Waste Classification: Definitions and Types

Waste Classification is the first and most important step for Recycling, Reusing and Reducing.

Most of the solid waste generated comprises of daily use items that are found easily in every household. The composition of solid waste can be seen as below:

For this waste to be effectively segregated for proper management, it is very important to start classifying it correctly.

Waste Classification mainly occurs on the basis of their biological, chemical and physical properties and also on the basis of nature. For the purposes of segregation at source, waste is classified in to the following categories:

• Dry Waste – Refers to all items that are not considered wet/soiled items. This includes both recyclable and non-recyclable materials. Dry waste includes items such as bottles, cans, clothing, plastic, wood, glass, metals and paper.
• Wet Waste – Refers to all items that are organic like food items, soiled food wrappers, hygiene products, yard waste, tissues and paper towels, as well as any other soiled item that would contaminate the recyclables.
• Sanitary Waste – Refers to all liquid or solid waste originating solely from humans and human activities. (Can also include items from medical waste)
• Hazardous Household Waste – Refers to all household products that contain corrosive, toxic, ignitable, or reactive ingredients, other than used oil.
• E-Waste – Refers to all kinds of electronic waste.