Common Methods Of Waste Disposal

There's no one-size-fits-all waste disposal method. As much as we hate to admit

There's no one-size-fits-all waste disposal method. As much as we hate to admit, we're generating far more waste than we're managing to the point where landfills have only a bit of space and pollution has threatened our health and that of the environment.

Waste disposal wouldn't be such an issue if we all did our part to reuse, recycle and prudently get rid of remaining waste without harming the environment. But since we don't do our part quite so well, we must rely on professional waste management companies that not only collect and separate waste but also recycle and discard it.

On a large scale, disposal is a challenge because of the sheer volume of waste. However, certain methods have remained popular for their relatively low cost and simple operation. Take a look at what they are. The company you hire will utilise one or more of these techniques.

Landfill

This is the most popular method by far and requires that guidelines be strictly adhered to because of the potential to release toxic and inflammable gases. In the past, landfill gas accidents were not unheard of although modern safety guidelines and technology have greatly minimised this. Still, it's not without risk which is why extreme care must be taken to maintain landfills and, naturally, situate them away from human habitation and ecologically sensitive regions.

While landfills aren't the most environmentally friendly, one type has proven to be very effective and less damaging. Known as the sanitary landfill, it's suitable for places with low-lying areas that can be turned into dumpsites. Unlike traditional landfills, waste is spread in a thin layer then compacted before another layer is placed on top and compacted again. This goes on till about 10 feet of waste is laid. The waste then receives a top layer of clean earth which is also compacted.

The method facilitates speedier biodegradation and chemical breakdown. However, since the site contains a high volume of waste, it must be located far away from habitation until it can be reused again.

Incineration

Put simply, incineration seeks to burn waste till there's nothing left. Or more realistically, it burns it till the remainder dips to a much smaller amount which can then be easily disposed. It's an effective way to reduce volumes of waste into much smaller amounts in a short span of time. However, it does produce pollutants and requires a form of fuel to burn.

While incineration gives way to contaminants, it does have a green benefit: the heat produced can be used as valuable energy which suits regions that have high energy demands.

Recycling

Recycling is the most environmentally friendly of the three main waste management methods. If done from a small scale all the way to local government area level, the amount of waste remaining would be easy to handle. Unfortunately, even if efforts are taken at the higher levels, residences don't always do everything they can to recycle waste. Most is collected by an independent disposal company to take care of.

Waste management is the prerogative of not only our local authorities but us too. The more each of us works at different levels the less waste we'll have to deal with. Land is finite so it's time to start taking our environmental responsibilities seriously.

Accumulated waste in construction sites and manufacturing plants can be hazardous for people's health and our environment. Consult a professional waste management company that offers segregation and recycling solutions. Browse this website to learn more about waste management.

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