History of Waste Management

The history of waste management reflects our evolving understanding of health and the environment. In ancient times, societies disposed of waste in rivers or outskirts, leading to disease outbreaks. By the 19th century, rapid urbanization spurred the development of modern sanitation systems, like sewers and garbage collection, in response to public health crises. Environmental awareness grew in the 20th century, focusing on reducing pollution and promoting recycling. Today, sustainable waste management emphasizes waste reduction, resource recovery, and environmentally friendly practices to protect both public health and the planet, highlighting a continuous effort to balance human activity with ecological health.