The waste disposal industry has long been trying to reduce its overall environmental impact. Through recycling efforts, diverting waste from landfill and into more environmentally friendly disposal methods, and by encouraging us all to reduce how much we throw away.

But there is still far to go. So, what can we all do to reduce the impact our waste has on the environment? Here are three tips to help you be more environmentally friendly with your waste disposal.

1. Stop sending biodegradable waste to landfill.

Greenhouse gas is a major contributor to global warming. Gases that get trapped in the earth’s atmosphere act like the windows of a greenhouse, trapping the suns heat and preventing it from escaping back into space.

Carbon dioxide, methane and other gases that are by products of the waste disposal industry, in particular landfill sites, makes up 3.1% of all greenhouse gas contributions. 90% of greenhouse gases generated by the waste industry is methane from the decomposition of organic waste such as food and wood in landfill sites.

By putting your kitchen food waste into composting schemes, you can help reduce the amount of biodegradable waste that is sent to landfill.

You should also ensure that any waste wood is also separated and disposed of through a waste wood scheme.

2. Reduce, reuse, recycle

Excessive packaging and single use items make up a large portion of unnecessary waste. This is bulky and adds to the need for more vehicles to transport the wate and increases the need for landfill sites, all contributing to carbon emissions.

It is estimated that up to 80% of the things we throw away could be recycled either in part or in whole. However, in England we only recycle 44% of our waste.

By re-using or recycling items you can help reduce the carbon footprint of your waste. Using biodegradable waste for compost and using combustible waste for biofuel is a form of recycling.

This isn’t just good for the environment but it’s good for your pocket too as recycling metal is significantly cheaper than mining for, and manufacturing with, raw materials.

3. Separate your waste

Contaminated waste has to be treated as hazardous. That means that any waste that contains an item classed as hazardous, even if it’s only something small, cannot be used for composting or recycled.

By separating out your waste you can help avoid things being sent to landfill unnecessarily. Florescent light tubes, large batteries, chemicals, white goods and contaminated wood should all be kept separate from other waste and disposed of correctly.

Recycling should also be sorted at the point of disposal. It is far easier and cost effective for us all to separate out our recycling ourselves rather than relying on the refuse companies to do it for us. Taking empty bottles to bottle banks, donation old clothes to charity and keeping paper and plastic separate from the rest of our non-recyclable waste can all help to reduce the carbon footprint of waste.

Twinwoods Heat and Power, along with our sister company B & W waste management, can offer guidance on how you can dispose of your hazardous waste effectively.

To find out more contact us today for a free chat.