Waste management is becoming more important as the human population continues to grow and new countries emerge around the globe. With less than 60% of household waste currently being collected, it is one of the most unregulated waste types.
All people have a responsibility to ensure that their household's waste is properly sorted and disposed of. It doesn't have to be difficult to dispose of waste responsibly. Continue reading to learn some helpful tips on managing household waste. These tips can help you get organized and make sure that your waste is properly disposed of.
Reduce waste
Recycling products and making sure they are properly processed is a great way of helping the planet. But the best thing consumers can do to reduce their ecological footprint is to reduce the amount they waste. There are many ways you can reduce waste.
Avoid using plastics
Plastic waste is almost never recyclable. Plastic bags cannot be recycled using municipal recycling programs so it's best to avoid them. Plastic storage containers are also prohibited. Another way of disposing waste is using dumpsters instead. Some Fort Myers dumpster rental companies offer services and consultations.
Buy reusable cloth shopping bags instead of plastic bags. Glass is better than plastic storage containers. These methods are healthier for both the household and the planet.
Buy in bulk
It is possible to buy foods in bulk and avoid packaging. This will help reduce plastic waste. Avoid multi-layered packaging for consumer goods. It is possible to cut down on the packaging by buying in bulk and bringing your own glass containers. If you are unable to purchase in bulk, consider products that have less packaging or companies that recycle packaging.
Go digital
It is easy to reduce waste by switching to online billing. Many merchants offer email receipts. Online banking, electronic receipts and other digital transactions can reduce the use of resources while offering a more convenient alternative than paper bills and receipts.
Repurpose containers
It's not a good idea to throw away glass or durable plastic containers and spend money on Tupperware and storage tins. Save your containers instead for home organization, leftovers, and other projects.
Recycling products
Modern homes' home recycling programs should be more than just returning cans for deposit. If your local waste management company doesn't offer recycling services, you might consider setting one up.
Donate clothes and home goods
A lot of trash can be generated by a home clean-out. Many times, the clothes, electronics, and household goods that are left behind in basements, attics, or storage units can still be useful. Instead of throwing them away in a landfill, donate your home goods to local shelters, schools or thrift shops.
Compost food scraps
Modern households dump their food scraps into the trash without realizing they are wasting valuable resources. Food scraps can be composted to help reduce organic waste and put it back in the soil. If you don't have enough space to grow your own garden or compost processing, consider municipal composting programs.
If you have the space and time to compost your yard waste, it is possible. To properly break down compost piles, they need carbon-rich materials. Here is a list of items that belong in a compost pile
- vegetable scraps
- Coffee grounds
- Tea bags
- eggshells
- Unwaxed paper
- Unwaxed cardboard
- sawdust
- Small branches and sticks
- Leaves
- Clippings of grass
This list does not include many common foods. Although animal products such as meat, cheese, yogurt, and other dairy products will eventually compost, they can be contaminated with pathogens that require extra care and time. For novice gardeners, it is best to avoid these pathogens.
Learn how you recycle responsibly
Many private and municipal waste disposal companies will accept recycled materials. You should only recycle clean, uncontaminated items. Here is a list of items that can be thrown in the recycle bin.
- Plastic containers that are recyclable (often marked as no. 1-7)
- Paper
- Aluminum cans
- Glass
- Metal
- Cardboard
Dispose of waste responsibly
Some things cannot be avoided, reused or recycled. Sometimes, it is necessary to rent a dumpster in order to dispose of non-recyclable debris and waste. Make sure you separate recyclables, compostable items and hazardous waste.
Many municipalities have regulations that govern the disposal of certain household objects. These include unused medicines, batteries, syringes and chemicals. If in doubt, contact the waste disposal company to determine if the item is appropriate for regular trash.
Chemicals and other toxic substances can leach into soil, water, or air when they are disposed of in landfills. The pollution poses health and safety risks to landfill workers and residents nearby, damages plants, and renders the area uninhabitable for wildlife. Instead of sending hazardous materials to the landfill, it is better to be cautious and call the authorities to inquire about them.
THE BOTTOM LINE
It doesn't take much to reduce the amount of household waste ending up in the landfill. Start small, like setting up a recycling bin. Once everyone is comfortable with the idea, you can get them to use it. Once everyone is comfortable with the change, you can move on to setting up a compost container or donating clothing, electronics, or household goods. It is worth it.
