Sewage and Refuse Disposal in School and Community Health for JSS 1

Sewage and Refuse Disposal in School and Community Health

Performance Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. explain the meaning of sewage and refuse;
2. discuss the methods of sewage and refuse disposal in school and community.

Introduction to Waste Disposal

Every day, in homes, schools, and communities, different types of waste are produced. This waste can be liquid or solid. If waste is not handled and disposed of properly, it can cause serious health problems and make the environment dirty. Proper waste disposal is important for keeping people healthy and the environment clean.

Meaning of Sewage

Sewage is liquid waste that contains human waste, wastewater from bathing, washing, and cooking.

It is usually carried away through pipes or drains. Sewage comes from toilets, bathrooms, and kitchens. It often contains harmful germs that can cause diseases if not treated correctly.

Meaning of Refuse

Refuse is solid waste material that is thrown away, also known as rubbish or garbage.

Refuse includes items like leftover food, paper, plastic bottles, broken glass, old clothes, and dust. It is generated from homes, schools, markets, and other places in the community.

Difference Between Sewage and Refuse

The main difference between sewage and refuse is their form. Sewage is liquid waste, while refuse is solid waste. Both types of waste can be harmful to health and the environment if not managed correctly.

Examples of sewage include:

1. Water flushed from toilets.
2. Water from washing dishes.
3. Water from bathing.

Examples of refuse include:

1. Empty plastic bottles.
2. Food leftovers.
3. Old newspapers.
4. Broken household items.

Methods of Sewage and Refuse Disposal

Proper disposal of sewage and refuse is essential to prevent the spread of diseases and keep the environment clean. Different methods are used for disposing of these wastes.

Landfill

A landfill is a large area of land where refuse is buried under layers of soil.

This method is commonly used for disposing of large amounts of solid refuse. Waste is spread in thin layers, compacted, and then covered with a layer of soil or other material. This helps to reduce odours, control pests, and prevent litter from blowing away. Landfills are carefully designed to prevent harmful liquids from leaking into the ground and contaminating water sources.

Incineration

Incineration is a method of disposing of refuse by burning it at very high temperatures in a controlled environment.

This process takes place in special facilities called incinerators. Incineration reduces the volume of refuse significantly and can sometimes be used to generate electricity. It is a more advanced method compared to simple burning, as it uses high temperatures to destroy harmful substances and control air pollution.

Burning

Burning is a method of disposing of refuse by setting it on fire, often in open spaces or small pits.

This method is common in some communities and schools, especially for dry refuse like paper, leaves, and wood. However, open burning can release harmful smoke and ash into the air, which can cause respiratory problems and pollute the environment. It is less controlled than incineration and can be dangerous if not done carefully.

Composting

Composting is a natural process where organic refuse, such as food scraps and plant material, breaks down into a rich soil-like substance called compost.

This method is environmentally friendly and helps to recycle nutrients back into the soil. Compost can be used as a natural fertiliser for gardens and farms, improving soil quality and helping plants grow. Materials suitable for composting include fruit and vegetable peels, leaves, grass clippings, and wood ash.

Demonstrating Proper Refuse Management

Managing refuse properly involves collecting, sorting, and preparing it for disposal. This helps to keep the school and community clean and healthy.

How to Collect and Sort Refuse

Proper collection and sorting of refuse are important steps in waste management. This helps to prepare waste for different disposal methods like composting or landfill.

The required materials are:

1. Waste baskets or dustbins
2. Brooms
3. Dustpans
4. Moping sticks (for cleaning floors after sweeping)
5. Water (for cleaning)

The procedure involves the following steps:

1. Gather Tools: Collect a broom, dustpan, and a waste basket or dustbin.
2. Sweep the Area: Use the broom to sweep dirt, dust, and small pieces of refuse into a pile. Start from the corners and work towards the centre of the area.
3. Collect Refuse: Use the dustpan to scoop the piled refuse into the waste basket or dustbin.
4. Sort Organic Waste: If there are organic materials like fruit peels or leaves, separate them into a different container for composting.
5. Empty Bins: Once the waste basket is full, empty its contents into a larger refuse bin or designated collection point for final disposal.
6. Clean Tools: Clean the broom and dustpan after use. If necessary, mop the swept area with a moping stick and water.

Safety When Handling Refuse

Handling refuse can be risky if proper care is not taken. It is important to follow safety guidelines to prevent injuries and the spread of germs.

Important safety tips include:

1. Wear Gloves: Always wear protective gloves when handling refuse, especially if it contains sharp objects or dirty materials.
2. Avoid Direct Contact: Do not touch refuse with bare hands. Use tools like brooms and dustpans.
3. Be Careful with Sharp Objects: Handle broken glass, sharp metal, or other pointed objects with extreme care to avoid cuts. If possible, ask an adult for help.
4. Wash Hands: Always wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling refuse, even if gloves were worn.
5. Use Covered Bins: Keep refuse in covered waste baskets or dustbins to prevent pests like flies and rats from accessing it.
6. Do Not Burn Plastic: Avoid burning plastic materials as they release toxic fumes that are harmful to health and the environment.

Understanding Sewage Disposal Processes

While direct demonstration of sewage disposal is not practical for students, understanding how it is managed is important for community health. Sewage is typically collected and transported to treatment plants.

The process generally involves:

1. Collection: Sewage flows from homes and buildings through a network of pipes called sewers.
2. Transportation: These pipes carry the sewage to a central treatment facility.
3. Treatment: At the treatment plant, sewage undergoes several stages to remove solid waste, harmful bacteria, and other pollutants. This makes the water safe enough to be released back into rivers or other water bodies, or sometimes reused for purposes like irrigation.

Proper sewage disposal prevents water pollution and the spread of waterborne diseases like cholera and typhoid.