EASYUNI Ultimate University Guide 2013 Issue 6 | Page 27

CO U R S E S & C A REERS
When we hear the word “waste”, we imagine
something as no longer useful or required after
the completion of a process, after excessive
use. What comes next is disposal, but we never
think about what happens to the thousands of
tonnes of rubbish – from plastic bags, empty
containers, spoilt food, chemical waste from
production companies and clinical waste to
outdated or used electronic devices – that are
disposed of every day.
Everyone loves new opportunities to make a
difference in society and there is no shortage
of that in waste management. Over the next
few years, there will be increased emphasis
on responsible environmental management
from the private sector, government and
international bodies.

What is waste
management?
Waste management encompasses
the management of all processes
and resources for proper handling of
waste materials and the collection,
transportation, processing and
disposal of all waste products – from
maintenance of waste trucks and
dumping facilities to compliance with
health and environmental regulations.
Waste disposal and recycling are now
major concerns of governments,
environmental bodies, local authorities
and industries. There is a pressing
urgency for society to reduce its
waste and for experts to find ways to
manage the resultant environmental
problems. This has led to the adoption
of different techniques such as
landfills, incineration and recycling to
curb waste.
The collection of waste varies widely
among different countries and
regions. This domestic waste collection
schemes are often put in place by
local government authorities or, in
some cases, by private companies.
Waste is not something that should be
discarded or disposed of with no regard
for future use. It can also be a valuable
resource if addressed correctly, through
regular policy and practice.

Why choose a career in
waste management?
The World Bank estimates that the world’s cities currently generate
about 1.3 billion tonnes of solid waste per year and this figure
will swell to 2.2 billion tonnes by 2025. Managing this poses
challenges for many governments, especially developing countries
in Asia. As such, there is ready employment for qualified personnel
in this field. Opportunities exist all over the world as countries
battle to reduce the fast ever-rising levels of pollution and nonbiodegrada