Waste management in your home probably isn’t an easy task, but it’s an important one.
Recycling is especially crucial since many of the raw materials we consume can be reused, and it creates less of an impact on the environment.
But how do you know which types of waste goes where?
How should they be separated and are there specific materials that should never be recycled? Below we’ll talk about the different kinds of waste, how to separate your household waste, and the best method to use for disposal.
Non-Recyclable Waste
These are types of materials and waste that are not readily recycled today. Non-recyclable waste is the waste that is put in the trash to be picked up. Many of these items include:
Organic Waste
Organic Waste is any material that can be considered biodegradable and originates from either an animal or a plant. Over time, natural waste is broken down by organisms and is primarily made up of vegetable and fruit debris.
The purpose of organic waste is to keep the environment clean and safe by using items that don’t damage the earth. A good example of non-organic waste is a plastic water bottle. These types of containers take a long time to disintegrate and have a negative impact on the planet.
Glass
Glass is found everywhere in our culture. We use glass containers for things like soda, beer, wine, food, and often find it in our furniture or appliances. The beautify of glass is that it is a material that can be recycled over and over with little effect on its strength, integrity, or quality.
Pay attention to the type of glass you’re using before you dispose of it. Some glass can be returned to the manufacturer for reuse, while other glass is better suited for recycling.
Plastic
Plastic is one of the most necessary waste materials to recycle, but it isn’t cheap to do so. Still, the cost of recycling is worth the effort to reduce the harmful effects of plastic on the environment. Separate your plastic products from garbage at home. This will help to diminish the amount of environmental pollution used to dispose of it as opposed to recycling it.
Cardboard and Paper
Both paper and cardboard derive from wood pulp, so it goes without saying that you can recycle these items. One of the great things about cardboard and paper waste is that it is cheaper and easier to recycle them than it is to create new products.
Cardboard and paper are a large part of our culture, so it is essential to dispose of them properly. Practicing appropriate waste management for paper and cardboard will help reduce the amount of trash we send to landfills and decrease the damage we do to the environment.
Hazardous Waste
It is essential that this type of waste be disposed of properly, as hazardous materials can cause significant and lasting damage to the environment. For example, take things like batteries, computers, televisions, and paint to local refuse collection points.
Some areas provide hazardous waste pick-services. Use these types of services to get rid of hazardous waste. Be sure to have these items set aside separate from your non-organic waste, and under no circumstances should you pour dangerous liquids down your sink drain, as it could contaminate local groundwater and rivers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, It’s important to understand how to separate your household waste and ensure that it is being disposed of properly. Proper waste management can have lasting effects on your community, and your environment.
Remember that your garbage disposal is not a catchall for your household waste. If your waste is inadvertently put down your garbage disposal and creates problems, don’t hesitate to reach out to your local disposal professional for help.