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Biodegradable
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Capable of being broken down naturally by microorganisms into simple, stable compounds. Most organic wastes are biodegradable.
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Compostable
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To explore changes in lifestyle that led to increased production of waste.
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Composting
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The natural conversion of most organic materials into humus by the activity of microorganisms, and an effective solid waste management technique for reducing the organic portion of waste.
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Decomposition
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The breakdown of organic materials by bacteria and fungi into simpler components (e.g. carbon dioxide, water and inorganic solids).
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Degradable
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Capable of being broken down into smaller components.
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Disposable
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Designed to be thrown away after use.
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Dump
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An open and unmanaged disposal site (used prior to sanitary landfills) where waste materials are burned, left to decompose, rust or simply remain.
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Environment
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The circumstances and conditions that surround living organisms, including soil, water, buildings, plants and animals.
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Garbage
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Originally referring to food wastes, but now generally including all waste considered worthless and thrown away. Another word for solid waste, especially house-hold waste.
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Greenhouse Effect
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The trapping of the earth's heat by accumulated atmospheric gases.
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Hazardous waste
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Waste materials, which are dangerous to living things or the environment because they have one or more of the following characteristics:
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Poisonous
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Explosive
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Capable of dissolving flesh or metal
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Readily burnable
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Carriers of diseases
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Radioactive
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Household Hazardous Waste
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Waste materials commonly used in small quantities in the home which have some or all of the characteristics of hazardous waste and should not be disposed of in the same manner as other solid waste.
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Illegal dumping
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The disposal of solid waste in any place not authorized to accept waste material.
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Leachate
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A liquid that has percolated through solid waste and/or has been generated by solid waste decomposition and has bacteria and poisonous materials; must be collected and treated to prevent it from contaminating ground and surface water supplies.
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Litter
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Waste materials which are carelessly discarded in an inappropriate place or which accidentally escape waste handling systems.
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Solid Waste
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A specially located and engineered site for the land disposal of solid waste. Designed to minimize public health and safety threats and to prevent litter, rodents, open burning, pollution of ground and surface water, etc. Wastes are compacted and covered daily with several inches of soil.
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Litter
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Any unwanted material, either solid or semi solid, that is discarded from households, industries or communities.
This may include trash, appliances, cars, human waste, ashes, construction debris, yard clippings, industrial chemicals and by-products etc.
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Solid Waste Management
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The controlling, handling, processing and disposal of all refuse.
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Tipping fee
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Fees paid at a landfill or incinerator to encompass the garbage disposal costs.
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Toxic
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Poisonous.
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About NSWMA
