Summary of Study Session 10

In Study Session 10, you have learned that:

  1. Solid waste that cannot be recycled can be treated or disposed of by landfill or thermal processing.
  2. The two main environmental problems from landfill are leachate, which can contaminate water sources, and landfill gas, which is a greenhouse gas and is flammable.
  3. Landfills range from uncontrolled open dumps to sanitary landfills, where leachate and landfill gas are managed and controlled.
  4. Factors to be considered when selecting a new landfill site include the area of land required, distance from the town, potential for pollution of water sources, soil type and local culture and beliefs.
  5. The open burning and open dumping of solid waste, which is a common practice in many urban centres in Ethiopia, is dangerous to human health and safety and to the wider environment.
  6. Incineration reduces the volume of waste for disposal, but the remaining ash still needs to be landfilled.
  7. It is important to know the nature and characteristics of solid waste, to recognise hazardous waste, and to appreciate how it should be handled and treated.

10.6  Management of hazardous waste

Self-Assessment Questions (SAQs) for Study Session 10