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Waste - Source, Meaning, Types, Classification, FAQs

Waste - Source, Meaning, Types, Classification, FAQs

Edited By Team Careers360 | Updated on Jul 02, 2025 04:52 PM IST

Wastes in singular form we can denote it by waste and they are the unusable or unwanted materials present in our surroundings. Wastes are any substances that had been discarded after its primary use, the substance had become worthless, defective and can not be used more. A by-product is explained as a integrated product with relatively minor or very less economic value. A waste product can be able to become a by-product, or the resource by invention that will raises a waste product's value above zero. Examples of wastes are = waste water like sewage wate, hazardous wastes from industries, human excreta (like urine and feces), some industries also produces radioactive wastes, municipal wastes like household trash or refuges.

This Story also Contains
  1. Q- Waste Meaning?
  2. Q -What is waste?
  3. Q- Solid waste disposable meaning ?
  4. Q- How much these wastes costs?

Q- Waste Meaning?

What is the constitutent of waste only depends on the eye of observer; waste according to one person can be a resource for many another person. As generally wastes are physical object present in nature, so its generation is also a physical or psychological process. In the countries like United States, peoples who are working with waste, professionally use four terms – i.e.. trash, refuse, garbage and the last one is rubbish; general concept to differentiate these four terms are that trash is dry , garbage is wet in state, refuse are both wet and dry, and rubbish is the additive product of refuse, construction and demolition debris.

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Q- Source of Wastes?

There are many types of wastes i e.defined by modern systems of waste management and notably and these includes:

  • Municipal waste comprising commercial waste, also contains household waste, and demolition waste are also comes under municipal waste.

  • Hazardous wastes that includes wastes from factories and industrial waste

  • Biomedical waste that includes generally clinical wastes.

  • Special hazardous waste that includes radioactive waste, electronic wastes that is also known as e-waste, and explosive waste.

  • waste water like sewage wate, hazardous wastes from industries, human excreta (like urine and feces), some industries also produces radioactive wastes, municipal wastes like household trash or refuges.

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These are the sources of waste.

Q -What is waste?

Wastes are any substances that had been discarded after its primary use, the substance had become worthless, defective and can not be used more. A by-product is explained as a integrated product with relatively minor or very less economic value.

Domestic Waste

Household Waste is also known to be domestic Waste or residential waste and this wastes contains disposable materials generated by households. This waste can also be categorised as non-Hazardous Waste and hazardous waste. Non-hazardous waste will includes paper, bottles, etc. And they can be recycled or composted with the help of proper method. And the hazardous waste includes batteries and household cleaners. It is important to notice that hazardous wastes must be handled in a safe manner so that they are disposed properly and does not causes any harm.

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Classification of Waste

There are many types of wastes i e.defined by modern systems of waste management and notably and these includes:

  • Municipal waste comprising commercial waste, also contains household waste, and demolition waste are also comes under municipal waste.

  • Hazardous wastes that includes wastes from factories and industrial waste

  • Biomedical waste that includes generally clinical wastes.

  • Special hazardous waste that includes radioactive waste, electronic wastes that is also known as e-waste, and explosive waste.

  • waste water like sewage wate, hazardous wastes from industries, human excreta (like urine and feces), some industries also produces radioactive wastes, municipal wastes like household trash or refuges.

Q- Solid waste disposable meaning ?

Movement of waste substances, and although many of the waste that flows between countries travels between developed nations, a very significant amount of waste is transported from developed to the developing nations. Solid waste disposal management generally referred as the process of collecting and treating solid wastes with the help of proper chemicals and through appropriate method. It helps in providing solutions for the recycling of items that do not belong to garbage and trash. Solid waste management can be described that how a solid waste will be converted to useful product and can be used as a valuable resource.

Q- How much these wastes costs?

Environmental Costs

Unmanaged waste will attract rodents and insects, which then causes any diseases and also harbours gastrointestinal parasites, the plague, many worms, yellow fever and other unfavourable conditions for humans, and also due to exposure to hazardous wastes, particularly the wastes when they are burned, can be able to cause many other diseases like cancers. Toxic waste materials from many industries, factories will contaminate surface water, soil, groundwater, and also the moat important component i.e.

Air which causes many more problems not only for humans, but also for other species, and at last effects ecosystems. Suring the process of waste treatment and disposal it allows many significant green house gas (GHG) emissions, most commonly methane, and its contribution to global warming is very significant. And when global warming and co2 emission will increase, then soil starts to become a larger carbon sink and this led to increasingly volatile for plant life.

