Sandra Wärenhed | 2023-02-15
Waste is a singular word that defines a wide range of different materials. What’s more is that waste management and disposal is not a one-size-fits-all process. Different types of waste require different disposal processes. As a leader in waste management, we’ll break down several different types of waste and how to get rid of them.
Solid Waste
Solid waste may include plastic, paper, metal, tin, glass and ceramics. However, the majority of solid waste comes from plastics in today’s day and age.
Recycling is the best way to dispose of solid waste to help keep the environment healthy and reduce the amount of unusable waste in the world. While this is possible for many types of solid waste like paper, metals, glass and ceramics, the majority of plastic waste can’t be recycled and, due to its non-biodegradable nature, it also must be separated from other types of waste.
The most popular method of recycling is physical reprocessing, which simply means that the waste is reused in the creation of a new product. Other types of recycling methods include scrap yards and heat treatment, which may be required for industrial waste, like glass and ceramics, so that they can be reused.
Liquid Waste
Liquid waste may include rainwater, organic liquids, detergents, dirty water, sludge or industrial oils.
Liquids are a common form of household waste, but they are also one of the main types of industrial waste. Liquid waste may be considered point or non-point source waste depending on its origin. Manufactured liquid waste is classified as point source waste and natural liquid waste is known as non-point source waste.
The methods of removing liquid waste include containment, treatment and disposal. Containment describes the storage of liquid waste in large tanks or barrels. Treatment is defined as using organic liquid waste to fertilize land and cultivate crops. Disposal is required if the liquid is too hazardous to treat or reuse.
Organic Waste
Organic waste relates to waste ordinarily found in households, such as food waste, plants and greenery. This may include meat, fish, bones, coffee grounds, tea bags, eggs, fruits, vegetables, bread and rice.
The great thing about organic waste is that it is biodegradable and will decompose over time. Once it is broken down, it can be reused as manure in agriculture and land growth.
However, it’s still essential to dispose of organic waste properly to ensure it can be reused. Organic waste produces large quantities of methane and cannot be thrown out with general waste. Instead, it should be placed in a green bin to be contained until it is decomposed and ready to be reused.
Hazardous Waste
Hazardous waste is classified as any type of toxic waste that may be harmful to the environment if not disposed of correctly, like flammable, reactive or corrosive materials.
Hazardous waste must be managed carefully through recycling, incineration, destruction, pyrolysis or landfill disposal. Not every type of hazardous waste can be recycled, but some may be reused in things like batteries. When this is not possible, destroying the hazardous waste can reduce its environmental impact whereas incinerating it can generate extra energy. Pyrolysis, on the other hand, is a high-temperature disposal method that reduces the chance of hazardous waste combustion in organic waste and pesticides. No matter the method, it’s crucial to contact a professional about the disposal of any hazardous waste.
Recyclable Waste
Recyclable waste covers a wide range of items from organic waste to metals to household goods like furniture. Paper, cardboard, plastic, electronics, metal, wood and clothing are all examples of recyclable items.
As previously mentioned, separating recyclable items from general trash is hugely important. Since not everything can be recycled, be sure to check the labels, tags or packaging of an item to verify whether it’s considered recyclable.
While waste management can be costly, confusing and time-consuming, Orwak has got you covered. Don’t waste any more effort on waste. We can help you understand your waste production and management needs and offer you solutions to dealing with your waste efficiently.