As the global population continues to grow at an alarming rate and that population produces waste at an unprecedented level, it is imperative that there is a management system in place. Here are some top methods of waste management.

Landfills

Landfills are the most common form of waste management that currently exists. Landfills are areas around populated cities that are used for the disposal of typical household and commercial wastes. Collection trucks bring all of the waste to the landfill site and then it gets buried in the ground. The problem with landfills is that they can be very dangerous for the environment and animal health (including us humans), so this method is in the process of being phased out for more environmentally conscious alternatives.

Incineration

Incineration, also known as combustion, is a method used for solid municipal waste only. The waste is burned at extremely high temperatures for a set period of time, and eventually, the bulky waste becomes nothing more than gas and residue. This method is beneficial because it dramatically reduces the amount of space that garbage takes up and it diverts waste products from landfills. They are therefore most popular in areas without space for landfills, namely Japan and the United States.

Recovery/Recycling

Resource recovery entails creating new life for existing products. Instead of ending up in a landfill or incinerator, useful items are repurposed. If they cannot be used, they will end up being processed for material recovery, or they’ll be used to generate heat, fuel, or electricity.

Recycling is the process that involves converting waste products into new products. This waste management method prevents the need for extra energy usage and raw materials. Recycling can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, divert materials from toxic landfills, preserve natural resource levels, and improve the quality of our air and natural water sources.

Composting

Composting is one of the most environmentally savvy methods of waste management, but it is also currently the least used. Currently, this practice is only done on a home-by-home basis. Some regions do not even have compost pickup. Composting is a process that allows microbes to break down organic materials and convert them into an energy source for plants.

To learn more about waste management or take action now, check out Quest Disposal.