PLASTIC WASTE MANAGEMENT
By definition a plastic is any chemically produced
substance that can be formed into different shapes when heated. In our
closest environment, it exists in form of basins,cups, furniture, plastic
bags, food and drink containers.etc, though our main concern is the plastic
pollutant,like biscuit tins, quencher bottles, soft drink cans, sweet wrappers,
polythene bags, and other forms of plastic that have served their purposes
and are now waste material. Accumulation of such wastes can result into
hazardous effects to both human and plant life.Therefore, need for proper
disposal, and, if possible, use of these wastes in their recycled forms,
occurs. This can be done through what is called "Waste Management."
Waste Management in respect to plastic can be done mainly through recycling
i.e. treating the already used material for use again in future.If this
is not done,and plastic waste accumulates,it can prove to be a danger to
the environment as it is a very big pollutant,because it doesn't decompose.This
is dangerous because it results in loss of soil fertility,as it does not
permit good circulation of minerals and water in the soil.This will greatly
retard agricultural development and other farming activities. Also, the
chemicals found in these plastics are poisonous to life.An attempt to get
rid of plastic waste has resulted into air pollution which is not only
hazardous to human life,but also to plants and other creatures. To prevent
all these and other effects of this nature,waste management of plastic
has to be seriously undertaken. In our school,plastic waste,which is nonbiodegradable,should
be separated from the biodegradable.Dustbins for these purposes have been
provided,though they are not being used quite well,and waste of all kinds
is often mixed up in these.However,if properly disposed of,it would be
relatively easy to collect plastic waste and recycle it. Recycling is itself
not a complicated process.For example, 500g margarine and cooking fat containers,after
use,can be washed and used as flower vases.Detergent tins of wide diameter
of about 15cm,look simple but attractive, holding flowers. Broken basins
can also act as nurseries for some plants. Even milk packets and plastic
bags make lovely nursery beds for flowers and trees,used straws make beautiful
decorations,and Quencher bottles can hold water and other domestic chemicals.
Industrial recycling is a more complex process,involving the following
steps: First,the plastic is emptied of its contents and rinsed lightly.The
lids are removed and crushed.The labels or rings may stay on.The plastic
bottles are then mixed with glass in plastic bags.These are all done in
recycling industries,which make good products like plastic bottles, toys
and carpet fibre. Therefore, it is up to us to stop pollution of our environment
with plastic waste for our own good,as it is not very hard to make use
of damaged plastic.Without this,the world is heading for disaster.But it
is not too late to start now. Remember, dispose of plastic waste separately,pick
up that polythene,and make the world a better place.
By:
Komugisha Jane, 17
Mawanda Roselyne, 18
Katushabe Joanita, 17
Ndamata Harriet, 17
