generation, groundwater pollution and high cost in the regular operation and maintenance may arise. Finally, the
closure of the landfill and future use of the land area should be planned out well so that it will not become an area
with environmental issues.
3. INCINERATION
In this method solid waste is burned at high temperatures until the wastes are turned into ashes. In here, the waste
reduction is by weight and volume by 20% or 30% of the original volume, giving a sterile residue. The Incinerators
are made in such a way that they do not give off extreme amounts of heat when burning solid wastes. Also, the
Source - www.german-envirotech.com
4. PYROLYSIS
In this method of solid waste management, solid waste is chemically decomposed by heat with-out the presence of
oxygen under pressure and at temperatures of up to 4300 C. The solid wastes are changed into gasses, solid residue
and small quantities of liquid. Moreover, there are methods like plastic and tire pyrolysis in which the plastic and
tire will break into hydrocarbons like pyrolysis oil, pyrolysis gas and carbon black. These products can be used as a
fuel or feedstock for chemical conversion or as a fuel oil substitute.
On the whole, waste is not just something that should be discarded without proper management with no regard
for future use. It can be a valuable resource if addressed correctly, through policy and practice as mentioned above.
With rational and consistent waste management practice, the occurrence of disasters like Meethotamulla can be
prevented while providing opportunities to reap a range of benefits in economic, social and environmental sectors
in Sri Lanka.
But, if our country with a developing economy and of an economy in transition at present, neglects the integrity of
solid waste management hereafter, we as the citizens will have to pay its cost as a community and may be as an
individual.
Oshini Peramuna
Second Year
Department of Civil Engineering
References
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Dr. Shameen Jinadasa ,“ Solid waste management “, Department of Civil
Engineering , Faculty of Engineering, University of Peradeniya, 2017
Expert Committee, “ Failure of Meethotamulla Garbage Dump” ,
University of Peradeniya, June 2017
Rinkesh. (n.d.)What is Solid Waste Management? [Oniline] Available:
www.conserve-energy-future.com
Solid Waste.(n.d.) [Online] Available: web.mit.edu
Jerry A. Nathanson. (n.d.) Solid-Waste Management [Online] Available:
www.britannica.com
Gauge Magazine University of Peradeniya 29