Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - JHS 1
WASTE MANAGEMENT
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WASTE MANAGEMENT
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Subject: Science
Class: JHS 1
Term: 3rd Term
Week: 9
Grade code: B7.5.1.1.1
Strand code: 5
Sub-strand code: 1
Content standard code: B7.5.1.1
Indicator code: B7.5.1.1.1
Theme: HUMANS AND THE ENVIRONMENT
Subtheme: WASTE MANAGEMENT
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Waste management is how we handle, treat and dispose of waste to protect human health and the environment. In Ghana, poor waste management can lead to choked gutters and flooding, malaria and cholera outbreaks, bad odour, air pollution from burning, and loss of money that could be saved through recycling and composting. Learners see waste daily at home, in school, at the market, and in their communities—so this topic helps them use research-based information to solve real problems.
2.1 Meaning of Waste Waste is any material that is no longer wanted or useful and is thrown away. Waste can be: Solid (plastic bottles, food leftovers, paper) Liquid (wastewater, oil) Gaseous (smoke from burning waste) 2.2 Types of Waste (with Ghanaian examples) Organic/Biodegradable waste: decomposes naturally by microorganisms. Examples: orange peels, leftover banku, leaves, garden waste. Inorganic/Non-biodegradable waste: does not decompose easily. Examples: plastics (sachet water rubbers), glass bottles, metals (tin cans). Hazardous waste: can harm people/environment due to toxic, corrosive, flammable or infectious properties. Examples: used batteries, pesticides, expired medicines, paint, used sanitary pads. E-waste: electronic waste containing harmful metals. Examples: broken phones, chargers, computer parts, TV parts.
Why classification matters: Different wastes need different handling. Mixing everything makes recycling/composting difficult and increases health risks. 2.3 Good Waste Management Practices (Research-Based) Good waste management follows a hierarchy (best to least preferred): (A) The 5Rs (Waste Hierarchy) Refuse: avoid unnecessary items (e.g., refuse extra plastic bags). Reduce: use less (e.g., bring water in a reusable bottle). Reuse: use again (e.g., reuse jars for storage). Recycle: process waste into new products (e.g., plastics, metals). Recover/Rot: recover energy or compost organic waste.
*(Disposal is the last option when others are not possible.)* (B) Segregation (Sorting at Source) Segregation means separating waste where it is produced (home/school) into bins such as: Green: organic Blue: paper Yellow: plastics/metals Red: hazardous
Science idea: Sorting reduces contamination. Clean plastics and metals are easier to recycle. Organic waste kept separate decomposes well into compost. 2.4 Science Underlying Waste Management Methods 1) Composting (for organic waste) Composting is the controlled decomposition of organic waste by microorganisms (bacteria and fungi) to form humus/compost (a soil conditioner).