Sources of Street Wastes
For the purpose of solid waste management all street wastes fall into three
main categories:
11.2.1 Natural Wastes
These include dust blown from unpaved areas, sometimes from within the city and sometimes from a great distance, and decaying vegetation such as fallen leaves, blossoms and seeds which originate from trees and plants in the city.
Natural wastes cannot be avoided, but may be controlled by such measures as the careful selection of the types of tree planted in the city.
11.2.2 Road Traffic Wastes
Motor vehicles deposit oil, rubber and mud; in addition, there is sometimes accidental spillage of a vehicle’s load. Animals drawing vehicles deposit excrement on the road surface. At large construction sites mud is often carried out by motor vehicles and deposited on adjacent roads; in wet weather this can cause danger to other traffic by skidding. Traffic wastes are largely unavoidable but some legislative control is possible in the cases of load spillage and construction sites.
11.2.3 Behavioural Wastes
The main source of wastes is litter thrown by pedestrians and house or shop-wastes swept or thrown out of private premises instead of being placed in the suitable container meant for the purpose. Human spittle and the excrement of domestic pets also fall into this category and together provide health risk, which arises from street wastes due to inhalation of dust contaminated by dried spittle and excrement.
Behavioural wastes are largely avoidable provided an efficient refuse collection service is in operation and litter bins are provided for the use of pedestrians. But success requires a continuing programme of public education and awareness backed up by legislation and rapidly operating enforcement procedures.
