Waste disposal is a surprisingly complex and important for the future of our earth. Read here to find out the best ways to reduce your waste.
The United States is the #1 waste-producing country in the world, and each American creates roughly 1,609 pounds per year. However, within that waste are tons of recyclable materials, food, and electronics.
Despite the fact that most people toss all of their garbage in the trash, there are several other methods of waster disposal. To learn more about how to properly get rid of waste, keep reading the information below:
1. Recycling
Recycling is one of the most effective forms of green waste disposal. It’s environmentally friendly and allows materials like glass, paper, aluminum, and plastic to be reused instead of going back into nature.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency estimates that nearly 75% of American waste is reusable, but only 30% of it is recycled.
Failing to recycle clogs landfills and creates unnecessary waste for materials that can continue to be used.
2. Incineration
Incineration is one of the most common forms of yard waste disposal. It’s the process of transforming waste into base components using generated heat.
Pollution is created with this method depending on the kind of waste that’s combusted and the incinerator design.
However, filters can help to reduce the pollution. Burning waste is an inexpensive technique, and it minimizes garbage volume by 90%. The ashes that come from burning organic material is nutrient-rich and can create hydroponics solutions.
Incineration can also be used to get rid of hazardous and toxic waste. The energy that comes from using this technique can be used for heating and supply power to turbine.
On the other hand, if incineration is used for these types of materials, it has to be done properly. The process has to be carefully monitored for leakage of microbial contaminants like dioxins.
3. Sanitary Landfills
One of the most advanced waste disposal techniques is using sanitary landfills. It’s similar to a standard Mansfield but the base is covered with a protective lining that creates a shield between the waste and groundwater.
It also helps to prevent toxic chemicals from going into the water. Not only that, but waste can become compacted and create a coating on the earth layer.
The best solution for a sanitary landfill is non-porous soil because it helps to prevent leakage of toxic chemicals.
Furthermore, landfills should be held in areas with low groundwater and far away from places that flood.
4. Waste Disposal in the Ocean and Sea
A controversial form of waste disposal is waste dumping in the ocean. It’s usually done in bodies of water that are far from humans. However, this method puts aquatic life danger.
Many environmentalists are challenging this form of disposal. Also, many companies have joined in alliance against this type of waste management. Some large retailers have done away with plastic straws, which has been known to be harmful to water animals.
5. Composting
Composting is a great form of green waste disposal. The process involves the decomposition of organic waste by microbes. When the waste stays accumulated for long periods of time it can be used as plant manure.
It’s a great way to reuse fruit and vegetable peels to create more food. This method is slow but it’s beneficial.
6. Plasma Gasification
Plasma gasification is another eco-friendly waste disposal technique. It’s used to transform commodity recyclables that are distracted from municipal solid waste from the landfill into energy.
The materials are put into contact with high temperatures and converted to syngas. It’s a gas that can be directly combusted or refined into fuel and chemicals.
The non-organic portion of the waste is then transformed into slag.
Slag is cooled, tightly gripped solid waste that can be used in the building of raw material. Plasma gasification is used in industries that aim to have zero waste.
7. E-waste Disposal
Electronic waste comes from throwing away electrical items like cell phones, TV’s computers. This type of waste is toxic to the environment and should be disposed of properly.
Recycling is the best way to get rid of these items. Cell phone companies and electronic retailers often have buyback programs from tech products. The copper, plastic, glass, and other materials from the products can be reused for more products.
8. Anaerobic Digestion
Anaerobic digestion is the process of where microorganisms break down biodegradable material in the absence of oxygen.
The process is used for industrial or domestic purposes to manage sewage and organic wastes (but not solid wastes). It breaks down sewage sludge at wastewater treatment facilities, byproducts at food and beverage processing facilities and waste (mainly manure) at farms.
It can also be used as an energy source and take the waste from cows, pigs, and chickens raised en masse for human consumption, and generate energy to power our cars, homes, and electronics.
While anaerobic digesters are an attractive path to renewable energy, the systems are still expensive and not extremely efficient. Large scale production that can supply a large population at a low cost is still a work in progress.
The Importance of Proper Waste Disposal
Proper waste disposal is vital for several different reasons. One of the most obvious reasons is the environment. With thousands of pounds of waste that are thrown away into landfills every day, it has to go somewhere.
Harmful toxins and chemicals can find their way into the sources that people need for food, water, and air.
Furthermore, proper waste disposal ensures humans are safe. When our environment is clean, it reduces the risk of health issues and hazards that are harmful. Properly getting rid of garbage also minimizes the chance of illness and diseases spreading through the air and causing respiratory disorders.
Plus, when toxic products enter the waterways, that can affect the safety of drinking water.
Lastly, proper disposal prevents material from going to landfills. When things like plastic, glass, and aluminum are reused, it’s being put to good use and not piling up in a land field. Materials that are recyclable should be reused, not thrown away.
Trucks for Waste Disposal
If you need a truck for waste collection, Trucks & Parts is the #1 garbage truck dealer. We have a vast inventory of new and used garbage trucks, and we buy them as well. We are waste collection industry experts and we know garbage trucks. Our trucks have the newest technology and will deliver improved productivity and help you serve your communities better.
If you have any questions about our products and services, call us at 877-735-8782. We look forward to partnering with you.
