What is Waste Management?
Waste management refers to the processes involved in managing waste from cradle to grave. This includes the collection, transportation, disposal/recycling and monitoring of waste materials produced as a result of human activity.
Waste management encompasses all types of waste, such as household, industrial and hazardous. Waste can also be solid, liquid or gas, each of which have their own methods of management and disposal.
The whole purpose of waste management is to reduce the amount of waste that goes into landfill. Instead, rubbish should be seen as a valuable resource.
Waste Management Methods & Solutions
The most common types of waste management methods and solutions include recycling, incineration and landfill.
Recycling
Recycling enables waste products to be converted and reprocessed into new products. Not only does this save on natural resources, but it also reduces energy consumption, the cost of producing new materials and the amount of greenhouse gases released.
From wood and plastic to cardboard, aluminium and glass, a wide range of materials can be recycled.
Incineration
Also known as combustion and thermal treatment, incineration is a waste management method that involves burning solid waste at considerably high temperatures to convert the products into heat, gas and steam.
Although the majority of materials can be disposed of in this matter, it is typically the most practical method for managing dangerous and perilous waste. A concern with this type of waste management solution, however, is that incinerators can produce carbon dioxide, sulphur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen, all of which contribute to the enhancement of the Earth’s greenhouse effect.
Landfill
Landfill sites are essentially large holes in the ground designed to be filled with rubbish. However, like combustion, it isn’t the favoured waste management solution because these sites are known to cause many environmental and health issues. For example, chemicals and harmful substances can leak into the surrounding soil, causing significant harm to the environment. Methane, an extremely hazardous greenhouse gas that is 28 times more potent that carbon dioxide, can also be produced as a result of filling landfill sites.
Burying waste at landfill sites or burning it without recovering energy should therefore be the last resort and should only be utilised when rubbish cannot be reused or recycled
Here at ETM Recycling, we ensure that all waste is disposed of in the most environmentally friendly manner and currently divert 91% of waste from landfill. Find out more about our waste management services.
Importance of Waste Management
Put simply, waste management enables us to look after the cleanliness of the world. The way in which waste is managed can have a significant impact on the environment and the entire population’s health, so it’s vital that measures are in place to effectively manage and dispose of these materials.
Failure to implement appropriate waste management techniques can lead to environmental concerns and health issues.
Waste Management Hierarchy
The Waste Hierarchy is a concept that outlines the options for managing waste in the most environmentally friendly manner. It establishes the preferred methods for managing waste based on sustainability and ensures as much waste as possible is reprocessed into beneficial products.
- Prevent – Produce less waste in the first place by using less, keeping things longer, reusing products or machinery and reducing hazardous contents.
- Prepare for Reuse – Check, clean, repair or refurbish waste products to be used again.
- Recycle – Waste materials can be recycled and converted into a new product.
- Other Recovery – Waste that cannot be recycled is converted into usable forms of energy, such as heat, light and electricity.
- Dispose – If waste can’t be recovered, reused or recycled, it will be either taken to a landfill site or incinerated.
How Much Does Waste Management Cost?
For the best and most accurate waste management prices, it’s advised that you get a quote from our waste management specialists as the costs will vary depending on your specific requirements and requests, such as the volume and type of waste.
Our experts will take into consideration all the essential information to ensure you receive a competitive quote. We are a leading domestic and trade waste management company providing a comprehensive range of total waste management solutions.
Waste Management Bristol with ETM Recycling
Here at ETM Recycling, we are the largest waste management fleet in the region and are dedicated to reducing the amount of waste filling landfill sites. We specialise in creating bespoke waste management solutions for clients across Bristol and the surrounding area, so if you’re looking to streamline your waste management processes, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team today.
Whether you have a small or large amount of waste, our efficient waste recycling station is here to help satisfy all your waste disposal needs.
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