Final answer:
After waste collection in waste management systems, waste is often either treated with decomposing bacteria or pumped into retention ponds. The treated waste may then be used as fertilizer or disposed of in landfills, depending on its safety.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student's question pertains to the step that follows the collection in a common type of waste management system. After collection, the typical methods for processing waste include anaerobic digestion in digesters, separation of waste into solid and liquid forms, and the use of waste as fertilizer or possible landfill disposal. Bioremediation processes, such as the use of specific kinds of bacteria for decomposition or cleaning up pollutants, also play a crucial role. Moreover, secondary treatment of sewage involves aeration and settling in a clarifier, where microorganisms decompose organic material and absorb nutrients.
Therefore, the answer after collecting a common type of waste may vary but could involve storing and treating the waste with decomposing bacteria or pumping it into retention ponds for further natural treatment processes such as lagooning. Additionally, the treated sludge might be used to fertilize croplands, providing it passes safety tests for contaminants.