Social Costs

Waste management is also a very significant environmental justice issue. Many of the environmental burdens that are cited above, more often borne by marginalized groups, like racial minorities, residents of developing nations and women. NIMBY which stands for “not in my back yard” is the opposition of residents, through a proposal for a new development because it is close to them.

Although, the need for siting of waste treatment, expansion and disposal facilities are rapidly increasing worldwide. In the present time there is a growing market in the movement of waste substances, and although many of the waste that flows between countries travels between developed nations, a very significant amount of waste is transported from developed to the developing nations.

Economic Costs

The economic costs for managing waste are very high and are generally paid by municipal governments, money can often be saved for managing waste through more efficiently designed collection routes, by providing the education to public and modifying vehicles. Environmental policies like pay as you throw can be able to reduce the management cost and also reduces waste quantities.

Waste recovery that means reuse and recycling of wastes can decline economic costs because it avoids extracting raw materials and often does not needs any transportation so it also reduces transportation costs. "Economic assessment in municipal waste management systems that means a case studies using a combination of life-cycle assessment and also includes life-cycle costing ". One of the major demerit for waste management is that the location where waste treatment and disposal facilities are done often reduces property values due to unsightliness, noise, pollution, dust, and also due to negative stigma.

In the informal waste sector consists mainly waste pickers who scavenge for plastic, metals, textiles, glasses, and other materials and then sell them to earn some profit. This sector can be able to significantly alter or reduce waste in any particular system, but there are other negative economic effects that comes with the disease, exploitation, poverty, and very problematic is the abuse of its workers.

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NCERT Chemistry Notes:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Waste definition?/ what is the meaning of waste?

Wastes in singular form we can denote it by waste and they are the unusable  or unwanted  materials present in our surroundings. Wastes are any substances that had been discarded after its  primary use, the substance had become worthless, defective and can not be used more. A by-product is explained as a integrated product with relatively minor or very less economic value.

2. How waste management is done?

By minimizing waste production, by reducing plastics, and recycling are followed as waste management.

