For years, scientists have warned us that the amount of greenhouse gases that are being released into the atmosphere is having a hugely detrimental effect on the environment. One of the main causes of greenhouse gases is the result of poor waste disposal practices. If this is not handled responsibly, our climate will continue to suffer. This is exactly why environmentally friendly waste disposal is so important – our extensive guide covers all you need to know about the importance of environmental waste disposal.
What is environmental waste management?
Environmental waste management covers the practices and methods used to handle, dispose of, and minimise the impact of waste on the environment. This involves the collection, transportation, processing, recycling, and disposal of various types of waste, including solid waste, hazardous waste, and wastewater. Eco-friendly waste disposal aims to reduce the amount of waste generated, promote recycling and reuse, and ensure the safe and proper disposal of waste that cannot be recycled or reused. It encourages the use of various strategies and techniques, such as waste segregation, composting, recycling, landfilling, incineration, and wastewater treatment, in addition to implementing regulations and policies to regulate waste management practices and promote sustainable waste management solutions. By putting these methods into practice, we can minimise the environmental impact of waste, conserve natural resources, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and create a healthier and more sustainable environment for future generations.
The benefits of environmental waste management
Eco-friendly waste disposal is beneficial in many ways:
Cost-effective
One of the main benefits of sustainable waste management is saving money. Cost-effective opportunities arise from reducing the amount of waste created and reusing or recycling materials. For example, businesses can save money by reducing the amount of packaging they use and recycling materials like cardboard and plastic. Companies can also save money on maintenance and operating costs by using fewer resources, such as energy and water.
Improved environmental health
Reducing pollution and dangerous chemicals is a key goal of environmental waste management. Reusing materials can decrease the need for new resources, which helps protect the environment from the impacts of resource extraction. Sustainable waste management can also improve air and water quality, improving communities’ health.
Resource conservation
Reusing and repurposing materials is a form of sustainable waste management practice that can reduce the need for new resources and help conserve materials. Recycling materials like paper, plastic, and metal can also help save resources and reduce the need for new resources.
Public health and safety
Eco-friendly waste management can also improve health and safety, as reducing the number of toxic chemicals in the environment can help reduce the risks of health problems. Additionally, lowering the amount of waste generated can reduce the number of pests and disease-carrying organisms. Improving air and water quality can also lead to improved health and safety.
Key methods of eco-friendly waste disposal
When it comes to environmentally friendly waste management, there are numerous methods to effectively dispose of waste:
Recycling
Recycling not only safeguards the environment but also maintains cleanliness within communities:
- By recycling materials such as aluminium, glass, plastic, and paper, we ensure their repeated use and prevent them from ending up in landfills.
- The recycling process involves the sorting of these materials into distinct categories, followed by their transport to recycling facilities where they are transformed into new products.
- In turn, effective recycling decreases the world’s carbon footprint. The energy required to manufacture new products from recycled materials is significantly lower compared to producing them from scratch.
- Recycling additionally helps to diminish the demand for raw materials in the production of new goods. For instance, when paper is recycled, it reduces the need to cut down trees extensively, thereby fostering environmental equilibrium and curbing deforestation.
Waste sites
Careless disposal of hazardous waste poses significant risks to both the environment and human health. Substances such as batteries, petrol, kerosene, thermometers, cleaning and polishing products, and pharmaceuticals fall into this category. To help manage the harmful effects, designated waste facilities are established specifically for the disposal of hazardous waste. This specialised approach ensures that these materials are not indiscriminately dumped in landfills, where they can cause severe damage to the soil, air, and water systems. By utilising proper disposal methods, we can effectively safeguard the environment and protect human well-being from the adverse effects of hazardous waste.
Rubbish disposal units
While recycling water materials is beneficial, it’s important to consider that not all materials are recyclable. To avoid improper waste disposal, utilising rubbish disposal units can be beneficial. These units assist in breaking down large waste into smaller fragments, facilitating easier decomposition. Primarily used for kitchen waste, disposal units effectively reduce overall waste volume. Notably, approximately 20% of environmental waste consists of food waste. By employing rubbish disposal units instead of traditional bins, food waste can be transformed into valuable resources like fertiliser or renewable energy, rather than being deposited in landfills.
Bioremediation
Bioremediation offers a cost-effective and environmentally friendly approach to managing hazardous waste. By harnessing the power of natural degradation processes, this method transforms hazardous water into harmless substances. While it may be challenging to exert control over the natural degradation process and it may require a significant amount of time, bioremediation ultimately guarantees a pollution-free environment in the long term. Through the use of naturally occurring microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, hazardous contaminants are broken down and converted into non-toxic byproducts. This technique not only eliminates the need for expensive and energy-intensive treatment methods but also reduces the reliance on harmful chemicals.
Converting waste into energy
Converting waste into energy is a productive way of disposing of waste, and it has been in use for a long time:
- This method allows you to generate electricity or heat from your waste materials and is useful for the disposal of your non-recyclable materials.
- Some plants that make use of anaerobic digestion help in converting waste into energy by turning anything that can rot into farm fertiliser and biogas.
- When you use this method to dispose of your waste, it reduces your need for fossil fuel, which will in turn reduce carbon emissions in the environment.
- Several countries have adopted the method of converting waste into energy. Sweden, for example, makes use of 100% of its waste in producing energy and other products.
Composting
Composting is the oldest and most effective method of waste disposal. It refers to the process by which microorganisms break down organic waste into simpler forms – the carbon in the waste serves as a source of energy for these microorganisms. Not only does composting help to generate fertiliser but it also reduces the volume of waste. You can make use of the composting method at home or in a commercial setting. It’s important to bear in mind that if you want to use the composting method of waste disposal, you will have to consider the different types of waste. Inorganic and hazardous wastes should not be disposed of using the compost method, because any amount of inorganic or hazardous waste in your compost can destroy it.
Environmental waste disposal at Cherry Hill Waste
As leading waste recycling experts, at Cherry Hill Waste we strive to provide a clean waste disposal service to enterprises in Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme. We aim to send as little waste as possible to landfill. At the moment, our commercial waste recycling reports let us know that we recycle around or over 90% of all waste we receive, and almost 0% is sent to landfill. Over the next few years, we hope to dedicate ourselves even further and recycle 100% of our waste. If you’re looking for a company that specialises in green waste removal, then Cherry Hill Waste is here to help. We’ve got you covered when it comes to environmentally friendly waste disposal – get in touch with us today to find out more about our services.
