Which of the following treatments is/are used for solid waste management?

1. Pulverization
2. Pyrolysis
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans- c

Explanation- Solid waste can broadly be classified into two categories:

1. Municipal Solid Waste – which includes commercial and domestic wastes generated in a municipal or notified area in either solid or semi-solid form excluding industrial hazardous wastes but including treated bio-medical wastes.
2. Industrial hazardous waste- generated by various industries.

These waste contains various materials that are grinded into smaller particles using process of pulverization. Pulverization is the act of grinding to a powder or dust. In some places it is called as shredding when objects are cut or torn into small pieces.

Four types of shredders  are used for the shredding or pulverizing of solid waste: hammermills, drum pulverizers, crushers, and wet pulverizers.

Solid waste is shredded for several reasons like volume reduction. Under certain circumstances, shredded refuse can be disposed of in a landfill without requiring as stringent compaction and cover procedures. Resource recovery plants that separate waste into recyclables often include one or more shredding operations . If solid waste is to be transported mechanically, pneumatically, or hydraulically, shredding is a desirable.

Pyrolisis is a thermochemical decomposition of organic material at elevated temperatures in the absence of oxygen . It involves the simultaneous change of chemical composition and physical phase, and is irreversible.

It is very important process in Solid waste management. It leads to production of many important by products and prevents air pollution.

There are some other techniques which you can learn from here