Overview of the Waste Hierarchy
In order to avoid objects being thrown away, the waste hierarchy shows which methods of waste management are the most sustainable
and least sustainable. It may be possible to ensure that goods and raw materials are used and disposed of efficiently by understanding
the waste management hierarchy. A longer shelf life is crucial for reducing the amount of garbage that ends up in landfills, which is the
absolute last resort.
What Are the Waste Hierarchy’s 5 Steps?
Reduction (prevention), re-use, recycling, recovery, and disposal are the steps of waste management. Each stage will be explored in
further depth below, and will assist you in better understanding how to manage your trash.
Prevention
The first option for waste management is to prevent garbage from being created in the first place. The quantity of trash created will be
reduced if fewer materials and packaging are used in the manufacture and consumption of things.
Re-use
The second recommended method of dealing with trash is to give something a new function and reuse it. An item that is no longer
needed by its owner may find a new home with a person or corporation. The phrase “upcycling” refers to the process of repurposing or
repurposing an object or substance in a way that adds value to it.
Recycle
Recycling allows waste materials to be transformed into whole new goods. Although recycling is widely considered to be the most popular
method of disposing of garbage in a sustainable manner, it really is lower in the waste management hierarchy. The vast bulk of plastic is
still unrecyclable (link). As a result, preventing and reducing items from ending up in recycling centres or landfills in the first place is more
sustainable.
Recovery
This category includes energy recovery, which is the process of utilising waste materials to generate energy. Allowing garbage to
decompose, such as food or garden waste, or burning waste to create fuel are two examples.
Disposal
Regardless of how it is manufactured, utilized, or disposed of, the bottom line of the waste stream is to dispose of the product. In both
cases, hazardous gases are released into the atmosphere, while waste is disposed of by transferring it to landfills and burning it to
eliminate it. Environmental protection is the responsibility of manufacturers and allied industries. The term “waste streams” describes the
journey a product takes from conception until it is recycled or disposed of. Every material has its own life cycle. Electronic waste disposal,
for example, may be more challenging than plastic garbage disposal. When creating or supplying items, care should be exercised.
We can assist.
Knowing the waste management hierarchy is helpful whether you’re running a business or decluttering your home. Understanding the
appropriate next steps to take when a product or item is no longer useful will help reduce overall waste and prevent environmental harm.
Skip Hire Falkirk and Recycling is a garbage collection service that specializes in helping consumers with their trash problems. Our aim
is to meet our clients’ needs and to resolve their issues. If you have any questions about what we can do for you or how we can help you
deal with waste products in an effective manner, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Check out our skip hire service in Falkirk.