The production of waste materials is an inescapable part of our modern, consumerist lifestyles. Be it municipal solid waste (MSW) collected from households, refuse left behind after a construction project, or liquid waste from industries, everyday human activities often lead to a huge volume of waste being generated. Such waste must be carefully disposed off in an environmentally friendly manner. Otherwise, it may release toxic chemicals that may endanger human health and further harm the planet.
As types of waste can vary widely, there are different methods of waste disposal available in each region. Thus, waste reduction and effective waste management should be the top priority of every citizen. This is to ensure our continued existence on Earth. If you need any assistance with waste collection and disposal, you can always reach out to Discount Dumpster for a hassle-free experience.
Different types of waste require different methods of waste disposal. For instance, while organic wastes from the kitchen can easily be decomposed in a composting pit, a sanitary napkin may take 500 to 800 years to degrade. Thus, while the former can be easily converted to nutrient rich compost, the latter cannot and requires a different method of waste disposal.
As a result, we have several methods of waste disposal:
In 2018, around 294.2 million tons of municipal solid waste was generated in the United States. That amounts to 4.9 pounds per person per day, thus making it all the more important to reuse, recycle and adopt sustainable waste disposal practices.
Some popular methods of waste disposal are outlined below:
A large portion of MSW and industrial waste end up in landfills. Landfills are usually located away from the city so that any toxic gases released by decomposing materials do not affect inhabitants. Moreover, modern landfills are specially designed to mitigate pollution.
For instance, a sanitary landfill usually has a protective lining to ensure that waste materials do not seep into the groundwater. Alongside regular maintenance checks, layers of soil are poured over the refuse to prevent odors and noxious chemicals from leaking.
Some types of waste are not suitable for landfills. Such waste can instead be incinerated at extremely high temperatures, converting it to ash and gas. In some cases, incineration is often preferred as it can reduce the volume of waste by as much as 90%. However, burning industrial waste can also result in air pollution, so the facility must comply with the necessary government standards and guidelines.
Unlike plastic, organic wastes are relatively easy to dispose off. With the help of microorganisms and fungi, they degrade easily in the soil and can be converted to nutrient-rich manure. In some cases, composting is done with the help of earthworms and is called vermicomposting. The manure can later be added to agricultural fields, and thus greatly benefits the farming industry.
Since burning waste materials releases energy, a number of waste-to-energy plants have been constructed. Waste from biodegradable matter can be used to generate biogas which is used as a fuel. In certain cases, the energy from burning industrial waste can be used to produce electricity and heat, which can power communities. However, companies must still comply with government regulations to minimize air pollution.
Recycling and repurposing waste materials is one of the best ways of conserving the environment. Instead of trying to completely dispose off the waste matter, parts of it can be reused or recycled. This not only reduces waste generation but also decreases the need to get new raw materials. For instance, aluminum, glass, steel, copper and even paper can all be recycled.
These waste disposal methods not only help in reducing waste and conserving the environment, but they also actively benefit different communities in following ways:
Denver’s new “pay as you throw” policy for trash disposal encourages residents to reuse and recycle more. Their “Waste No More” Bill aims to minimize landfill waste and ensure that businesses comply with governmental regulations.
Chicago has a well-connected network of transfer stations that temporarily sort and store the garbage before being taken to Livingston landfill near Pontiac, Illinois which receives roughly 5000 tons of garbage every day and has a specialized gas extraction system.
As part of Phoenix’s commitment to zero waste, it aims to crack down on illegal dumping and boost community engagement by educating the public on the benefits of recycling.
Houston recently hosted a “Dump Day” to encourage residents to dispose off household waste, as part of a larger effort to decrease illegal dumping and promote efficient waste management.
In a bid to divert trash from landfill sites, Kansas City has launched a pilot composting program for food waste, bigger recycling carts and litter clean-up events that the community can participate in.
Thus, due to the sheer variety of waste, different methods of waste disposal are required to ensure that garbage is either recycled or disposed off in a safe and eco-friendly manner. Proper waste disposal prevents health hazards and ensures that pollution levels remain low. By being mindful of our consumption habits, minimizing waste and cooperating with waste management companies, we can do our part to protect the planet for future generations.
If you’re worried about keeping your surroundings clean and tidy, you can always rely on Discount Dumpster. Our rental containers come in various shapes and sizes to suit your every need, be it a construction project or house repairs.
Moreover, we offer a flexible 14-day rental period with free pick-up and delivery, so that you’re in no rush to load up the dumpster. Also, if you need any assistance in getting rid of any hazardous waste, our knowledgeable team can help you find alternative means of recycling or disposal.
With several years of industry experience, we assure you that our prices are the cheapest in the region, with no hidden fees or taxes. Call us today to chat with our staff and get a no-obligation quote right away!
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