Understanding the different types of waste management
Waste management is a crucial service for businesses when it comes to improving overall sustainability efforts. With numerous types of waste being generated across the world each day, it’s crucial to understand the different types of waste management techniques that can be used to handle materials in-line with the waste hierarchy.
In this piece, we break down the types of waste management strategies that are available for businesses to implement to improve overall sustainability efforts.
Solid Waste Management
Solid waste management refers to the majority of waste generated within households, industrial settings, or commercial businesses that is in solid form. This will include waste types such as plastics, paper, metals, and other materials discarded by individuals and businesses. Whilst prevention or re-use is always the preferred method for these waste streams when applying the waste hierarchy, the most common methods for handling these types of solid waste streams are:
Recycling
This involves collecting and reprocessing materials to reduce waste and give virgin materials a new life. A great example of effective is recycling of disposable vapes from Reconomy, where the plastics and metal are separated and processed, and the batteries are sent to ABTO/ABE for recycling.
Disposal
When businesses correctly follow the waste hierarchy, they will only arrive at this stage if the waste materials cannot be prevented, reused, recycled, or recovered. If there are no gaps in the waste management process during these four stages, then disposal is the only option. There are commonly two types of disposal options, these are landfill or incineration.
Landfills
This is a controlled area where waste is buried. It’s crucial to do all you can in business to reduce the volume of waste arriving at landfills.
Incineration
This is the process of burning waste to generate energy or reduce volume. Linking back to the disposable vape recycling example, an example of this is the wick, filter and nicotine parts of the disposable vapes not being recyclable and having to be sent for incineration as requested by The Environment Agency.
Liquid Waste Management
Liquid waste management addresses waterborne waste, such as domestic sewage, industrial wastewater, and stormwater. Correct treatment of liquid waste is crucial to avoid contaminating our natural water sources, which can subsequently impact marine life. The main methods include:
Wastewater treatment
Using physical, chemical, or biological processes to clean sewage and remove any contamination. An innovative example of this treatment in action is the sewage treatment process from Thames Water, where wastewater is taken away, decontaminated and repurposed for generating power or returned to rivers and soils to land.
Industrial Effluent Treatment
These are processes specific to managing industrial wastewater before reuse or discharge. Like the above example, there are many innovations currently in place to streamline this process.
Hazardous waste management
It is a legal requirement for a business to set up correct Hazardous waste management procedures. If not done correctly, it can pose significant risks to both human health and the environment. This waste typically includes toxic, corrosive, or reactive materials that can cause contamination, found in waste streams such as; asbestos, batteries or, paint. Effective hazardous waste management techniques are:
Incineration
Destroying hazardous chemicals by burning them.
Chemical treatment
Using neutralising agents to make the previously harmful materials safe.
Secure landfills
Specially designed landfills for hazardous substances only that must be separated from regular landfills.
WEEE Waste Management
Electronic waste, more commonly known as ‘WEEE waste’ in the industry, is one of the fastest-growing waste streams globally, consisting of discarded electronic devices like computers, phones, and even household appliances. Due to their toxic components, proper WEEE waste management is essential. Key methods include:
Reuse
Repairing old electronics or donating them for reuse. The most preferred to prevent any waste from being generated at all.
Recycling programs and takeback schemes
WEEE waste recycling means recovering valuable metals and components found in the waste to repurpose them for new products.
Responsible disposal
Ensuring safe removal of toxic substances.
Organic waste management
Organic waste management focuses on biodegradable waste such as food waste. Organic waste, such as food, if not handled correctly, can lead to methane production—a potent greenhouse gas. Common techniques for organic waste management, such as food waste disposal, include:
Composting
A natural process where organic waste decomposes to create nutrient-rich soil.
Anaerobic digestion
Breaking down waste in the absence of oxygen to produce biogas.
Mulching
Using organic material to improve soil health and reduce water usage.
Integrated waste management
Integrated waste management combines multiple waste management strategies to reduce environmental impact. This method considers waste reduction at the source, recycling, and proper disposal methods. The goal is to handle waste efficiently while promoting sustainability.
To summarise…
Understanding the various types of waste management is critical for reducing environmental impact and promoting sustainability. Reconomy helps businesses across the United Kingdom by employing the most appropriate waste disposal and treatment methods, improving overall sustainability levels by aiming for a zero-waste model.