By definition, waste management is the process that involves the collection, transportation, and recycling or disposal of waste. It encompasses management processes and resources that ensure proper handling of waste products. Management of the resources involves maintenance of the waste transportation trucks and the dumping facilities so that they comply with the environmental regulations as well as health codes. The primary objective of waste management is to avoid the adverse effects of wastes to human health and natural environment, but in most occasions, waste management companies carry out the process to get useful resources. Waste materials can also be in all forms of matter, which are gaseous, liquids, radioactive matter, and solid.
According to waste management companies, there are several waste management methods. These methods differ from one nation to another. It also differs from industrial and residential areas. Whichever the case, waste management is usually the responsibility of the local government. Industries can also manage their wastes, in case they are non-hazardous. The methods of waste management involve proper dumping, recycling, transportation and collection, and the creation of awareness.
Dumping methods
The most common waste dumping methods include landfill and incineration. A landfill is a conventional dumping method, which involves burying of wastes in a common pit. The landfill should be economical and far from the residential areas. On the other hand, incineration is a dumping method which involves combustion of the waste materials. The method is used to convert waste materials into steam, gas, ash, and heat. The advantage of using incineration method is that it can be conducted at individual scale level.
Recycling methods
Perhaps, products such as LDEP, PVC, PS, and PP are recyclable. However, there are complex products that are not easy to recycle. Because of the complexity of recycling these products, there exist processes such as biological reprocessing. This approach is useful to waste materials that are organic in nature. The waste materials are put in biological decomposition and later recycled to form composts for agricultural purposes.
Collection and transportation
Collection and transportation of wastes vary from one place to another. Some places prefer bin rental, which comes in different sizes. The price of renting waste disposal bins depend on their sizes. Large waste disposal waste bins cost more than the small ones. On average, the cost of renting 10-yard bin in Ottawa is $225 including the tax and tipping fee. For the purpose of collection and transportation of wastes, it is imperative that every residency is endowed with three waste disposal bins. The first bin is for general wastes, the second one is for recyclable wastes, and the third bin is for garden materials.
Creation of awareness
Management of waste is an area that requires proper awareness and education for global preservation. Creating awareness is critical for the perseverance of the security of the humankind and global health. Education on waste management involves the introduction of the reverse vending machines to supermarkets and public institutions. The advantage of employing these machines is that they are affordable and hence, cut down cost on waste management.