Environmental sanitation involves controlling the aspects of waste management that may lead to the transmission of disease. Included in the term waste management are water, solid waste, and industrial waste. Environmental sanitation also covers the topic of pollution.

The environmental conditions in a given area may be affected by waste disposal. Methods of waste disposal often vary based on living conditions and the accepted standard of living in a geographical area. While some countries provide wastewater treatment and trash collection, other countries may not have these systems in place to control environmental hygiene. When waste is not removed and treated properly, pollution may lead to the spread of disease.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are three areas that must be reviewed in order for environmental sanitation to be effective. These are water supply, sanitation, and hygiene education. The WHO currently offers guidelines on implementing environmental hygiene programs to improve overall health.

The water supply can play a huge part in pollution and the spread of disease. The most common sources of water include rainwater, surface water, and groundwater. Groundwater can be the least threatening of all potable water. The sources of groundwater, usually wells and springs, are often untainted by waste disposal. Rainwater and surface water, on the other hand, are often considered the least potable, and in need of water treatment before human consumption.

The most threatening source of water is often surface water. If waste is not disposed of properly, it can mix with water on the ground that may be collected for drinking and cooking. Contamination can be caused by household trash and human waste. The consumption of tainted water can lead to new disease outbreaks and the spread of current outbreaks.

Environmental sanitation is not limited to the pollution of water and improper disposal of waste. When factories or businesses dispose of chemical and physical waste in ways that directly affect the water supply, it is often referred to as industrial pollution. While the actual dumping site may occur several miles away from the main source of water, drainage and rainfall can cause the chemicals and physical waste to mix with the water supply.

Water treatment plants may not be able to remove certain chemicals and waste products from water, which can lead to the spread of diseases. Many waste disposal and water treatment plants are established to address and insure environmental sanitation. When proper disposal and treatment methods are followed, disease and pollution can be reduced.