Utilizing Waste Materials to Enhance Crop Production: A Review

Abstract

Waste management is a crucial aspect of modern societies, encompassing various activities to ensure the safe and effective disposal of waste materials. It can be classified as hazardous waste, electronic trash (e-waste), industrial waste, and municipal solid waste (MSW). Sustainable waste management practices aim to reduce environmental impact while protecting public health. Urbanization leads to increased residential water consumption, however reusing wastewater for non-potable applications like agriculture can be cost-effective. The overall costs of delivering wastewater for agricultural reuse, including treatment, storage, and transportation, are less the total costs of safe environmental disposal alternatives. Drainage may also be a source of macronutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium), which reduces the cost of wastewater for agricultural reuse. The adoption of these principles could lead to a 48% reduction in global greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. The management of hazardous waste, including toxic, flammable, corrosive, or reactive materials, is also a significant concern. In order to safeguard public health and stop the spread of infectious illnesses, animal manure management is crucial. The global generation of construction and demolition waste is expected to double by 2025, with the majority generated in Asia. Sustainable waste management practices are necessary to ensure public health and the environment.