Waste Management Revision Notes for OCR GCSE Biology A, Combined (Gateway Science Suite)

7.3.2 Waste Management

Household Waste: Includes everyday items like food scraps, packaging, and household products.
Industrial Waste: By-products from manufacturing, mining, and other industrial processes.
Agricultural Waste: Waste from farming activities, including animal manure, crop residues, and pesticides.
Hazardous Waste: Waste that poses a risk to human health or the environment, such as chemicals, batteries, and electronic waste.

Pollution: Improper disposal of waste can lead to air, water, and soil pollution. For example:
- Air pollution from burning waste, which releases harmful gases like carbon dioxide and methane.
- Water pollution from chemicals and waste entering rivers, lakes, and oceans.
- Soil contamination from hazardous materials, affecting plant growth and entering the food chain.
Habitat Destruction: Landfills and waste dumps can destroy natural habitats, displacing wildlife and reducing biodiversity.
Health Risks: Exposure to hazardous waste can lead to serious health problems for humans and animals.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Minimising waste reduces pollution and habitat destruction, helping to preserve ecosystems.
Composting: Turning organic waste into compost enriches soil without harming the environment.
Proper Waste Disposal: Ensuring waste is managed properly, like using lined landfills, prevents pollution and protects habitats.