How to Recycle Industrial Waste at Home
With the world constantly changing, we are consuming more and more products, and with this, we leave more and more waste. It is our responsibility to make the least possible negative impact on the planet that we can. With industrial waste becoming more and more frequent, waste management cannot be neglected, especially with its heightened side-effects in comparison to normal waste. Just to give you a perspective, in the USA the total amount of municipal solid waste generated in 2018 was 294.4 million tons or 4.9 per person per day. With this in mind, waste management becomes a far more serious topic. You might think this doesn’t reflect the situation in other less-developed countries, but even though those countries produce less toxic waste, they also don’t have properly developed programs to manage them, leading to most of the solid and industrial waste being simply thrown in bodies of water, burned, or just thrown in a dump.
Managing Hazardous Waste
Some types of wastes contain hazardous properties that can negatively affect people, animals, and the environment. It became a serious problem to manage industrial waste in the past so most first world countries use clay or plastic liners first before placing the waste underground in order to prevent drinking water contamination. Trees and plants can be planted on top of the soil in which the toxic contents are buried in order to prevent erosion.
Depending on the materials, some landfills won’t accept certain hazardous wastes like paint, used motor oil, or insecticides.
Battery recycling is becoming more frequent around the world (and it is even mandatory in many European countries). These batteries contain cadmium, a material that can be recycled back into other batteries or used in certain coatings or color pigments.
Simple Helpful Lifestyle Changes
The best way of improving waste management is also the simplest one – recycle more. Quite obvious isn’t it? Of course, it depends on your country and municipality so it might be harder in some areas than others, but generally you should approach daily life with the mindset: “what products can I recycle?”. Simple mantras like repair, don’t throw away, carry your own bag to the supermarket, choose packaging from recycled materials go a long way. Paper, aluminum, glass, and plastic containers are the most commonly recycled household materials. Some places require the materials to be separated by type before being collected, so if you aren’t certain of the way to distribute your recycling material, make sure to inform yourself on the recycling policies in your local municipality. Opting for eco-friendly alternatives for your house décor, and yard are good ways of showing your resolve on making the world a better place.
Obligations When Providing Industrial Waste to Others
When you are giving your industrial waste to others, make sure to properly sort it out before giving it away. Make sure that the industrial waste ends up in a lawful place. Don’t think just because you gave it away that you’re absolved of any responsibility.
Disposing of Industrial Waste
Generally managing industrial waste is straightforward, but the greater the harm the waste can potentially cause increases the responsibility an individual has when disposing of it. Your waste duties include:
- Classification
- Transport
- Lawful place
What Falls Under the Category of Industrial Waste?
The most notable materials include:
- Aluminium
- Cardboard
- Cement sheeting
- Glass
- Textiles
- Paper
- Plastic
- Plasterboard
- Solid food waste
- Steel
Asbestos Waste
Asbestos is a hazard that can cause health complications when exposed to, it also causes a negative effect on the environment. Most asbestos waste comes from renovation and development, and also includes older traces of asbestos waste such as pieces found in backyards and under houses. The health risk of asbestos can be managed with proper storage, transport and disposal. Although, illegal dumping grounds and improper disposal is a constant issue when it comes to asbestos removal for many countries around the world.
What is a Lawful Place?
A lawful place is considered a place that is authorized (has a registration, permission, or registration) to handle resource recovery or landfill disposal activities in a low-risk activity deemed to be a lawful place. The one handling it needs permission for both waste and resource recovery, and its disposal. Resource recovery means it can be recycled, repurposed, or used in another way.
Author Bio
Maggie Holmes is a passionate blog writer who is extremely keen on writing about fashion, lifestyle, home improvement and technology. Her exclusive hobby is to surf the net to find amazing articles that can inspire her with some fresh ideas for article writing. She loathes being a common person who wastes her time. Follow her on Twitter.