Question

Which of the following method is most suitable for safe disposal of hospital solid waste?

• A. Dumping
• B. Incineration
• C. Pyrolysis
• D. Composting

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

In the context of environmental studies, the safe disposal of hospital solid waste is crucial for minimizing health risks and environmental impact. Hospital waste often contains infectious, hazardous, and non-biodegradable materials that need careful handling. Let's evaluate the given options: 

• Dumping: This method involves disposing of waste materials by leaving them in landfills. While it is a common practice for various types of waste, it is not suitable for hospital waste due to the risk of contamination and infection. 
• Incineration: This process involves burning waste materials at high temperatures, effectively sterilizing and reducing them to ash. It is suitable for hospital waste as it destroys pathogens and reduces the volume of waste significantly.
• Pyrolysis: This thermal treatment involves decomposing organic material at high temperatures in the absence of oxygen. While effective for certain types of waste, it is not as widely used for hospital waste as incineration.
• Composting: This biological process converts organic waste into humus. Although sustainable for organic waste, it is not appropriate for hazardous hospital waste due to potential health risks.

Based on the analysis, incineration is the most suitable method for the safe disposal of hospital solid waste, as it effectively reduces the risk of infection and contamination by destroying harmful pathogens.

Answer 2

The most suitable method for safe disposal of hospital solid waste is incineration.

Additional Context:

• Hospital Waste Composition:
  • 15-25% hazardous/infectious material
  • Includes sharps, pathological waste, chemicals
• Why incineration (2):
  • High-temperature destruction of pathogens (>1000°C)
  • Volume reduction up to 90%
  • Mandated for bio-medical waste in India
• Other options analysis:
  • Dumping (1): Prohibited for hazardous waste
  • Pyrolysis (3): Limited to specific waste types
  • Composting (4): Only for organic, non-infectious waste
• Regulatory framework:
  • Bio-Medical Waste Management Rules, 2016
  • CPCB guidelines for incinerator standards

Correct Answer: (2) Incineration.