WASTE DISPOSAL - IMPACTS ON ENVIRONMENT

Abstract

Historical trends in waste generation show an increase in the quantities of waste generated for most countries and it is clear that the trend will continue. The average European now creates more than half a tone of municipal solid waste each year. Treatment methods are used to reduce the amount of residual waste for disposal, and to achieve one or more  of  the following  goals  -reduce  the potential  environmental  impacts  of  the  waste,  separate  and recovery materials or energy, reduce transport costs, reduce the volume of landfill needed, reduce the minimise overall costs The  treatment  and  disposal  of  solid  waste  involves  a  range  of  processes  including  landfill, incineration,  composting,  pyrolysis/gasification,  etc.,  all  of which  may  result  in  emissions  to  the environment.  Residents  near  undesirable  facilities  are  often  highly concerned  about  the  facility’s impact on people’s health, environment and property values.