1. 'Garbage stinks' because it consists of rotting organic matter.
2.`Garbage is ugly' because we do not throw it properly in bins.
3.`Garbage remains uncleared' because there is too much of it which even municipal corporations can't get rid of.
4.`Garbage gets strewn' because it contains useful material which people, animals and birds want, and while looking for it, they scatter it.
5.'Garbage pollutes because when burnt in the open, toxic fumes and smoke are given off that cause respiratory disorders.
6.`Garbage becomes a health hazard' when it is left to rot on streets and roads. ']'his breeds insects, rodents and bacteria that cause and spread disease.

Most of us have the habit of retaining packaging such as cardboard, glass, metal or plastic containers for reuse in our homes and offices. We also consciously put away things like newspaper, tins, glass bottles and milk covers which can be sold to `raddiwalas'.

Despite this laudable habit which reduces much of the garbage thrown, there is still a lot of waste that reaches the roadside bin.

Segregate Before you Throw !

How do we segregate?

Keep four separate containers for DRY, WET TOXIC and SOILED wastes and make a habit of dropping things into the appropriate containers.

DRY waste : Scraps of paper, plastic, metal, glass pieces, rags, rubber, leather, crockery and even some containers which are normally not taken by the raddhiwalas, can all go into a white bag or bin, used cardboard carton, sack or basket. This can be given to the ragpicker once or twice a week.

WET waste : Kitchen waste such as vegetable peels and remains of fruits, vegetables, bone and meat can be fed to domestic animals or along with left overs and rotten food, garden litter, hedge clippings and the like, can be collected in green covered bins and composted in homes, schools, gardens and parks or in neighborhood composting sites.

TOXIC waste : Unused medicines which have not expired can be given to free clinics and hospitals. However, unused toxic material such as expired medicines, pesticides, chemicals, used batteries, tube lights etc., have to be stored in black bags or bins and disposed off in a proper manner with the help of the municipality or other government bodies.

SOILED waste : Soiled and infected cotton, drips, injection syringes and needles, diapers, sanitary napkins, dressings, used tissues and condoms should be collected in red bins or bags tied at the mouth and left in the corporation bin meant for safe disposal in sanitary landfills or in those meant for collection by the common Biomedical Waste Treatment facility operator.

How can we reduce Garbage?

In our homes, offices, shops...

Let us learn to reuse any material as much as possible before we throw it. For instance, we could all save paper.

We could write on both sides of a page or make a new note book from unused sheets of old note books. Birthday cards and decorations can be made from used cards, gift wrapping paper and sweet wrappers.

We could carry our own cloth or jute bags when we go shopping. Plastic cups and containers can be reused for keeping pins, pens and little odd things which we require ever so often.

We could reduce consumption and wastage of chemicals such as acids (to clean toilets), cleaning agents, polishing agents, and motor oils. We could avoid using unnecessary and dangerous pesticides.

Tips for Reducing Garbage

The average household generates 1 tons of solid waste every year. Unfortunately, there's no such thing as throwing garbage "away." Waste can be moved, compacted, buried or burned-but there's always something left. That's why it's important to reduce the amount of garbage you generate. Here's how :

• Buy minimally packaged items. Avoid individually wrapped items.
• Choose products in packaging made from recyclable materials (i.e. eggs in paper cartons) 
• Buy items in recyclable packaging.
• Buy long-lasting and reusable products, rather than disposables.
• Ask clerks not to bag small purchases. Instead, take the receipt and put the item in your purse, pocket or cloth bag.
• Reuse bags and packages whenever you can. Use glass jars and resealable plastic containers to store small items.
• Use paper bags to collect recyclables or hold garbage. Small plastic bags and cereal box liners can be used to hold table scraps or take along when you walk the dog.
• Have a garage sale or share used items rather than throwing them away. Give magazines to friends or nursing homes.
• Donate household items to charitable organizations (some will pick these items up from your home).