3. How does the concept of "waste" differ from "pollution"?
While waste refers to discarded materials, pollution is the introduction of harmful substances into the environment. Waste can become pollution when improperly managed, but not all waste is necessarily polluting, and not all pollution comes from waste.
4. What are persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and why are they of particular concern in waste management?
POPs are organic compounds that resist environmental degradation and can accumulate in living organisms. They are of concern because they can persist in the environment for long periods, travel long distances, and have harmful effects on human health and ecosystems.
5. How does hazardous waste differ from non-hazardous waste in terms of management?
Hazardous waste requires special handling, treatment, and disposal due to its potential to harm human health or the environment. It is subject to stricter regulations and often requires specialized facilities for safe management, unlike non-hazardous waste.
6. What are microplastics and why are they a growing environmental concern?
Microplastics are tiny plastic particles less than 5mm in size. They are a concern because they can easily enter food chains, potentially harming wildlife and human health. They also act as carriers for other pollutants and are extremely difficult to remove from the environment.
7. What is the environmental impact of textile waste?
Textile waste contributes to landfill volume and can release harmful chemicals as it decomposes. The production of textiles also has significant environmental impacts, including water pollution from dyeing processes and greenhouse gas emissions from synthetic fiber production.
8. What is e-waste, and why is it a growing concern?
E-waste, or electronic waste, refers to discarded electrical or electronic devices. It's a growing concern due to its rapidly increasing volume and the presence of toxic materials like lead, mercury, and cadmium, which can harm the environment if not properly managed.
9. How does the "waste hierarchy" guide waste management strategies?
The waste hierarchy is a framework that prioritizes waste management options from most to least environmentally preferred. It typically follows the order: prevention, minimization, reuse, recycling, energy recovery, and disposal.
10. What are the main sources of waste in modern society?
The main sources of waste include households, industries, agriculture, construction and demolition, medical facilities, and commercial establishments. Each source generates different types of waste with varying environmental impacts.
11. How does the chemical composition of waste affect its environmental impact?
The chemical composition of waste determines its toxicity, reactivity, and persistence in the environment. Hazardous chemicals in waste can contaminate soil, water, and air, posing risks to ecosystems and human health.
12. How does the concept of "cradle-to-cradle" design relate to waste reduction?
Cradle-to-cradle design is an approach that aims to create products with life cycles that are safe for human health and the environment and can be fully recirculated. It promotes the idea of viewing waste as a resource, thereby reducing overall waste generation.
13. How is waste classified based on its physical state?
Waste is classified into three main categories based on its physical state: solid waste (e.g., paper, plastics), liquid waste (e.g., sewage, industrial effluents), and gaseous waste (e.g., industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust).
14. What is the difference between biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste?
Biodegradable waste can be broken down by natural processes and organisms into simpler, non-toxic substances. Non-biodegradable waste cannot be decomposed by natural processes and persists in the environment for long periods.
15. What is the concept of "zero waste" and how does it relate to waste management?
Zero waste is an approach that aims to eliminate all waste by redesigning resource lifecycles so that all products are reused, recycled, or composted. It emphasizes waste prevention rather than end-of-pipe waste management.
16. How does improper waste management contribute to climate change?
Improper waste management, particularly of organic waste in landfills, leads to the production of methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Additionally, the incineration of waste releases carbon dioxide and other pollutants, contributing to global warming.
17. How does waste incineration impact air quality?
Waste incineration can release various air pollutants, including particulate matter, dioxins, furans, and heavy metals. These emissions can contribute to air pollution, respiratory problems, and other health issues if not properly controlled.
18. What is waste in the context of environmental chemistry?
Waste refers to any unwanted or unusable materials, substances, or by-products that are discarded after primary use. In environmental chemistry, waste is studied for its impact on ecosystems, human health, and the overall environment.
19. What is the concept of "waste footprint" and how is it measured?
The waste footprint is a measure of the total amount of waste generated by an individual, organization, or product throughout its lifecycle. It includes direct waste production as well as indirect waste generated during production, transportation, and disposal processes.
20. How does plastic waste impact marine ecosystems?
Plastic waste in marine ecosystems can harm wildlife through entanglement and ingestion. It also breaks down into microplastics, which can enter the food chain and potentially impact human health. Additionally, plastics can leach harmful chemicals into the water.
21. What is the role of biotechnology in waste management?
Biotechnology is used in waste management for processes like bioremediation (using microorganisms to clean up contaminated sites), enzymatic treatment of waste, and the development of biodegradable materials. It offers potential for more efficient and environmentally friendly waste treatment methods.
22. What is the role of policy and legislation in shaping waste management practices?
Policy and legislation set standards for waste handling, disposal, and recycling. They can incentivize waste reduction, mandate recycling programs, regulate hazardous waste management, and promote extended producer responsibility, thus significantly influencing waste management practices.
23. What role does public education play in effective waste management?
Public education is crucial for promoting proper waste sorting, encouraging recycling, and fostering a culture of waste reduction. It helps individuals understand the environmental impacts of their waste and empowers them to make more sustainable choices.
24. What are the potential applications of artificial intelligence and robotics in waste management?
AI and robotics can be used for more efficient waste sorting, optimizing collection routes, monitoring waste levels in bins, and improving recycling processes. These technologies have the potential to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of waste management systems.
25. What is leachate and why is it a concern in landfill management?
Leachate is the liquid that drains or 'leaches' from a landfill. It's a concern because it can contain various dissolved and suspended contaminants that may pollute groundwater and surface water if not properly contained and treated.
26. What is the role of microorganisms in waste decomposition?
Microorganisms play a crucial role in breaking down organic waste through processes like composting and anaerobic digestion. They convert complex organic matter into simpler compounds, reducing waste volume and producing useful by-products like compost or biogas.
27. What is the concept of "extended producer responsibility" in waste management?
Extended producer responsibility is a policy approach where manufacturers are made responsible for the entire lifecycle of their products, including the post-consumer stage. This encourages producers to design products that are easier to recycle or dispose of safely.
28. How does waste composition vary between developed and developing countries?
Developed countries typically generate more packaging waste and electronic waste, while developing countries often have a higher proportion of organic waste. This difference is due to variations in consumption patterns, industrial activities, and waste management infrastructure.
