Waste Segregation- All You Need to Know About it

Waste Segregation- All You Need to Know About it

Waste management today is one pressing challenge. As per the estimates of the World Bank, we today produce 2.01 billion tonnes of solid waste annually, 33% of which is not managed in an environmentally sound manner. Moreover, inadequate waste management makes a significant contribution to greenhouse gas emissions, pollution and ecosystem degradation. So, what to do? How do we deal with this degrading situation that demands action?

Well, waste segregation is an answer to it. To achieve the targets, widespread participation is needed to ensure sustainable waste management. Especially with Fiable Cleantech’s designed dustbins for varied wastes, you can begin today with a small yet impactful move. Furthermore, read through the content below to understand how much impact your one action will create.

Waste Segregation- What is it?

Waste segregation is the systematic sorting of waste into varied categories based on treatment requirements and waste types. The process begins at the source— a business or household – and includes the separation of materials into compostable, recyclable, hazardous and general waste streams. With proper segregation, effective recycling is facilitated, minimizing harm to the environment and reducing landfill contribution.

For example, wet waste includes biodegradable organic materials, such as yard trimmings and food scraps. Dry wastes, on the other hand, comprise non-biodegradable wastes such as glass, paper, and plastics. Lastly, hazardous wastes include some items, including toxic, corrosive or reactive properties like chemicals or batteries.

Why Does Waste Segregation Matter?

Waste segregation benefits extend beyond environmental sustainability, and they encompass legal, financial, and societal advantages. It offers the world the below-mentioned benefits.

  • Reduced Costs for Waste Management

The properly segregated wastes are much cheaper to be processed. To say, clean recyclables cost less to handle than mixed general wastes, which often demand some additional treatment. Businesses that mix recyclable materials with hazardous waste pay high disposal fees.

  • Promotes Resource Recovery & Recycling

Segregation helps to increase the recycling rates by ensuring recyclable items aren’t contaminated. The materials, including cardboard, metals and certain plastics, can be sold or repurposed, offering the businesses the potential stream of revenue.

  • Minimized Environmental Impact

Mixing the waste streams in the landfills leads to harmful emissions, including methane, a potent greenhouse gas. With the help of segregation, mixing, conserving resources, and reducing pollution, all can be ensured.

  • Support to Public Health 

The hazardous materials, if they aren’t separated, could leach into the water or soil, leading to health risks. The proper segregation ensures safer handling as well as disposal of similar items, thereby protecting the communities and workers.

Waste Segregation and Legal Requirements

Under varied laws today, businesses have an obligation to manage trade waste in a responsible manner. It includes,

  • Securely storing wastes within appropriate containers or Fiable-offered bins to prevent leakage or contamination.
  • Labeling the waste containers for identification of the containers.
  • Separation of hazardous wastes is needed to prevent cost-contamination and ensure safer disposal.

Hazardous wastes like electronic equipment and chemicals are to be handled with some extra care. Items like lightbulbs or batteries are to be labeled or stored separately to facilitate the recycling process, thereby minimizing environmental risks.

Key Waste Categories and Important Segregation Guidelines

  • Demolition and Construction Wastes

The sector generates the largest waste stream. Without proper segregation of materials like bricks, concrete, and metal, effective recycling isn’t possible, and this, therefore, increases the landfill impact.

  • Oily and Vehicle Waste

The end-of-life vehicles and their components, including the oils and tires, are to be separated. The liquid wastes, like hydraulic fluids, are to be stored in secure tanks to prevent spills.

  • Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)

The discarded electronics consist of valuable resources but even hazardous materials. Proper segregation ensures that the components, including batteries and circuit boards, get recycled safely.

  • Dry Mixed Recycling

The category includes clean packaging paper, materials and plastics. The items contaminated with hazardous substances, like the pain cams, need separate treatment.

  • Healthcare Wastes

Clinical wastes, specifically during pandemics, need stricter segregation to prevent infection risks. The hygiene products, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and medical sharps are to be disposed of as per the health regulations.

Implementing Best Practices for Wastes Segregation

Adequate waste segregation begins with the infrastructure and proper education. For it, the below-mentioned would help.

  • Educating & Training Employees

Businesses must conduct training programs to ensure that the staff understands the importance of segregation and precise disposal methods.

  • Using Clear Signage & Color-Coded Bins

Placing the labeled Fiable bins in easily accessible areas helps the workers and the public segregate the wastes correctly. To say, the green bins can be used for wet wastes and the blue bins can be used for dry recyclables.

Note: To know more about the color significance of the dustbins, read our dedicated blog on- Significance of Fiable’s RGB Dustbins

  • Monitoring & Evaluating Waste Streams

Waste outputs regular audits help in the identification of opportunities to reuse, reduce or recycle in an effective manner.

Technology’s Role in Waste Management

Digital solutions are creating a revolution within waste management. The automated systems like Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) management software enable precise tracking and efficient processes of recyclable materials. By leveraging such techs, businesses can streamline their operations and achieve sustainability goals.

Take Segregation Steps with Fiable Cleantech

Waste segregation is an environmental responsibility and a critical step towards a sustainable future. With proper sorting of wastes, businesses and individuals can reduce costs, increase recycling rates and minimize the environmental impact.

With varied nations striving to achieve the ambitious target of recycling, waste segregation is a shared priority now. So, take a step with Fiable. Whether you are at home or in the workplace, at a construction site or any place else, begin the process with simple but effective practices— like using proper bins, adopting advanced waste management solutions and educating the stakeholders.

Start today & Begin Segregation, getting on the journey to contribute to a

“Greener & Cleaner planet,” with Fiable.

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