Solid-Waste Engineering Definition:
-Solid-waste engineering is the field of engineering that deals with the planning, design, operation, and
management of systems for handling solid waste. This includes the collection, transportation, treatment,
recycling, and disposal of waste materials to protect public health, preserve the environment, and
promote sustainability.
Halimbawa:
Isang lungsod ang nakakalikha ng libu-libong toneladang basura araw-araw. Ang mga solid-waste
engineer ang nagdidisenyo ng maayos na sistema kung saan kinokolekta ng mga trak ang basura,
hinahati ang mga maaaring i-recycle, at ligtas na itinatapon ang natitirang basura sa landfill o ginagamit
sa mga waste-to-energy plant. Sila rin ang nagtitiyak na ang mga landfill ay may tamang proteksyon
upang hindi tumagas ang mga kemikal sa lupa at tubig.
What is Waste and Solid Waste?
Waste is anything that people no longer need or want and decide to throw away. It can come from
homes, businesses, industries, and even nature.
Solid waste is a type of waste that is mostly made up of solid materials — like food scraps, broken
furniture, plastics, paper, metals, and yard waste. It's the kind of trash you usually see in garbage bins.
Main Characteristics of Solid Waste
1. The physical characteristics refer to the measurable, observable features of solid waste that
impact how it is handled, stored, processed, and disposed of.
Key Physical Characteristics:
• Density- It tells us how heavy the waste is compared to how much space it occupies.
• Moisture Content - This is the amount of water present in the waste, Waste with high
moisture (like food scraps) is heavier and decomposes faster.
• Particle Size and Shape - Smaller particles are easier to compact and process; large or
irregular shapes can complicate handling.
• Color and Appearance: May indicate the type and source of the waste.
IN SUMMARY: Understanding the physical characteristics of solid waste helps waste managers decide
how best to handle, transport, recycle, or dispose of the materials, making the process more efficient,
cost-effective, and environmentally friendly.
2. The chemical characteristics of solid waste describe the chemical makeup of the waste
materials, which affects how they should be treated, recycled, or disposed of safely.
The key chemical characteristics include:
• Organic and Inorganic Content - Organic waste comes from plant or animal sources (like
food scraps and paper) and can decompose naturally. Inorganic waste (like metals and
plastics) does not easily decompose.
• Chemical /Elemental Composition- presence of elements like carbon (C), hydrogen (H),
oxygen (O), nitrogen (N), sulfur (S), and others. Knowing this is important for understanding
how waste burns (combustion) and how it can decompose biologically.
• Toxicity– Some wastes contain harmful chemicals (like heavy metals, pesticides, or industrial
chemicals) that can poison the environment if not handled correctly.
3. The biological characteristics of solid waste refer to how organic materials in the waste break
down.
Key Biological Characteristics:
Biodegradability – Biodegradable waste is organic material that can break down naturally by the
action of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms. Examples include food scraps, yard waste,
and paper.
Pathogen and Disease Potential - Proper handling, treatment, or disposal methods are required
to prevent the spread of disease, such as composting at the correct temperature to kill
pathogens.
Odor Production– As organic waste breaks down, it can release unpleasant odors,
IN SUMMARY: The biological characteristics of solid waste mainly concern how organic waste
decomposes and interacts with microorganisms. Understanding these characteristics is vital for
effective composting, managing landfill gases, reducing odors, and recycling nutrients to improve
the environment.
4. Source-Based Characteristics – classify solid waste by where it comes from, helping waste
managers develop better strategies for collection, recycling, and safe disposal.
5. Potential for Resource Recovery is about seeing waste as an opportunity to recycle materials,
create new products, produce energy, and protect the environment.
For example:
• Plastics, metals, and glass can be recycled into new products.
• Organic waste (like food scraps and yard waste) can be composted to create fertilizer.
• Paper waste can be reprocessed into recycled paper products.
• Some wastes can even be converted into energy through incineration or biogas
production.
-The higher the potential for resource recovery, the more sustainable and cost-effective the
waste management system becomes.