29. What are the environmental impacts of landfills?
Landfills can lead to soil and water pollution through leachate, contribute to greenhouse gas emissions through methane production, cause odor problems, and take up valuable land space. They can also negatively impact local ecosystems and property values.
30. How does waste-to-energy technology work, and what are its pros and cons?
Waste-to-energy technology involves burning waste to produce electricity or heat. Pros include reducing landfill volume and generating energy, while cons include air pollution concerns and the potential to discourage recycling efforts.
31. What is the role of recycling in waste management, and what are its limitations?
Recycling helps conserve resources, reduce energy consumption, and minimize waste sent to landfills. However, it has limitations such as contamination issues, the energy required for processing, and the fact that not all materials can be infinitely recycled.
32. What is the impact of medical waste on the environment and human health?
Medical waste can contain infectious materials, toxic chemicals, and radioactive substances. Improper disposal can lead to the spread of diseases, contamination of water sources, and exposure to harmful substances, posing significant risks to both the environment and human health.
33. How does composting contribute to waste management and environmental sustainability?
Composting reduces the amount of organic waste sent to landfills, thereby decreasing methane emissions. It also produces a valuable soil amendment that improves soil structure, enhances nutrient content, and reduces the need for chemical fertilizers.
34. How does waste management contribute to the concept of a circular economy?
In a circular economy, waste management focuses on keeping resources in use for as long as possible through reuse, repair, and recycling. This approach aims to minimize waste generation and maximize resource efficiency, contrasting with the traditional linear "take-make-dispose" model.
35. What is the role of anaerobic digestion in managing organic waste?
Anaerobic digestion is a process where microorganisms break down organic matter in the absence of oxygen. It's used to manage organic waste by producing biogas (a renewable energy source) and digestate (a nutrient-rich material used as fertilizer), thus reducing waste volume and generating useful products.
36. How does waste management differ in urban and rural areas?
Urban areas typically have more organized waste collection systems and access to recycling facilities, but face challenges with higher waste volumes and limited space. Rural areas often have less formal waste management infrastructure and may rely more on practices like burning or burying waste.
37. How does the concept of "upcycling" contribute to waste reduction?
Upcycling involves transforming waste materials or unwanted products into new materials or products of better quality or environmental value. This process reduces waste, conserves resources, and can create unique, value-added products.
38. What are the challenges in managing construction and demolition waste?
Challenges include the large volume of waste generated, the presence of hazardous materials like asbestos, the need for sorting mixed materials, and finding appropriate recycling or disposal options for diverse materials such as concrete, wood, and metals.
39. How does waste management impact global water resources?
Improper waste management can lead to water pollution through leachate from landfills, runoff from waste sites, and direct dumping of waste into water bodies. This can contaminate both surface water and groundwater, affecting drinking water supplies and aquatic ecosystems.
40. How does the concept of "waste audits" contribute to effective waste management?
Waste audits involve systematically analyzing the composition and quantity of waste generated. They help identify opportunities for waste reduction, improve recycling practices, and optimize waste management strategies, leading to more efficient and cost-effective waste handling.
41. What are the environmental impacts of food waste?
Food waste contributes to greenhouse gas emissions when decomposing in landfills, wastes resources used in food production (water, energy, land), and represents a loss of nutrients that could be recycled back into the soil. It also has social implications related to food security and resource distribution.
42. How does waste management intersect with environmental justice issues?
Waste management facilities are often disproportionately located in low-income areas or communities of color, leading to environmental justice concerns. These communities may face higher exposure to pollution and other negative impacts associated with waste disposal and treatment.
43. How does the concept of "industrial symbiosis" relate to waste management?
Industrial symbiosis involves exchanging materials, energy, water, and by-products among closely situated companies. This approach treats waste from one industry as a resource for another, reducing overall waste generation and promoting resource efficiency.
44. What are the challenges and opportunities in managing agricultural waste?
Challenges include the large volume of waste generated, potential for water pollution from runoff, and greenhouse gas emissions from decomposing organic matter. Opportunities include using waste for energy production (e.g., biogas), composting to improve soil quality, and developing value-added products from agricultural residues.
45. How does waste management contribute to urban planning and development?
Effective waste management is crucial for sustainable urban development. It involves planning for waste collection and treatment facilities, integrating recycling infrastructure, and considering waste reduction strategies in urban design. Proper waste management improves public health, environmental quality, and the overall livability of urban areas.
46. What is the concept of "waste colonialism" and how does it relate to global waste management?
Waste colonialism refers to the practice of wealthier nations exporting their waste to poorer countries. This raises ethical concerns about environmental justice and the unequal distribution of waste management burdens globally.
47. How do different cultural attitudes and practices influence waste management approaches?
Cultural attitudes can significantly impact waste generation and management practices. For example, some cultures prioritize reuse and minimalism, while others may have a more consumption-oriented lifestyle. Understanding these cultural differences is crucial for developing effective waste management strategies.
48. How does the concept of "design for disassembly" contribute to waste reduction?
Design for disassembly is an approach where products are designed to be easily taken apart at the end of their life. This facilitates easier recycling, reuse of components, and proper disposal of different materials, ultimately reducing waste and promoting a circular economy.
49. What are the challenges in managing waste in disaster situations?
Disaster waste management faces challenges such as large volumes of mixed waste, potential hazardous materials, limited access to affected areas, and the need for rapid response. It requires specialized planning and often involves dealing with materials not typically encountered in regular waste streams.
50. How does the informal waste sector contribute to waste management in developing countries?
The informal waste sector, including waste pickers and small-scale recyclers, plays a significant role in waste management in many developing countries. They contribute to recycling efforts and waste reduction, though often under challenging and unsafe working conditions.
51. How does waste management intersect with public health concerns?
Proper waste management is crucial for public health as it prevents the spread of diseases, reduces exposure to toxic substances, and maintains environmental quality. Poor waste management can lead to the proliferation of disease vectors, contamination of water sources, and air pollution.
52. How does the concept of "materials recovery" differ from traditional recycling?
Materials recovery involves extracting usable materials from waste streams for reuse or recycling. Unlike traditional recycling, which often focuses on specific items like paper or plastic, materials recovery aims to maximize the extraction of valuable resources from mixed waste streams, often using advanced sorting and processing technologies.

