All Solid Semi-Solid Wastes Arising From Human And Animals Activities, Except Human Excreta And Sullage (Liquid Wastes From Bathrooms, Kitchens Etc.) are discarded as useless or unwanted are include in the term 'solid-wastes' or 'refuse'.  It includes garbage, rubbish, ashes and residues, demolition and construction wastes, dead animals, radioactive wastes, etc. the quantity of solid wastes produced depends upon the living standard of the population.

A few terms used in solid wastes are-

         Rubbish: it includes combustible and non-combustible solid wastes, excluding food wastes. Combustible rubbish includes paper, card-board, textiles, plastic, rubber, wood, garden-trimmings etc. non-combustible rubbish consists of glass, crockery, tin-cans, aluminum cans, metals, construction wastes etc.

         Garbage: it includes organic waste like animal, fruit or vegetable residue resulting from the handling, preparation, cooking and eating of food.