Waste disposal in House and Methods of refuse disposal

Waste disposal in House

The wastes that are produced in the house should be collected and disposed off in a proper manner. There are two types of household waste. They are

Refuse: This is made up of solid organic waste in a decomposing or non-decomposing state, excluding body wastes. Examples are garbage and rubbish.

Sewage: This is waste water containing solid and liquid excreta.

Reasons for waste disposal

To avoid contamination of soil

To prevent ground water from getting polluted.

To prevent breeding of flies and other harmful microorganisms that spread diseases.

To keep the surroundings clean.

To protect the surroundings from obnoxious odour.

The domestic refuse should be collected in a container or bin which has a tight-fitting cover. The bins must be kept away from cooking area.

Methods of refuse disposal

Dumping: This is filling up empty pits with refuse or reclaiming low-lying lands. If dumping is done under proper supervision and during dry season it is called 'Controlled dumping'.

Sanitary land fill: This is dumping the refuse material in a trench and covering it with 15cm layer of earth.

Compost formations: This method is used mainly where refuse is to be disposed off with night soil and to convert the waste into humus.

Sorting: This method consists of sorting the refuse into soft core which consists of animal and vegetable organic matter which can be used as manure and hardcore which consists of broken bottle, crockery^ tiles, etc. which can be used for metalling roads.

Incineration: This is one of the best methods of refuse disposal. In this method, the refuse is burnt in incinerator and reduced to ashes,

Sewage disposal: The best method of disposing sewage is through water carriage system. In big cities, this system leads to the sewer systems and in small towns it may lead to septic tank. Dilution is a method in which the sewage is disposed into water sources such as rivers, streams and sea, after having been suitably treated. The solid part obtained from this treated sewage is used as manure in fields.

A well-maintained house will create a healthy and safe environment to live in. But one should also know to add beauty to the house, by decorating its interiors in a pleasant way.