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Based on Bennett University's 2024 JEE Main cutoffs, admission to B.Tech in Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) requires high percentiles. For CSE, a JEE Main percentile of 90 or above is typically needed, while AI programs may require a percentile of 85 or higher. With a 51% score, admission to these programs is unlikely. However, other engineering branches like Electronics & Communication Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Biotechnology have lower cutoff requirements, often accepting percentiles around 60 or even lower. Additionally, non-engineering courses such as BBA, BCA, and BA Journalism consider Class 12 scores and may offer alternative admission pathways. It's advisable to explore these options to align with your academic profile and avoid unnecessary expenses

Given your requirements, it's challenging to find stable jobs that offer at least 30,000 a month for a 16-year-old student who has just passed 12th PCM. Most jobs for teenagers are part-time and pay hourly wages. However, I'll suggest some potential options and college courses that could lead to better-paying jobs in the future.


Potential Jobs

- Tutoring: You can offer tutoring services to younger students, leveraging your knowledge in PCM subjects. Experienced tutors can earn up to 19.40 per hour.

- Part-time jobs in retail or food service: Many retail stores and food establishments hire teenagers for part-time work. While the pay might not be 30,000 per month, it's a good way to gain experience and build skills.

- Online freelance work: Depending on your skills, you can explore online freelance work, such as content writing, graphic design, or social media management.


College Courses for Better-Paying Jobs

To increase your chances of getting a better-paying job, consider pursuing a college course in a field like:

- *Engineering*: With a strong foundation in PCM, you may be interested in pursuing engineering courses like B.Tech in Computer Science, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering.

- Computer Science: Courses in computer science, such as BCA or (link unavailable) in Computer Science, can lead to well-paying jobs in the IT industry.

- Data Science: With the growing demand for data scientists, courses in data science or analytics could be a promising option.


Salary Expectations

Keep in mind that 30,000 per month might be ambitious for a 16-year-old student, especially without significant work experience. However, with the right college course and skills, you can increase your earning potential over time.


Recommendations

- Explore part-time job opportunities to gain experience and build skills.

- Research college courses that align with your interests and career goals.

- Focus on developing skills that are in demand in the job market, such as programming, data analysis, or digital marketing.

- Consider online courses or certifications to enhance your skills and knowledge.


Some potential colleges to consider for engineering or computer science courses in India include¹:

- IITs (Indian Institutes of Technology)

- NITs (National Institutes of Technology)

- IIITs (Indian Institutes of Information Technology)

- Top private universities like BITS Pilani, VIT Vellore, or SRM University


Remember to research and explore various options to find the best fit for your interests, skills, and career goals.

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Look for Boards or institutions with Open Admissions: Locate boards or institutions that still have open admissions (such as the National Institute of Open Schooling, or NIO).

Get in touch with schools directly: Even in the latter part of the year, some private schools or online learning environments may still take new students.

Select distant Education: Look into online colleges or distant learning initiatives that provide flexible start and end da tes.

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