Litter: The Role Of Solid Waste Pollution In The World

INTRODUCTION

Solid waste consists of waste products that have been disposed improperly, without consent, at an inappropriate location. Litter can also be used as a verb. To litter means to throw objects onto the ground and leave them indefinitely or for others to dispose of as opposed to disposing of them properly. Large hazardous items such as tires, appliances, electronics and large industrial containers are often dumped in isolated locations, such as National Forests and other public land.

It is a human impact on the environment and is serious environmental issue in many countries. Litter can exist in the environment for long periods of time before degrading and be transported large distances into the world’s oceans. Litter can affect quality of life.

DISCUSSION

It is

Effects of Solid Waste Pollution

Solid waste has various impacts and can cause several dangerous events to happen.

Litter can physically harm people. Broken glass or metal pop tabs that have been littered at beaches, at playgrounds, or on neighbourhood sidewalks can often cause

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cuts if children are playing barefoot. Animals always go barefoot, so broken glass or other sharp objects are very dangerous to them.

Solid waste pollution is a threat to public health; illegally dumped tires are breeding grounds for mosquitoes that carry rats flourish in waste piles.

 It reduces the aesthetic appeal of public places including streets, parks and waterways.

 It costs the community huge sums of money and time to clean up every year

 It causes blockages of the drainage system and causes flooding

 This costs councils millions of rand to repair. This money that can be better spent on housing and education

 It encourages illness

 It manifests in a culture of disrespect for others and areas that are shared by others

 It diminishes the pride people have in their environment

 It creates a culture of lack of