One of the main environmental problems today is the large production of waste, as this process results in the release of gases that promote the greenhouse effect and the pollution of groundwater and surface water. This phenomenon is one of the consequences of the population increase in cities, the intensification of the consumerist model, the use of disposable products, in addition to fads, as there is a “need” to acquire more modern objects.
Garbage is also a socioeconomic problem, since large amounts of money are destined to the collection and treatment of urban garbage. In the social aspect, several individuals are affected by the concentration of garbage in cities, which causes the proliferation of insects, disease transmission, visual pollution, clogging of sewers, among others.
The origins of urban waste are the most distinct, and it is classified into:
Household: food, paper, plastic, glass, cardboard, deteriorated products, etc.
Industrial: ash, sludge, metals, ceramics, wood, rubber, alkaline waste, etc.
Hospital: packaging, syringes, needles, dressings, gauze, bandages, atomic parts.
Technological waste: computers, batteries and electronic devices in general.
Garbage collection must take place according to its classification, as the final treatments of this waste are different. Medical waste, for example, has to be incinerated, burned in a microwave oven or treated in an autoclave. However, this is not what happens in most cities.
Don’t stop now… There’s more after the publicity 😉
The lack of structure and commitment of politicians to solve the garbage problem has resulted in the existence of open dumps in several cities. The proper destination for urban waste is the sanitary landfill, built in suitable areas, with qualified professionals and structure for the treatment of gases and leachate. Another alternative is the incineration of waste, however, this method is very expensive, being unfeasible in many cases.
The most important thing, however, is public awareness, and this can be promoted through the use of the 3 R’s Policy: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. Selective collection is one of the most efficient alternatives to reduce waste, in addition to being a way to contribute to collectors of recyclable materials. Therefore, through simple attitudes and changes in behavior, all inhabitants can collaborate to reduce the production of waste.
By Wagner de Cerqueira and Francisco
Graduated in Geography