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EHS317Health Sciences2 Unitsintermediate

Solid Waste Management

This course presents an overview of solid waste management, covering concepts, nature, and classification of solid waste. It explores waste management methods and technologies, including traditional disposal methods, sanitary landfills, incineration, and composting. The course also examines waste analysis and monitoring, waste minimization, recycling, and integrated waste management. Finally, it addresses the effects of waste on the environment and health, equipping students with the knowledge to explain issues relating to solid waste management.

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39h
Study Time
13
Weeks
3h
Per Week
basic
Math Level
Course Keywords
Solid Waste ManagementWaste DisposalWaste RecyclingEnvironmental HealthIntegrated Waste Management

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
➕
Math Level
Basic Math
🔬
Learning Type
Hands-on Practice

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Solid Waste Classification

2

Waste Management Principles

3

Sanitary Landfill Design

4

Incineration Technologies

5

Composting Methods

6

Waste Recycling Processes

7

Integrated Waste Management

8

Environmental Impact of Waste

9

Waste Sampling Techniques

Total Topics9 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

tutor-marked assessments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

final examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Environmental Health Officer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Waste Management Technician

Apply your skills in this growing field

Recycling Coordinator

Apply your skills in this growing field

Environmental Consultant

Apply your skills in this growing field

Sustainability Manager

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

Waste Management CompaniesEnvironmental Consulting FirmsGovernment AgenciesManufacturing IndustriesHealthcare Facilities

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1:

2h

Unit 1: The Nature and Classification of Solid Waste

2 study hours
  • •Read the introduction to understand the concept of waste and its various definitions.
  • •Identify different types of solid waste, such as refuse, garbage, rubbish, and ash.
  • •Outline the various sources of waste, including domestic, agricultural, industrial, clinical, and commercial activities.
Week
2

Module 1:

2h

Unit 2: Principles of Solid Waste Management

2 study hours
  • •Define solid waste management and its objectives.
  • •Study the principles of solid waste management, including the waste hierarchy and the Polluter Pays Principle.
  • •Understand the concept of Integrated Solid Waste Management (IWM).
Week
3

Module 1:

2h

Unit 3: Solid Waste Management Processes

2 study hours
  • •Outline the various processes involved in solid waste management, from waste generation to final disposal.
  • •Discuss the stages of the solid waste management process, including storage, segregation, collection, and transport.
  • •Describe the features of a standard waste bin and recommend appropriate waste transport systems.
Week
4

Module 1:

2h

Unit 4: Traditional (Crude) Solid Waste Disposal Methods

2 study hours
  • •Identify various traditional methods of solid waste disposal, such as burial, open dumping, and burning.
  • •Describe the advantages and disadvantages of each traditional waste disposal method.
  • •Recommend appropriate solid waste management methods for small communities.
Week
5

Module 2:

2h

Unit 1: Sanitary Landfill

2 study hours
  • •Define sanitary landfill and its basic requirements.
  • •Describe the processes involved in landfill site operations, including waste compaction and covering.
  • •State the advantages and disadvantages of sanitary landfill.
Week
6

Module 2:

2h

Unit 2: Incineration

2 study hours
  • •Define incineration and describe the incineration process.
  • •Outline various types of incinerators, including moving grate and rotary kiln incinerators.
  • •Describe the general features of incinerators and argue in favor of or against incineration.
Week
7

Module 2:

2h

Unit 3: Composting

2 study hours
  • •Define composting and list various techniques of composting.
  • •Describe the composting process, including aerobic and anaerobic composting.
  • •State the advantages of composting for waste management and soil enrichment.
Week
8

Module 2:

2h

Unit 4: Other Methods/Technologies

2 study hours
  • •Outline other solid waste management technologies, such as pyrolysis, gasification, and biogas.
  • •Describe the technologies outlined and state their advantages and disadvantages.
  • •Recommend appropriate technologies for prevailing local situations.
Week
9

Module 3:

2h

Unit 1: Waste Minimisation/Reduction

2 study hours
  • •Define waste minimization and outline the processes involved.
  • •Classify waste minimization techniques, including source reduction and recycling.
  • •State the importance of waste minimization for environmental protection and resource conservation.
Week
10

Module 3:

2h

Unit 2: Waste Recycling and Reuse (Waste to Wealth)

2 study hours
  • •Define waste recycling and describe some waste recycling processes.
  • •State the advantages and constraints to waste recycling.
  • •Differentiate between waste recycling and reuse.
Week
11

Module 3:

2h

Unit 3: Integrated Solid Waste Management

2 study hours
  • •Define integrated waste management and outline its guiding principles.
  • •Illustrate integrated waste management using a named waste type.
  • •Enumerate the benefits of integrated waste management for communities and the environment.
Week
12

Module 4:

2h

Unit 1: Effects of Solid Waste on the Environment and Health

2 study hours
  • •Outline the effects of solid waste on the environment, including air, water, and soil pollution.
  • •Describe the impact of solid waste on human health, including specific diseases and occupational hazards.
  • •Identify the economic effects of solid waste accumulation, such as reduced tourism and property values.
Week
13

Module 4:

2h

Unit 2: Field Sampling and Monitoring of Waste Sites

2 study hours
  • •State the rationale for waste sampling and outline a sampling plan.
  • •Develop a checklist for waste sampling and understand the importance of health and safety concerns.
  • •Describe waste characterization and analysis techniques.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

Read the complete course material as provided by NOUN.

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Review all unit objectives and ensure you can address each one.

2

Create concept maps linking waste management methods and their environmental impacts.

3

Practice waste calculation problems from Units 3 and 4.

4

Focus on understanding the principles of Integrated Waste Management (IWM) from Unit 3.

5

Review all Tutor-Marked Assignments (TMAs) and address any feedback from your tutor.

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