Current Trends in Recycling and Waste Management
With increasing population across the globe, there is a mounting waste problem which needs effective management. Traditional methods are no more adequate to handle the ever-increasing waste load generated from households, industries and farm activities. Dumping waste in water resources and landfills are causing environmental pollution and harming human life.
A paradigm shift is necessary for the way waste is managed. All stakeholders like government, local authorities, citizens, innovators in waste management solutions must come together and work towards developing sustainable waste management techniques.
In 2021, several new waste management practices like minimizing waste generation, waste segregation and recycling are given focus. Awareness regarding waste management at the source with methods like composting at home should be encouraged.
Here are 5 current trends in recycling and waste management which will pave the way for a clean environment and healthy living for the human population.
Stringent Regulations
As waste management is a global challenge, governments of different countries are determined to create stringent regulations to prevent the menace of waste. The ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’ in India is one of the best initiatives to overcome the waste challenge. The stringent guidelines, policy implementations and awareness programs on responsibilities and solutions have redefined the waste management scenario in the country.
Better communication and collaboration between municipalities, communities and waste facilities will help in formulating standardized waste recycling and management process everywhere. It will maximize the productivity of the segregation, collection, transportation and waste disposal process.
Waste Segregation, Treatment and Disposal
Improper disposal of waste into nearby water resources without treatment has impacted the environment negatively. It has led to various health problems among the human population residing in the locality.
It is important to separate waste into biodegradable and non-biodegradable. Similarly, solid and liquid waste should be segregated too. This process can begin at homes. It helps in proper treatment and disposal of different waste types, and minimizes the bad effects on the environment.
Since the pandemic began last year, people are now more aware of the necessity of cleaning and the importance of waste management. Thus, segregation, treatment and disposal processes have already improved.
Innovations in Converting Waste into Energy
Innovations like Waste-to-Energy processes will gain popularity and acceptance in the near future. The growth of the recycling industry should help countries to handle waste easily. Yet, much has to be done as many developing countries do not know the economic benefits of it. Energy generation from waste is good for the environment, and thus it can reduce the dependence on energy resources that cause pollution.
Recycle and Reuse of Non-Biodegradable Waste
All non-biodegradable waste must be recycled that can be used for the same application or elsewhere. The growing e-waste is a cause of concern. The toxic nature of non-biodegradable electronic waste can be harmful to humans and the environment. Thermal processes are used to recycle the same, and create new products.
Composting
Composting is one of those processes which is gaining widespread acceptance all across the world. The ease of doing it is perhaps the reason behind its rising popularity for waste management. It is now prevalent at homes, societies, restaurants, hotels etc.
According to a report, landfills constitute 20% of food waste. All over the world, organic material makes billions of tons of waste. Thus, composting is the best way to handle organic waste and convert into a useful resource like fertilizer. Composting can be easily done at home or in residential communities. It reduces the impact of dumping waste in landfills.
Also, innovative waste management solutions are necessary that makes the process fast and easy.
Organica Biotech’s Soilmate is one of the best solutions to boost compost productivity. The rapidly acting bacteria decompose organic waste and convert it into nutrient-rich manure. It is capable of increasing the speed and efficiency of the composting process. You can do you part in controlling the waste menace by composting food waste using SoilMate.
