Waste, is an unwanted or undesired material or substance.

Other definitions

It is also referred to as rubbish, trash, garbage, or junk depending upon the type of material and the regional terminology. In living organisms, waste relates to unwanted substances or toxins that are expelled from them.

Waste management

Waste management is the human control of the collection, treatment and disposal of different wastes.

Why this

This is in order to reduce the negative impacts waste has on environment and society.

How linked

Waste is directly linked to the human development, both technologically and socially.

Composition

The composition of different wastes have varied over time and location.

With industrial development and innovation being directly linked to waste materials. Examples of this include plastics and nuclear technology. Some components of waste have economical value and can be recycled once correctly recovered.

Uncontrolled

Biodegradable waste such as food waste or sewage, is broken down naturally by microorganisms either aerobically or anaerobically. The disposal of biodegradable waste has to be controlled.

If not done

If not done it can cause a number of wider problems including contributing to the release of greenhouse gases and can impact upon human health via encouragement of pathogens.

Marine litter

Marine debris, also known as marine litter, is human-created waste that has deliberately or accidentally become afloat in a lake, sea, ocean or waterway.

See also

• Waste collection vehicle
• Waste management

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