Focus on plastic waste sources and statistics globally and in India.
Overview of what will be covered in five videos this week.
Definitions
Solid Waste
General Definition: Anything with no value to the person discarding it.
Legal Definition: Non-liquid, non-soluble material ranging from municipal garbage to industrial waste, containing complex and sometimes hazardous substances.
Components of Solid Waste: Includes paper, plastic, food waste, e-waste, medical waste, etc.
Plastic Waste
Definition: Component of solid waste; accumulation of plastic objects adversely affecting wildlife, habitats, and human health.
Increasing concern in waste management globally due to its environmental impact.
Importance of Plastic Waste Management
Plastic waste contributes significantly to overall solid waste.
The course focuses on effective recycling and waste management strategies.
Source Segregation: Essential for effective reuse and recycling of plastic.
Separation of plastic from other waste streams to avoid contamination.
Waste Generation Statistics
Range of waste produced per person: 0.25 to 2.5 kg per day.
0.25 kg: Rural areas (less packaging).
2.5 kg: Highly urbanized and wealthy neighborhoods.
In India, average waste generation is 6 kg per person per day.
Plastic waste constitutes 10-20% of this total.
Global Plastic Waste Composition
Global Solid Waste Production (based on World Bank report):
Organic: 46%
Paper: 17%
Plastic: 10% (now rising towards 20%)
Glass: 5%
Metal: 4%
Others: 18%
Increased plastic waste documented in countries like Ireland, where it has doubled in recent years.
Sources of Plastic Waste
Packaging: Major contributor (63% of plastic waste).
Building and Construction: 6% of plastic waste.
Automotive: 5%.
Electronics: 3%.
Agriculture: 5%.
Furniture and Sports Products: 13%.
Packaging waste often has a short lifespan and generates significant waste quickly.
Pathways and Impact of Plastic Waste
Plastic waste leads to various types of litter: landfill, inland water, marine litter.
Microplastics: Formed during degradation; pose significant risks to health and the environment.
Microplastics found in food, salt, and even air, highlighting a widespread environmental issue.
Conclusion and Next Steps
Importance of understanding plastic waste sources and their impact on the environment.
Encouragement of active participation and sharing of information in the discussion board.
Further discussion on sources, distribution, and global/Indian context to continue in the upcoming lectures.