Railway Science (Environment – Environmental Wastes)

Biomedical waste or hospital waste is any kind of waste containing infectious (or potentially infectious) materials. Incineration is a waste treatment process that involves the combustion of substances contained in waste materials. Other biomedical waste disposal methods - Microwave irradiation, Land disposal, Chemical disinfection, etc.

Composting is a controlled, aerobic (oxygen-required) process that converts organic materials into a nutrient-rich soil amendment or mulch through natural decomposition.
Reusing helps sustain the environment for future generations. Reduces the amount of waste that will need to be recycled or sent to landfills and incinerators.
Both combustion and incineration refer to burning, but the application of the term is different. The term combustion refers to a chemical reaction, while incineration refers to the destruction of material such as waste.

Domestic waste is produced in the home. Examples - organic, toxic, recyclable, and soiled. Industrial waste is produced by industries, manufacturing processes, and resource extraction. E-waste needs to be brought to a specialised recycling centre – not placed in a kerbside bin. Landfill site - An area of land used to dump domestic waste.

A biodegradable substance or material is one that may quickly break down by bacteria or any other natural organisms without contributing to pollution. Examples: leftover foodstuffs, kitchen waste like fruits and vegetable peels, etc.

The process of burning hazardous materials at temperatures high enough to destroy contaminants.