In community health nursing, waste disposal is a important intervention used to break chain of infection and prevent spread of communicable diseases.
Methods of waste disposal are generally categorized by type of waste: Solid Waste (Refuse) and Liquid Waste (Sewage).
1. Solid Waste Disposal Methods
Solid waste includes household garbage, street sweepings, and industrial or agricultural scraps.
Dumping
-
Open Dumping: Most used method, where waste is piled in low-lying areas.
-
Sanitary Landfill (Controlled Tipping): This is most recommended method for urban communities. waste is deposited in a trench, compacted, and covered with a layer of earth (usually 15-30 cm) at end of each day. It prevents odors and pests.
Incineration
It involves controlled burning of combustible waste at high temperatures. It is highly effective for reducing volume of waste.
-
Pros: Destroys pathogens and reduces waste volume by 90%.
-
Cons: High cost and potential air pollution if not fitted with scrubbers.
Composting
A biological process where organic matter (food scraps, yard waste) is decomposed by microorganisms into humus.
-
Anaerobic Method: Waste is layered in pits and covered; it takes several months to decompose.
-
Aerobic Method: Requires regular turning of waste to provide oxygen, speeding up process.
Chemical Conditioning
It use primarily for industrial or hazardous wastes to neutralize toxicity before it get buried or discharged.
2. Liquid Waste (Sewage) Disposal
Liquid waste consists of Sullage (waste water from kitchens/bathrooms) and Sewage (water containing human excreta).
Cesspools and Septic Tanks
Common in rural or suburban areas not connected to a municipal sewer line.
-
-
Septic Tank: An underground watertight settling tank. Solids settle as sludge at bottom and are decomposed by anaerobic bacteria, while liquid flows out to a soakage pit.
-
Oxidation PondsÂ
It is large, shallow ponds where sewage is treated through interaction of sunlight, bacteria, and algae. Algae produce oxygen through photosynthesis, which bacteria use to oxidize organic matter in the sewage.
3. Biomedical Waste Management
| Bag Color | Type of Waste | Disposal Method |
| Yellow | Infectious waste, anatomical waste, soiled bandages | Incineration / Deep Burial |
| Red | Plastic waste (tubing, bottles, gloves) | Autoclaving / Microwaving |
| Blue/White | Sharps (needles, scalpels, blades) | Puncture-proof containers / Shredding |
| Black | General office waste, food scraps | Sanitary Landfill |