Birds scavenging from a landfill site
People have always generated waste and looked for ways to dispose of it. Although Americans generate more than 208 million tons of waste each year---more than any other country---waste disposal is a worldwide concern. Yearly waste increases by 20 percent. U.S. federal regulations classify household solid waste as one of the most common types of waste. Reducing solid waste is everyone's responsibility.
Landfill Solid Waste Disposal Tips
Landfill is the most common disposal method for solid waste. Whether you take waste to a landfill or dispose of it through municipal pick up, you can cut down on the amount of solid waste you produce. Reduce waste before it gets started by being aware of the waste your purchases will generate. Buy food and goods in containers you can recycle such as plastics, papers and cardboard.
If possible, avoid buying products with cautions on the labels. Words like danger, warning, poison, toxic, flammable, and corrosive means the product is hazardous. Follow the handling and disposal directions carefully. If you must buy and store these items, leave them in their original labeled containers. To keep from storing hazardous material, share it with your friends, relatives, and neighbors. Ask if anyone has use for what you have left over. Find ways to use it without storing or sending it to a landfill. Share materials only in their original containers.
Solid Waste Recycling Tips
Recycling saves energy and helps conserve natural resources. It's a preferred option for waste reduction because it reduces the amount of waste going into landfills. Separate glass, cans and newspapers. Recycle cardboard, toner and inkjet cartridges, magazines, bottles, and other things suitable for making into new products. Keep a large envelope or box for paper printed on one side. Use the other side for proofreading printouts or scratch paper. Use reusable containers and reusable bags. Buy reusable cups, plates and tableware. Take reusable cloth bags to the grocery store. Donate used clothing, equipment and furniture to charities or organizations for resale.
Solid Waste Composting Tips
Composting is another option for waste reduction. Just the same as recycling, composting reduces the waste that goes into landfills. With the exception of grease, bones, and human and animal bodily wastes, most kitchen and lawn wastes will compost. Food scraps such as fruits and vegetable peels, all types of paper (including cardboard rolls and paper from the shredder), rags, small branches, grass clippings, leaves, egg shells, nut hulls, coffee, coffee grounds and filters, tea and tea bags are great for composting.
Red worms, if added to lid covered indoor and outdoor composting bins, will eat half their weight in food waste a day. Worms quickly produce casings, a rich, organic fertilizer ideal for feeding vegetables in home gardens.
