History of waste management
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The history of waste management is descibed in this article.
Historically, the amount of wastes generated by human population was insignificant mainly due to the low population densities, coupled with the fact there was very little exploitation of natural resources. Common wastes produced during the early ages were mainly ashes and human & biodegradable wastes, and these were released back into the ground locally, with minimal environmental impact.
Before the invention of metals, wood was widely used for most applications. However, reuse of wood has been well documented [citation needed]. Nevertheless, it is once again well documented that reuse and recovery of such metals have been carried out by earlier humans.
The Mayan Indians of Central America had dumps, which exploded occasionally and burned[citation needed]. They also recycled. Homemakers brought trash to local dumps, and monthly burnings would occur[citation needed]. Many Mayan sites demonstrated such careless consumption. Consumption and waste of resources is probably related to supply available more than any other factor.
With the advent of industrial revolution, waste management became a critical issue. This was due to the increase in population and the massive migration of people to industrial towns and cities from rural areas during the 18th century. There was a consequent increase in industrial and domestic wastes posing threat to human health and environment.
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[edit] Waste management and disease in history
Waste has played a tremendous role in history. The Bubonic Plague, cholera and typhoid fever, to mention a few, were diseases that altered the populations of Europe and influenced monarchies. They were perpetuated by filth that harbored rats, and contaminated water supply. It was not uncommon for Europeans to throw their waste and human wastes out of the window which would decompose in the street.
[edit] Historical waste acts in the UK
By mid 19th century, considerable efforts had begun towards managing wastes. Incinerators were first used during late 19th century in UK, however, they were opposed on the grounds of emissions, which fell onto the surrounding residential areas. Further to this, a series of legislation were passed in response to concern over human health and environment.
Some of these are highlighted below <ref>UK Waste history</ref>:
- The Public Health Act 1875 ruled that the accumulation of waste, which was prejudicial to health, or a nuisance, was a statutory nuisance. The Act also prohibited building upon contaminated land and laid down regulations for the management of landfill sites.
- The Public Health Act 1936 related to the removal and disposal of waste, starting an evolution of local authority power
- The Clean Air Act 1956 signaled a decrease in the number of open fires in homes
- The Deposit of Poisonous Waste Act 1972 came into effect due to dumping of cyanide waste leading to a huge public outcry
- The Control of Pollution Act 1974 aimed for much wider control of waste disposal and regulation of sites
[edit] Table of the events in the history of waste management
| Events in the history of waste management<ref>Waste management timeline</ref><ref>Milesones in garbage US EPA</ref><ref>The History of Waste
Do you want to be a garbologist? Environmental chemistry</ref>
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[edit] References
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