What is waste management?

There is more to waste management than collecting

rubbish and dumping it at landfill. Although this is a vital step in the process, there is
more to it than that! This article will address the steps involved in the cycle of waste
management and will hopefully give a greater understanding to the topic.

Waste Management flows in a cycle: Monitoring, Collection, Transportation,

Processing, Disposal / Recycle. Through these steps a company can effectively and
responsibly manage waste output and their positive effect they have on the
environment.

Monitoring is identifying the waste management needs, identifying recycling

opportunities and ways to minimize waste output, and reviewing how waste
minimization is progressing. Through keeping records of the different waste streams,
a customer can see the results of their efforts in becoming more environmentally
friendly, and a more efficient business.

Collection involves the logistical organization to guarantee that bin containers will
not overfill and waste sit time does not become too long. The correct bin container
size and service frequency is a must to prevent overspill or excessive smell. The
correct bins for different wastes must be
available with sticker and bin colour
identification. Locks, chains, lids and
bars prevent public access and non-
trained personnel putting rubbish in the
incorrect bins.

Cooperation between the waste

company and customer is vital. Bins
must be accessible to the truck driver at the agreed times. Access to work premises
outside work hours will cause an issue if unaddressed. Bin wheels can allow
customers to move bins from convenient areas to serviceable locations.

Transportation is the organizing of waste transport vehicles with the authorization

and ability to transport the specified wastes from a customer’s work residence to
landfill or processing plant. A waste must be transported by the vehicle designed for
it. For example, general waste requires a vehicle with thicker compacter walls, to that
of a cardboard and paper waste transporting vehicle. Therefore, a customer may
require a series of vehicles to meet their waste management needs.

Vehicles, drivers, and companies need licenses and approval in certain Council
Areas to transport waste. EPA standards need to be upheld as well as General Public
Safety. Safety standards are vital to the transportation of clinical and hazardous
wastes. Drivers must undergo training for emergency circumstances that may arise.

Processing involves the separation of recyclables for treatment, and then after
treatment are packaged as raw materials. These raw materials are sent to factories
for production. Non-recyclable wastes by-pass this step and are delivered straight to
landfill. Liquid and hazardous wastes are delivered to treatment plants to become
less hazardous to the public and environment.

Disposal / Recycling is the disposal of non recyclables into landfill.

Landfill sites must be approved by legal authorities. Legal authorities
guarantee that specific wastes are buried at the correct depth to avoid
hazardous chemicals entering the soil, water tables, water systems,
air, and pipe systems.

In this step the raw materials made from recyclables are produced and sold as
products on the market. Companies can purchase such products to further sustain
the environment and natural resources.

In conclusion, waste management is a science that addresses the logistics,

environmental impact, social responsibility, and cost of an organization’s waste
disposal. It is a detailed process that involves human resources, vehicles,
government bodies, and natural resources.

Learn more about waste management by contacting your local Wanless Enviro
Services Representative.