Solid waste disposal

Waste disposal is the process of getting rid of the waste materials that people generate. People produce gaseous waste, such as carbon monoxide from cars; liquid waste, such as sewage; and solid waste. The many kinds of solid waste include paper and plastic products, bottles and cans, food scraps, and junked automobiles. Solid waste is also called refuse or garbage. If not disposed of properly, it looks ugly, smells foul, and creates health problems by attracting insects, rats, and other animals that spread disease.

Solid waste from homes, offices, and stores is called municipal solid waste. This article discusses how to dispose of such waste. Solid waste also comes from industries and farms. For information on these sources of waste, see the World Book article on ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION. See also the SEWAGE article for information on the disposal of waste matter from sinks and toilets.

Most cities and towns have waste-collecting departments or private firms that gath...