What is compost/organics? May 30, 2016 Compost/organics is the use of biodegradable waste that usually can’t be recycled and using it to provide nutrients for plants. Typically used for gardens and farming, composting provides plants with nutrients while also treating the soil so that it will hold water and nutrients longer. The benefit of composting organics is that it not only provided food for the plants but also in protecting plants from pests. Compost can play a role in waste reduction. Not only are fruit…

What is E-waste? May 30, 2016 Electronic waste or E-waste refers to discarded products that use electricity. Unlike waste, e-waste is recyclable as many of its parts is made of reusable materials. When disposed of, e-waste either will find itself in a landfill, where it is insinuated, left to decay with other waste, or is recycled for reuse. E-waste is quickly becoming a problem as the number of people buying electronics continues to grow. Because electronic components are made from a combination of toxic and…

What is Stream Contamination? May 30, 2016 Stream contamination is when a recycling stream is compromised in some form. This can range from unemptied packaging to the entry of non-recyclable materials like plastic bags. It occurs most often in single-stream programs because all types of recyclable materials are collected together, meaning that broken glass or unclean aluminum can compromise the collected recyclables. Contamination can be a major problem when it comes to recycling. Recycling reduces the need for raw materials by reusing the materials found…

What is Demand-side Waste Management? May 30, 2016 Demand-side waste management is consumers moving companies to create products that produce less waste and are made from recyclable or recycled. In this situation, consumers use their purchasing power to communicate with manufacturers their preferences. This is done through methods such as boycotting the company in question or buying product from a competitor who may meet the requirements that the public wants. One way companies can respond to this is through source reduction, reducing the amount of…

What is the difference between Institutional and Industrial waste? May 30, 2016 Institutional and industrial waste are classifications of refuse based on where they originate. Institutional waste is waste produced from institutions such as schools, hospitals, or prisons. These include waste not typically found in households but also hazardous wastes in some circumstances. Industrial waste is refuse produced by industries such as factories, foundries, or mills. These wastes include liquid, sludge, solid, and hazardous waste, but not domestic. Because both clarifications deal with hazardous waste,…