| Abstract |
The management of Solid Waste (SW) has emerged as a critical problem specially in developing nations. The uncontrolled incineration of SW has caused increased emission of air pollutants including carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), sulphur oxides (SOx), and PM10. The disposal of SW without proper measures has also led to heavy metal contamination in water, soil and entrance in the food chain causing biomagnification. Solid waste mismanagement is a global issue with reference to degradation of environmental quality, societal inclusivity, and economic sustenance. Thus, the concept of zero waste has surfaced as an integral paradigm towards attainment of ‘circularity’ or ‘circular economy’ across the globe. Waste diversion and aversion are the two primary pathways towards attaining Zero waste. The diversion component consists of replacing the use of landfills for waste disposal with some alternative including recycling, re use and composting techniques. While the aversion component consists of minimizing the quantity of waste which reaches landfills through management at the source itself. Thus, the concept of zero waste needs a paradigm shift which is superior to improving the existing conventional waste management technique. Thus, this chapter aims at analyzing the status of zero waste techniques and recognizing their potential positive and negative impacts on environment. © 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. |
