Where does our waste end up?
Our waste ends up at different places depending on its source. Household wastes are disposed off either on public lands or on private contractors' sites. On the other hand, solid wastes from industrial units are collected and disposed off through public (municipal) facilities at low lying public grounds (landfill areas).
However, in most cities and towns of India, about 30 to 50 per cent of the waste generated is left uncollected. This uncollected waste accumulates on streets, in open spaces between houses, and in wastelands, leading to serious health hazards. Additionally, industrial waste is often dumped into rivers, causing water pollution.
Explanation
The textbook clearly outlines the destinations of urban waste from two main sources. Household/domestic waste goes to public lands or private contractor sites, while industrial waste goes to landfill areas through municipal facilities. The context also highlights the problem of uncollected waste in smaller cities and towns, which ends up on streets and open spaces. Industrial waste dumping in rivers is another destination mentioned, causing downstream pollution.