The improper handling and transfer of the solid wastes results in various health and environmental hazards, such as:
1. Spoilage of landscape:
Municipal wastes heap up on roads due to improper disposal system. Every year, several tons of solid waste is dumped along the high ways and other places, thereby spoiling the landscape.
2. Health hazards:
Heaps of domestic and industrial wastes are dumped on vacant and unused land in residential areas which causes unhygienic conditions and ultimately results into outbreak of diseases like cholera, gastroenteritis, malaria, dengue etc.
3. Effect on soil:
Many wastes may spread on the soil and change physio-chemical and biological characteristics of the soil. It adversely affects the fertility of the soil.
4. Effects on terrestrial and aquatic life:
Urban and industrial wastes often contain a variety of toxic chemicals. Such chemicals may enter into the food-chain and effect both terrestrial and aquatic organisms.