The Dumping of City Waste

“ The Dumping of City Waste just 3 kilometres away from the City Headquarters” : An Issue 

Waste management is a critical issue that our Town is facing today . As the populations swell, the amount of waste generated increases correspondingly, creating significant environmental, health, and social challenges. The practice of dumping city waste near city peripheries is particularly problematic, leading to a range of adverse effects that demand immediate and sustained attention.

 Environmental Impact

The disposal of waste in areas near cities often leads to severe environmental degradation. Landfills and dumpsites, when not properly managed, can become hotspots for pollution. Leachate, a toxic liquid formed when rainwater percolates through waste, can seep into the ground, contaminating soil and groundwater. This contamination poses a risk to local ecosystems, harming plant and animal life and disrupting natural habitats.

Moreover, improperly managed waste emits greenhouse gases, such as methane, a potent contributor to climate change. The burning of waste, a common practice in many dumpsites to reduce volume, releases harmful pollutants into the air, contributing to air quality deterioration and posing respiratory health risks to nearby residents.

 Health Hazards

The health implications of waste dumping near residential areas are profound. Residents living close to dumpsites are often exposed to hazardous substances. These include heavy metals, chemicals, and pathogens, which can cause a range of health issues, from respiratory problems to cancers and infectious diseases. The proliferation of pests, such as rats and mosquitoes, further exacerbates the spread of diseases.

Children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable. Studies have shown higher incidences of conditions such as asthma and developmental disorders among children living near waste dumping sites. The mental health impact cannot be ignored either, as the constant exposure to pollution and the stigma of living near waste can lead to stress and anxiety.

Social and Economic Consequences
The presence of waste dumping sites near cities often affects the social fabric and economic prospects of communities. Property values in these areas typically decline, leading to economic disenfranchisement of residents. The stigma associated with living near a dumpsite can affect community cohesion and lead to social isolation.
Additionally, the informal sector of waste pickers, who often work in hazardous conditions to earn a livelihood, faces significant health and safety risks. While they play a crucial role in recycling and waste management, they are often marginalized and lack access to basic health and social services.

Challenges Faced by Travelers on Roads adjacent to Waste Dumping Site.   Eveyday thousands of travelers passes through this road adjacent to the waste dump site. 

Travelers passing through roads adjacent to waste dumping sites often encounter a myriad of problems. These issues can range from health and safety hazards to environmental and social inconveniences. Understanding and addressing these challenges is crucial for improving the quality of life and ensuring safe travel for all.

Air Pollution: One of the most immediate problems travelers face is air pollution. Dumpsites often emit noxious odors and harmful gases such as methane, carbon monoxide, and sulfur compounds. These pollutants can cause respiratory problems, headaches, and nausea, particularly affecting individuals with pre-existing health conditions.
Fire Hazards**: Dumpsites are prone to fires, either due to spontaneous combustion of waste materials or deliberate burning. These fires can spread to adjacent roads, creating visibility issues and increasing the risk of vehicular accidents. Smoke from these fires  also causes eye irritation and respiratory problems for travelers.

The challenges faced by travelers passing through roads near Town waste dumping sites are multifaceted, affecting health, safety, and overall travel experience. Addressing these issues requires a comprehensive approach that includes improved waste management practices, infrastructure maintenance, and community engagement. By taking proactive measures, cities can mitigate the adverse effects of waste dumping and ensure safer, healthier travel routes for everyone.

The Broader Environmental Impact of Waste Dumping near the residential area.
waste dumping  near the city not only affects the immediate vicinity but also has far-reaching consequences that impact the entire environment. The degradation caused by improper waste management can have a domino effect, influencing various ecological systems, human health, and even climate change.

The impact of urban waste dumping extends far beyond the immediate area, affecting ecosystems, human health, the economy, and the global climate. By adopting a comprehensive and integrated approach to waste management, societies can mitigate these broad-reaching effects and move towards a more sustainable and healthy future. The challenge is significant, but the benefits of addressing it are profound and far-reaching, offering a cleaner, safer, and more resilient environment for all.

