Waste is a huge problem. World Bank estimates show, that we produce approx 2,01 billion tons of solid waste. However, at least 33% this waste is not managed in an environmentally friendly way - and this is an extremely conservative estimate.
The importance of segregating waste is something, which we can no longer ignore. The low recycling rates can largely be attributed to inadequate infrastructure to process our garbage, which in the past were shipped overseas for processing to countries such as China. However, with the introduction by China of a ban on foreign imports of paper and plastic waste, we face the risk of a capacity shortage.
For businesses, sorting their commercial waste is a key element of an effective reuse and recycling system.
Commercial waste should be stored in containers, that will prevent them from escaping. Clearly label waste containers, to indicate the type of waste, what they contain. Use waterproof containers, if the rain may cause leakage of polluted sewage. Hazardous waste companies also have additional storage and sorting obligations. To begin with, they have to keep hazardous waste separate, to make sure, that they do not contaminate each other. Hazardous waste, such as batteries, electrical appliances, bulbs and electronics, should be properly marked, to facilitate their recycling.
The importance of waste segregation - why you should sort waste Waste segregation is the sorting and separation of types of waste in order to facilitate recycling and proper further disposal. Correctly sorted waste can save your business money. Waste segregation should be based on:
Type of waste
Most proper treatment and disposal
Sorting waste makes it easier to understand, how to reduce overall waste, identify items, which can be reused and put aside items, which should be recycled. But there is also a moral imperative, to be responsible for it, how you deal with trade waste. Improper segregation of commercial waste means, that they will be mixed in landfills in the same way, the way they were mixed in your garbage cans.
Waste, such as food scraps, paper and liquid waste, they can mix and decompose, releasing runoff to the soil and harmful gases into the atmosphere. The law clearly states as well, that it is illegal to mix hazardous waste or POPs - waste with a high level of persistent organic pollutants - with other hazardous or non-hazardous waste. The benefits for companies of proper waste segregation include:
Lower waste costs: Mixing waste streams can be costly. Hazardous and general waste are much more expensive to dispose of than dry mixed recycling due to chemicals and biological contamination. So, mixing clean, recyclable items with hazardous waste means, that you pay more for their disposal.
Increased recycling rate: Waste sorting practices and employees, who understand the importance of sorting waste, prevent throwing away recyclable items with general waste.
Potential Streams of Revenue: Waste segregation enables the identification of valuable materials, such as metals, cardboard and plastics, and selling them to get the highest rebate value available.
Reduced impact on landfills: Waste segregation allows your company to recycle more items, preventing them from ending up in landfills. This in turn reduces the overall environmental impact. Proper waste segregation includes your employees. Training personnel in the proper disposal of waste in your company is not only about creating waste policies, but also educating your employees. For example, with proper training, mixing of food with cardboard or plastics can be avoided (the latter are perfectly recyclable). To support your employees, you can also apply color codes and clear markings to containers at your facilities, to make it easier for workers to put waste in the appropriate containers.