48.6% was dry non recyclable waste and remaining was dry recyclables- 14.7% paper; 8% plastic; 3.3% glass and 0.7% metals. It was suggested to employ colour coded dustbins for different types of wastes at main sources of waste generation in the college campus.