Rubbish is often solid, like an old can or box. But waste from a power station or factory can also be a liquid or a gas.
Some of this waste is dangerous. It harms nature if people do not clear it up properly.
Cars and homes also produce harmful gases by burning fuel.
Power stations produce waste gases.
Power stations release waste gases as they burn fuels, such as coal, oil and gas, to provide us with electricity. This energy is supplied to our homes, schools and factories to run machines. So, every time we switch on the computer or TV, we are helping to create waste.
Some factories empty liquid waste into rivers.
When factories make goods such as soap, medicine or paint, they may also produce poisonous chemicals as a waste product. Waste liquids sometimes leak into lakes and rivers, where they harm plants and wildlife such as fish and birds.
These workers’ clothes protect them from toxic (poison) waste.
Some factories produce toxic waste. This is very dangerous and contains chemicals that are harmful to all living things, including people. Toxic waste cannot be released into the air, soil or water.
Toxic waste and nuclear waste from power stations must be stored in sealed containers. This waste is buried under the ground, but it can still cause problems if it leaks out. It can be harmful for hundreds of years.
Batteries contain poisonous metals or acid.
Batteries contain metals and acids that can poison the environment. Most batteries usually end up in a hazardous waste landfill.
However, they can be recycled. Some towns collect batteries as part of a recycling programme.
One alternative is rechargeable batteries. They can be used many times and can also be recycled when they no longer work.
Picture Credit : Google