Waste is any substance discarded after primary use, or is worthless, defective, and of no use. A by-product, by contrast, is a joint product of relatively minor economic value. A waste product may become a by-product, joint product, or resource through an invention that raises a waste product's value above zero. In every corner of the globe, mass consumption has come to dominate, Whether in advanced or developing counties and whether in urban or rural areas, we must face the serious challenge of handling the industrial wastes produced by our activities of daily living. Foul odors at garbage dumps and sewage treatment plants are problematic in many parts of the globe. The increasing consumption and production activities in all the subsectors of the economy along with the population growth, settlements, urbanization, industrialization, etc. will contribute to enhancing waste generation. It is expected that waste generation is likely to increase further in the years to come. Ideally, we must develop ways to minimize the So there is the absolute need for waste management approaches. The first step of scientific and effective waste management starts from the categorization and collection of waste from the primary sources where they are generated. At present, there are numerous technologies developed so far for the management of waste as environmental management, waste recycling, treatment and disposal, pollution control and prevention and wastewater reuse became the most important issues and in the top of the global agenda. The selection of the correct disposal methods should focus on environmentally safe, sound methods. Of the various techniques being implemented and already discussed like composting, recycling, and so on, here another technology being applied for waste management is the use of effective microorganisms. EM has been used at waste and wastewater treatment plants all over the world. EM has enabled the suppression of foul odors and the manufacture of high-quality compost. This leads to a better resource.

What is EM?

Effective microorganisms technology is the method that has been developed by the Professor T.Higa of Japan in which a mixed culture of beneficial, microorganisms particularly photosynthesis, lactic acid forming bacteria, yeasts, actinomycetes, and fermenting fungus are applied as an inoculant to enhance the microbial activities and diversity of the soils. and has also been described as a multi-culture of coexisting anaerobic and aerobic beneficial microorganisms. The main species involved in EM include Lactic acid bacteria: Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus casei, Streptoccus lactis; Photosynthetic bacteria: Rhodopseudomonas palustrus, Rhodobacter spaeroides; Yeasts: Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Candida utilis; Actinomycetes: Streptomyces albus, Streptomyces griseus.

 EM can be used in various forms such as:

-           EM -1: with the irrigation water

-           EM- 5:  EM-1 with vinegar, spirit, molasses, garlic, Chilly, and Neem. This is fermented for 30 days and then used for the small vegetable crop which has an effective role in controlling the various insects and pests in the crop.

-          EM Bio pesticide : EM + mustard cake, fish powder

-           EM- X: EM + soya sauce is mixed to make the probiotics. This probiotic consists of the maximum amount of minerals, vitamins, and enzymes

-            EM Ceramix: EM + special soil are fermented and produced. These are used for maintaining the water quality and the health of the animals.

How EM helps in waste management?

EM is eco-friendly, safe, and organic. EM is effective in all conditions. The turning process requires 20 to 22 days with a higher C: N ratio due to the presence of microbes. EM technology is not only environmentally friendly but goes a step further to protect the environment. It suppresses harmful gases generated from the garbage. Introducing EM into the anaerobic treatment facilities helps to reduce the unpleasant by-products of this decomposition.

Hence use of EM could be the best alternative for waste management and water treatments that are environmentally sound, cost-effective, and applicable in small to large quantities of organic garbage, it will reduce the number of pollutants, garbage, and foul odor.