Hello Friends! Do you know what hazardous waste is and how it can be disposed of? So, let’s start with hazardous waste.
Hazardous waste
Hazardous wastes are waste materials that can pose a substantial threat to public health or the environment due to their toxicity, flammability, reactivity, or corrosivity. it can be of any type, solid liquid, or gas.
Types of Hazardous Waste
- Industrial Waste: It includes chemical residues, heavy metals, and solvents.
- Biomedical Waste: It includes infectious materials and expired pharmaceuticals.
- Electronic Waste (E-waste): It includes Disposable gadgets containing harmful chemicals like lead and mercury.
Disposal of hazardous wastes in India
India has a robust legal and institutional framework for managing hazardous waste. and there are many ways to dispose of hazardous wastes.
- Landfilling
- Incineration
- Recycling and Recovery
1. Landfilling:
Here landfills are created for the disposal of hazardous waste. These sites use layers of clay and synthetic liners to prevent leachate from contaminating groundwater.
2. Incineration:
This high-temperature insertion method is used for some types of waste like medical, and chemical waste. High-temperature incinerators safely destroy hazardous waste. However, strict controls are needed to prevent harmful emissions.
3. Recycling and Recovery:
Technologies allow for extracting valuable resources from hazardous materials. This approach reduces landfill use but faces challenges like contamination and high costs.
laws and guidelines for the management and disposal of hazardous waste
India has a legal and institutional framework for managing hazardous waste. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) oversees policies, while the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) ensures compliance at the national level.
Following are the laws and guidelines for the management and disposal of hazardous waste in India.
- Hazardous Waste (Management and Handling) Rules: Establish guidelines for waste segregation, storage, and disposal.
- Environment Protection Act, 1986: It Provides overarching authority to regulate hazardous waste.
- Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991: Ensures compensation for damages caused by hazardous waste.
Importance of Proper Hazardous Waste Disposal
Improper disposal of hazardous waste can lead to grave consequences such as contaminated water sources, and soil degradation, and cause health issues such as cancer and respiratory ailments. Mismanagement also causes long-term economic burdens due to cleanup costs and loss of biodiversity.
Conclusion
India’s hazardous waste disposal landscape demands urgent attention. Effective management of hazardous waste, requires a multi-pronged approach, including strong legislation, technological innovation, and active community participation. By working together, we can reduce the risks and create a safer environment for future generations.