what is domestic waste

WHAT IS DOMESTIC WASTE

Domestic waste is..

• the waste produced in the course of a domestic activity.

• waste from accommodation used purely for living purposes (and without commercial gain) and which is disposed of via the normal mixed domestic refuse collection".

• It is also known as municipal solid waste that are commonly called as trash ,garbage and refuse or rubbish waste which is a type waste that are consisting of everyday items that are discarded by the public.

Meanwhile, hazardous domestic waste are…

• any unwanted or discarded material (excluding radioactive material), which because of its physical, chemical or infectious characteristics can cause significant hazard to human health or the environment when improperly treated, stored, transported, disposed of or otherwise managed. (EPA)

• And usually, Hazardous domestic waste must be separated from other normal mixed domestic refuse.

• In Malaysia, hazardous domestic waste also have been listed under The Environmental Quality (Scheduled Wastes) 2005 Regulation.

The Environmental Quality (Scheduled Wastes) 2005 Regulation

• According to this regulation hazardous waste was defined as any waste falling within the categories of waste listed in the First Schedule or any waste having dangerous characteristics according to the national standard.

• Some of the example are :

• Solvents• Paints• Pesticides• Automotive Products and supplies• Batteries• Electronic and electrical appliences

PROBLEM OCCUR WHEN…

• Improper handling, storage and disposal of wastes are major causes of environmental pollution, which provides breeding grounds for pathogenic organisms and encourages the spread of infectious diseases.

• Poor waste handling practices and inadequate provision of solid waste management facilities in cities of developing countries results in indiscriminate disposal and unsanitary environments that pose a threat to the health of urban residents4

• This is of serious concern as it will cause hazardous substances from the waste to appear in the leachate

• Hazardous waste that is not treated properly can release toxic gases, such as hydrogen sulphide, as well as mercury, which are extremely poisonous.

• Mercury vapour is the most dangerous and this is released when you crush a fluorescent tube.

EFFECT

• "Inhalation of small quantities of mercury vapour will affect the nervous system while inhalation of large quantities can result in death.

• "This kind of waste can also affect the groundwater which in turn impacts the rivers.

• "If you have a home with a concrete base near a landfill, methane would collect below the home. If it reaches a concentration of more than five per cent, it can blow the whole home

GO NOW!

• "The earth's carrying capacity is already more than 30 per cent over the limit. We have only one earth to live in so we better start caring now."