No matter how efficient or frugal somebody is, it is inevitable that they will generate some waste that needs to be disposed of. While everybody is familiar with this fact, what may be less well-known is the different waste management methods that are used to deal with this waste.
Recycling
We know – you’ve heard it a thousand times. Recycle, recycle, recycle.
And we’re going to tell you again, because recycling really is one of the best waste management methods. Recycling reclaims potentially useful materials from the waste that gets generated by businesses and residences.
Recycling involves sorting out materials that are valuable for reuse. They can be processed and repurposed into new goods.
There are a variety of materials that can be efficiently recycled to improve the economical and ecological outcomes of waste. Did you know cardboard can be recycled very efficiently, using only 75% of the energy required to make new cardboard? And according to the National Institutes of Health:
- By recycling paper, up to 60% less tress will need to be harvested
- It takes 95% less energy to recycle aluminum as it does to make it from raw materials
- Recycled steel saves 60% in production energy, recycled newspaper saves 40%, recycles plastics saves 70% and recycled glass saves 40%
Glass, plastics, paper products, cardboard and metals such as aluminum are good candidates for recycling. You can visit your county waste authority to find out what materials are recycled and where to take them.
Composting
Among the many different types of waste that ends up being thrown away, food waste is one of the most prevalent.
The USDA estimates that food waste in the United States is at roughly 30% to 40% of the total food supply.
Given that many people are faced with the struggles of food insecurity, finding a way to reduce that waste is vital. Some food waste is inevitable, so it’s also important to find a way to effectively reuse food that gets thrown out.
A food waste management method that is widely used is composting. Composting is an effective method for waste management because it can be used whether you live in an apartment in the city or farm in the county.
Composting is a process of breaking down organic material into a nutrient dense soil. This soil can be added to your yard, garden, or house plants for a burst of fertilization. To get more information on composting, visit the EPA’s “Composting at Home”.
Animal Feed
Another method of dealing with food waste is using it as animal feed.
Whether you have farm animals or wild animals in your backyard, throwing out viable food scraps to animals is a great way to keep it out of the landfill.
Be sure to do some initial research on your area’s wildlife laws, wildlife in your area, and what they can and can’t eat. Domesticated animals require some initial research as well, such as what foods may be harmful to animals.
It’s important to keep in mind, that whether you’re composting or feeding your local Bambi, the majority of the food scraps you’ll be working with are organic materials, such as vegetables and fruit scraps.
Landfill Disposal
Another common means of waste management is sending solid waste to landfills so that it can be piled up and buried away from commercial or residential areas.
While this waste management method is widely used, there are negative impacts on the environment due to the land being used and harmful materials released into the ground.
As society becomes more ecologically conscious, people are looking for ways to reduce the overuse of landfills. Recycling and composting, as we talked about earlier, are great ways to reduce the amount of waste in the landfill.
Another area with room for improvement is the packaging of goods; about one-third of the mass at any given landfill is made up of packaging material. By reducing our single-use or single-packaged items, carrying reusable containers for leftovers, and drinking out of a reusable water bottle, we can limit the amount of packaging in the landfill
Alternative Waste Management Methods
Since landfills aren’t a very efficient way to use land and their negative impacts on the environment, waste management professionals are seeking alternative ways to dispose of rubbish.
While most of these methods are still being researched, there are a few methods we’re getting close to being able to use effectively and efficiently.
Incineration
One waste management method that has seen increased use over recent years is waste incineration.
This method involves burning non-recyclable waste so that it doesn’t take up space in a landfill.
However, this method is not without downsides. It takes a great deal of energy to run a trash incinerator at temperatures high enough to break down the materials.
In addition, the byproducts of the incineration process also emit high levels of carbon into the atmosphere. These emissions trap heat in the atmosphere and contribute to global warming.
Plasma Gasification
The advance in technology has allowed new methods of waste disposal to come to the fore, increasing our ability to handle the waste that society generates.
Like incineration, another waste management method being researched is plasma gasification. This method involves exposing waste to high temperatures that convert the waste into a highly ionized gas.
While this method still required extremely high temperatures to reduce the waste, there are potentially better uses for the byproducts. Instead of burning, which results in a release of carbon, gasification produces gas primarily made up of hydrogen and carbon monoxide.
Benefits of a Waste Management Service
Quick and Convenient
No one wants to waste more time than needed to get rid of rubbish. With a waste management service, you have access to a weekly trash pick up and most waste management companies offer dumpster rental services for those larger projects.
Great for Any Project
At Panhandle Dumpsters, we offer a variety of services catered to the needs of our clients. In addition to a weekly trash pick-up, we offer free bulk pick-up twice a month for large items as well as dumpster rental for your big projects.
No matter what you need to get done, Panhandle Dumpsters is a one-size-fits-all solution that can take care of all your waste management needs.
Cost-Effective
We know you want to get the best value for your money. Our competitive prices for trash service and dumpster rentals let your life be clutter-free and keep your wallet happy
Searching For A New, Local, Residential Trash Pickup Provider In The Eastern Panhandle Of West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland Or Virginia? We Should Talk!
If you’re looking for a well respected trash pickup or dumpster company to service your property the search is over! Panhandle Dumpsters is a family owned and operated business that services clients throughout the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia as well as the surrounding states of Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia. Please feel free to call us directly at 304.707.3913 and we will be happy to explain our affordable pricing plans. We take great pride in being 100% transparent with no hidden fees! We also offer a variety of discounts for senior citizens, first responders and military members. You may have never fallen in love with your garbage hauling company in the past, but we’re convinced you’ll fall in love with us!
