July 1, 2019
The Importance of Correct Waste Disposal
Since the BBC’s Blue Planet documentaries brought home the state of our oceans, it’s fair to say the public has become increasingly alarmed about waste – particularly plastic waste.
While the UK’s recycling rate has been rising – we now recycle around 44% of household waste – this still leaves more than 50 million tonnes a year going to landfill. And it currently looks unlikely we will meet our 2020 target of recycling 50% of all waste.
What is a landfill site?
A landfill site is an area of land where local authorities and industries take waste to be compacted and buried. Typically, landfill sites contain both household and commercial rubbish. We need landfill sites to dispose of rubbish that cannot be reused or recycled, but it's essential we think of them as the last resort.
What's wrong with putting rubbish in landfill?
There are several reasons we need to reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfill. Firstly, landfill sites will not last forever. Once a site is full, it is capped with a clay or plastic liner, then a little soil, and finally grassed over. It cannot be used again.
For the past decade, studies have suggested the UK could be on the point of running out of landfill space. We currently export some waste to Europe and beyond, but Brexit and other trade issues mean that reliance on this form or waste disposal is risky. Shipping our waste is also just moving the problem and could be contributing to the build-up of plastic in the seas.
Landfill sites pose an environmental hazard too. Gas is created by biodegradable waste decomposing. These are mainly carbon dioxide and methane, both of which are harmful greenhouse gases. Methane is also flammable and can cause explosions and fires – although, at some landfill sites the gas is burnt off or used to generate electricity.
Landfill sites also create leachate, a polluting liquid run-off that, if it gets into streams and waterways, can cause significant harm to wildlife.
And, by putting waste items in a hole in the ground, they can never be used again. Burying materials, which could have been reused, means valuable raw materials and energy will be needed to manufacture replacements.
What we can do?
To reduce the amount of waste going to landfill consumers and businesses need to follow the mantra of reduce, reuse, recycle. This means cutting consumption in the first place – particularly of plastic; reusing items for as long as possible and ensuring that everything that can be recycled is recycled.
Most local councils provide food waste, paper, plastic, glass and can recycling collections. Waste management companies collect material from households and in skips from construction sites. This rubbish is sorted into items that can be recycled, material that can be burnt to generate electricity and items that need to go to landfill.
We can all do our bit by sorting and recycling the waste within our homes and businesses. Recycling at source saves the council money and creates waste streams that are clearer and purer.
In addition, here are 10 easy ways to reduce, reuse and recycle:
- Love your leftovers – don't through them away, use them for tomorrow’s lunch or freeze them for later. Get advice from the website love food hate waste.
- Buy loose fruit and veg, rather than plastic packed and select products with minimal or recyclable packaging.
- Remember to take a reusable bag with you on every trip – plus a reusable water bottle and coffee cup.
- Reduce waste paper coming into your home by going paperless for bills and bank statements and unsubscribing from unwanted mailing lists.
- Send decent quality, unwanted clothes, household goods and working electricals to a charity shop. Worn clothing can be recycled in textile banks.
- Don’t throw out old ice cream tubs. They’re great for storing leftovers – or take them shopping to save on plastic bags.
- Buying reusable batteries saves on hazardous waste.
- If you have broken household appliances that can’t be fixed, take them to your household recycling centre. Components can be broken down and reused.
- Sign up for your council’s food waste recycling service for your peelings, tea bags and leftovers.
- If you’re having a clear-out, and plan to hire a skip, look for a company with the right environmental credentials and a clear commitment to reuse and recycling.
Proskips is committed to halving the waste we send to landfill each year. If you need help disposing of your waste; from a building project, house move or decluttering exercise, contact us to discuss your requirements today.
