The Different Ways Waste Can Be Handled

We all create waste, but most of us don’t think about what happens once it leaves our homes or businesses. The truth is, there are several ways to deal with it and the choice we make has a big impact on our environment and communities. The most familiar option is recycling, where materials like paper, plastic, glass, and metal are collected, processed, and turned into something new. Recycling saves resources, cuts energy use, and helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Composting is another great option for food scraps and garden waste. Instead of ending up in landfill, these materials break down naturally into nutrient-rich compost that can be used to improve soil. It also helps cut methane emissions and reduces the need for chemical fertilizers.

When recycling or composting isn’t possible, some waste can still be used through energy recovery. Energy from Waste (EfW), involves burning non-recyclable waste at high temperatures to generate electricity or heat. This process reduces the volume of waste going to landfill while also producing renewable energy.

Of course, some waste still goes to landfill. While landfills are carefully managed, waste is buried in specially designed sites that include protective measures for soil and groundwater. Landfills can handle large volumes of waste, but they come with long-term challenges. They produce methane and some materials may take decades to break down.

The way we handle waste directly affects the planet and future resources. By recycling more, composting where we can, and limiting what ends up in landfill, we can move towards a cleaner, more sustainable future.