Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - JHS 3
WASTE MANAGEMENT
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WASTE MANAGEMENT
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Subject: Science
Class: JHS 3
Term: 3rd Term
Week: 6
Grade code: B9.5.1.2.1
Strand code: 5
Sub-strand code: 1
Content standard code: B9.5.1.2
Indicator code: B9.5.1.2.1
Theme: HUMANS AND THE ENVIRONMENT
Subtheme: WASTE MANAGEMENT
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Waste management is how we reduce, collect, separate, treat and safely dispose of waste so that it does not harm people and the environment. In Ghana, poor waste management can lead to choked gutters and flooding, malaria and cholera, bad odour, air pollution from burning, and loss of tourism and business. Innovative (new and improved) ways of managing waste can help communities become cleaner, healthier and more economically productive, while protecting rivers, soils and the atmosphere.
A. Key Terms Waste: Unwanted materials that are thrown away after use (e.g., food leftovers, sachet water plastics, broken bottles). Waste management: The process of preventing, reducing, sorting, collecting, transporting, treating, recycling and disposing waste safely. Innovative ways: New, improved or creative methods that solve waste problems better than traditional methods. Sustainable development: Meeting today’s needs without destroying the environment and resources for future generations.
B. Types of Waste Common in Ghana (with examples) Biodegradable (organic) waste: Can rot/decompose naturally. Examples: food scraps, plantain peels, garden leaves, animal manure. Non-biodegradable waste: Does not decompose easily. Examples: plastics (sachet, bottles), metals (cans), glass, nylon bags. Hazardous waste: Dangerous to health/environment. Examples: used batteries, expired medicines, pesticides, paint containers, used engine oil. E-waste (electronic waste): Old/broken electronic devices. Examples: phones, chargers, TVs, computers, fridges, circuit boards.
Why classification matters: Different wastes need different treatment. For example, food waste can become compost, but batteries must not be mixed with food waste because of toxic chemicals.
C. Impacts of Waste on the Environment and Health (Ghana-focused) Choked gutters → flooding: Plastics block drains; during rains, water overflows into homes and roads. Breeding grounds for disease vectors: Stagnant water in waste supports mosquitoes → malaria; flies on waste contaminate food → diarrhoea, typhoid. Water pollution: Dumping into streams/sea (e.g., Korle Lagoon, beaches) harms fish and makes water unsafe. Air pollution: Burning plastics releases harmful gases and smoke → coughing, asthma, and long-term health risks. Soil pollution: Chemicals from batteries, e-waste, and oil seep into soil, affecting crops. Economic loss: More money spent on health care and clean-ups; reduced tourism and business attractiveness.