The Problem of Poor Solid Waste Management: A Growing Environmental Crisis

A Problem We See Every Day

Any material, substance, or item that is thrown away or abandoned because it is no longer needed, utilized, or helpful is referred to as waste. The World Health Organization defines trash as items that people no longer need and plan to get rid of because they are damaged, undesired, or leftovers from human activity. These materials might originate from homes, businesses, factories, or farms.

Have you ever wondered where all that garbage comes from when you pass a pile of trash on the street? Today, this blog will explain that  it's not unusual to see overflowing trash cans, plastic scattered along roadways, and contaminated rivers in many places. These are clearly proof of a major issue in the Philippines an also here in our baranggay Balite: poor solid waste management. Poor solid waste management has grown to be a major environmental issue that has an impact on our future, surrounds, and health. Improper handling of garbage can lead to flooding, pollution, and disease transmission.

Production of garbage increases along with population growth and increased product consumption. Unfortunately, not every community has proper waste management systems. Hoornweg and Bhada-Tata (2012) claim that the world generates billions of tons of waste annually, and that the amount is rising as a result of economic growth and growing populations. This growing waste issue puts human health and the environment at risk without proper garbage management.

Why Is Waste Management a Big Problem?

Think about a city where trash is not consistently collected. Unpleasant smells that penetrate neighborhoods, trash gathers in streets, and drainage systems clog. This is frequently seen in areas with poor or disorganized waste management systems. Ferronato and Torretta (2019) claim that inadequate money, insufficient facilities, and lax waste management regulations frequently pose major challenges to waste management in developing nations. Local governments find it difficult to handle the growing amount of garbage as municipalities  grow quickly.

The general lack of knowledge about appropriate garbage disposal is another significant contributing factor. Recycling becomes challenging when biodegradable and non-biodegradable garbage are mixed together in homes. A crucial first step in enhancing waste management systems and decreasing the amount of trash thrown in trash dumps is suitable waste segregation, claim Tchobanoglous and Kreith (2002).

Improper garbage management damages our environment in addition to making communities appear dirty. Hazardous substances can enter the air, land, and water when waste is burned or disposed of in public areas. The United Nations Environment Programme (2015) states that inappropriate garbage disposal leads to environmental pollution that impacts wildlife and ecosystems. Because plastics take hundreds of years to break down, they are particularly dangerous. 

The World Bank (2018) states that plastic garbage is one of the fastest-growing waste kinds globally and has become a significant contributor to marine pollution. garbage dumped into waterways can obstruct drainage systems and raise the danger of flooding. Poor solid waste management not only harms the environment but also offers major health hazards. 

Health Impacts of Poor Waste Management

Garbage piles draw pests that can spread illness, including rats, flies, and mosquitoes. Giusti (2009) states that a variety of health issues, such as infections, digestive disorders, and respiratory diseases, may arise in communities exposed to improperly handled trash. For those who reside close to dumpsites, these risks are much greater. According to research by Ziraba, Haregu, and Mberu (2016), people who live close to open dumping sites are also more likely to experience health problems as a result of ongoing exposure to contaminated soil, water, and air. 

Small Actions, Big Solutions

Despite how serious of the waste management issue, cooperation across communities can lead to solutions. The 3R principle Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle, is one straightforward yet effective strategy. The quantity of waste that ends up in landfills can be greatly reduced by boosting recycling and decreasing waste production, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (2020). For instance, sorting recyclables, utilizing reusable bags, and composting organic waste can all have a significant impact. By strengthening environmental regulations and enhancing garbage collection infrastructure, governments also play a vital role. The World Health Organization (2015) states that appropriate waste management initiatives and public education can significantly lessen the negative effects of garbage on the environment and human health.

Governments are not the only ones responsible for the issue of improper solid waste management; each and every person is also accountable. The environment is impacted by every single item we discard. People can contribute to the creation of cleaner and healthier communities by engaging in community clean-up initiatives, cutting back on plastic use, and properly sorting their garbage. Everyone must work together, be conscious of the issue, and be committed to finding a solution. We can preserve the ecosystem and guarantee a healthy future for future generations if communities band together and use sustainable waste management techniques.

 A share responsibility among individuals, Local Government Units (LGUs), an the private sector

Every person has a responsibility for addressing the issue of poor solid waste management, not just governments. Every garbage item we throw has an effect on the ecosystem. People can contribute to the creation of cleaner and healthier communities by using less plastic, properly segregating their waste, and taking part in community cleanup initiatives. It will need everyone's cooperation, awareness, and dedication to solve the garbage problem. Communities can save the environment and guarantee a healthy future for the next generation if they collaborate and implement sustainable waste management techniques.

References|

Ferronato, N., & Torretta, V. (2019). Waste mismanagement in developing countries: A review of global issues. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 16(6), 1060.

Giusti, L. (2009). A review of waste management practices and their impact on human health. Waste Management, 29(8), 2227–2239.

Hoornweg, D., & Bhada-Tata, P. (2012). What a waste: A global review of solid waste management. World Bank.

Tchobanoglous, G., & Kreith, F. (2002). Handbook of solid waste management. McGraw-Hill.

United Nations Environment Programme. (2015). Global waste management outlook. UNEP.

World Bank. (2018). What a waste 2.0: A global snapshot of solid waste management to 2050.

World Health Organization. (2015). Waste management and health risks. WHO Press.

Ziraba, A., Haregu, T., & Mberu, B. (2016). A review and framework for understanding the potential impact of poor solid waste management on health in developing countries. Archives of Public Health, 74(55).

Environmental Protection Agency. (2020). Sustainable materials management: Non-hazardous materials and waste management hierarchy.

Somani, P. (2023). Environmental and health impacts of waste management. IntechOpen.

Sharma, R. et al. (2018). Solid waste management and environmental health. Environmental Studies Journal.

UNEP. (2018). Solid waste management and sustainable development.

BMC Public Health. (2022). Waste management practices and public health impacts.

Springer Nature. (2023). Environmental effects of solid waste management practices.

Asian Development Bank. (2020). Solid waste management in developing countries.