“Facts and figures by different organisations.
The Significant concentrations of microplastics have been detected in the testicular tissues of both humans and dogs in a study, raising concerns about the possible effect on human reproductive health.

University of New Mexico researchers found microplastic presence in all 23 human testes examined by scientists, as well as 47 testes from pet dogs, with significant inter-individual variability. “Mean total microplastic levels were 122.63 microgramme per gramme (µg / g) in dogs and 328.44 µg / g in humans,” according to the report published in Toxicological Sciences May 15, 2024. 

The researchers quantified 12 types of microplastics. Both humans and canines showed relatively similar proportions of the major polymer types, with polyethylene (PE) being dominant. Furthermore, “a negative correlation between specific polymers such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and the normalised weight of the testis was observed”. The discovery could be linked to the declining sperm count in men, the scientists said.

The study led by Chelin Jamie Hu aimed to quantify and characterise the prevalence and composition of microplastics within both canine and human testes and investigate potential associations with the sperm count, and weights of testis and epididymis.

Humans are potentially exposed to microplastics through oral intake, inhalation and skin contact. The effect of microplastics consist of oxidative stress, DNA damage, organ dysfunction, metabolic disorder, immune response, neurotoxicity, as well as reproductive and developmental toxicity. In addition, epidemiological evidence suggested that a variety of chronic diseases may be related to microplastics exposure.

In 2024, the global Plastic Overshoot Day (POD) was projected to occur on September 5. POD marks the point in time when the amount of plastic waste generated exceeds the world’s capacity to manage it, resulting in environmental pollution.

As many as 217 countries will release 3,153,813 tonnes of microplastics into the world’s waterways by the end of 2024. China, India, the United States and Japan will account for 51 per cent of this volume, according to the 2024 POD Report by EA Earth Action. 

India will release 391,879 tonnes of microplastics and will be the second leading polluter of the waterbodies, after China (787,069 tonnes), in the world.

The theme of Earth Day 2024 (April 22) was ‘Planet vs Plastics’ and called for a 60 per cent reduction of plastic production by 2040.

A 2023 report by the Nordic Council of Ministers indicated that without global action, the annual levels of mismanaged plastics would continue to rise and could almost double from 110 million tonnes (Mt) in 2019 to 205 Mt by 2040.

Many schemes were launched by Government of India to mitigate this problem but in Doda town no action has been taken yet against the dumping of waste near the city. 

Solutions and Policy Recommendations

Addressing the issue of waste dumping near residential areas requires a multi-faceted approach. Some key strategies and policy recommendations are suggested here
Improved Waste Management Systems**: Cities need to invest in advanced waste management technologies and systems. This includes waste segregation at source, efficient collection mechanisms, and the development of sanitary landfills and waste-to-energy plants.
Regulation and Enforcement**: Strict regulations must be enforced to prevent illegal dumping. Governments should implement stringent penalties for violations and ensure that waste management practices comply with environmental standards.Government also should specify a particular area far from the residential area for the dumping of waste.

Community Engagement : Public awareness campaigns are essential to educate residents about the importance of proper waste disposal and the impacts of dumping. Community participation in waste management programs can foster a sense of ownership and responsibility.

Support for Informal Workers : The role of waste pickers should be recognized and formalized. Providing them with protective gear, access to healthcare, and integrating them into formal waste management systems can improve their working conditions and livelihoods.

Sustainable Practices : Promoting recycling, composting, and the reduction of single-use plastics can significantly decrease the volume of waste generated. Encouraging businesses to adopt sustainable practices and consumers to make environmentally friendly choices is also crucial. 

The dumping of city waste near the residential areas and just 3 km away from the city centre is a complex problem that demands urgent action. It not only degrades the environment but also poses severe health risks and socio-economic challenges. By adopting comprehensive waste management strategies, enforcing regulations, and engaging communities, cities can move towards a more sustainable and healthy future. The time to act is now, as the consequences of inaction will only become more severe with growing population and waste generation.
 
Khalid Bashir 
BA LLB Student 
[email protected]