essay about garbage disposal

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Climate Action

How our trash impacts the environment.

How Our Trash Impacts…

July 9, 2024

Over two billion metric tons of unsustainable, human-generated waste are thrown away globally every year, entering our environment and polluting every ecosystem around the world. If we continue practicing waste management strategies as we do today, the total waste generation for 2050 is projected to be around 3.78 billion metric tons , representing a 1.66 billion metric ton increase in waste since 2020. In other words, we are creating more trash than ever!

Sixty-two percent of global waste is collected in controlled municipal facilities, with the remaining 38% dumped, burned, or discarded. Of the total municipal waste that is collected, 19% is recycled and 30% ends up in sanitary landfills. Sanitary landfills essentially try to keep the trash “out” of the environment, away from water sources, for example. They also use landfill gas collection systems to keep greenhouse gasses (GHGs), created by decomposing trash, from being released directly into the atmosphere.

Trash Exacerbates Climate Change

In the United States, the primary system for controlling waste is the use of these ‘sanitary’ landfills, this type of site is expensive to operate and only accounts for 8% of the world’s landfills in total.

The most common type of landfill, accounting for 31% globally, is an ‘open’ system. These landfill systems allow different types of waste, such as microplastics and toxic chemicals, to leak out of the trash and into the soil, groundwater, and nearby waterways.

These open landfill sites also allow greenhouse gasses, like carbon dioxide and methane, to be released directly into the atmosphere. Researchers have discovered that 20% of the total methane emissions from human-related sources are produced from open waste landfill sites. Methane is one of the largest contributors to climate change with a warming potential over 80 times greater than carbon dioxide.

This means that even though innovative climate mitigation strategies, including the development of various climate-resilient policies , are trying to tackle the problem of climate change, our poor waste management is undermining these efforts.

A recent Harvard study showed that greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) across seventy U.S. landfills were on average 77% higher than estimates by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This crucial lack of reliable government data is deeply concerning and may mean we are vastly underestimating how much landfills sites are contributing to GHG emissions and therefore impacting climate change.

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Trash Is Killing Wildlife

Increasingly we are treating our oceans as a dumping ground too and the vast majority of the trash we are dumping is made of plastics.

All kinds of marine species, from fish to mammals to birds to crustaceans, consume fragments of this plastic or solid waste as it degrades into smaller and smaller pieces. Wildlife is often unable to distinguish between food and plastic waste and in some cases they are even attracted to it by its smell.

Researchers have found that an estimated 19 to 23 million tons of plastic waste are dumped in our oceans annually, with 1,500 different species having been found to have consumed toxic plastics and microplastics, primarily whales, sea turtles, and seabirds. For example, a krill-obligate blue whale is said to ingest 10 million pieces of microplastic every single day. Plastic pollution is even becoming the daily diet for most sea-birds, as a staggering 90% of them consume plastics and many of them get sick and die as a result. Even if these creatures don’t consume plastics in one form or another, plastic trash often injures and maims them.

Some of this ocean plastic is entering the human food chain when we eat the crustaceans and fish that have consumed microplastics. Our waste problem is severely plaguing the health of the world’s species, including our own.

Trash Impacts Human Health

Human health is being deeply impacted by this lack of environmental accountability and awareness. Over 1,000 chemicals used in the manufacturing of millions of different plastic products on the market today are classified as endocrine-disrupting and carcinogenic. They have been associated with some cancers, infertility, Alzheimer's, miscarriage, developmental issues and more.

PFAS, also known as 'forever chemicals', have been in existence since the 1940s and are used on items to repel oil and water, which makes them useful in products like nonstick cookware, stain resistant clothing, and firefighting foam. When these items are dumped in landfills, it creates another pathway for these dangerous chemicals to enter the environment, where they can ultimately poison us and all other living creatures.

Bad trash management could be the downfall of humanity, wildlife, and the health of all ecosystems. If emissions from landfills continue to increase, as projections forecast, our climate will not only be negatively impacted, but human health will be too. It’s a sobering fact that even though high-income countries only account for 16% of the world’s population, they are responsible for 34 percent, or 683 million metric tons, of the world’s trash. There’s never been a better time to find out more about plastic pollution and how you can help reduce your own waste . Think before you buy, do I really need this item or will I use it a few times and throw it in the trash? Reject fast fashion, give up single-use plastics for good and sign our plastic petition.

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Environment

The Importance of Proper Waste Disposal: Why It Matters

Waste management has emerged as a pressing challenge for global infrastructure issues. It has captivated the attention of governments, businesses, and individuals globally. In tandem with the exponential growth of population and industrialization, there has been a proportional surge in waste generation. This surge fosters environmental and health hazards that demand immediate attention toward proper waste disposal solutions. The repercussions of inadequate waste disposal practices are felt across diverse ecosystems. These necessitate a paradigm shift towards more sustainable and responsible waste management.

As the interconnectedness of global environmental concerns becomes increasingly apparent, the imperative to address the intricate web of challenges posed by escalating waste disposal issues has never been more critical. In light of this, we must explore innovative solutions, adopt conscientious practices, and foster a collective commitment to mitigating the adverse impacts of our waste on the planet.

This article delves into the multifaceted dimensions of the contemporary waste disposal conundrum. It unravels its complexities and advocates for a holistic approach to ensure a cleaner, healthier future for our world.

Table of Contents

The Need for Residential-Friendly Dumpsters

While most people think of large industrial containers when they hear the word “dumpster,” there is also a need for smaller, more manageable dumpsters in residential areas. This is because household waste disposal differs from that of businesses or industries.

Residential waste can include household trash, yard waste, construction debris, and even hazardous materials. Whether you are looking for residential friendly dumpsters for Chattanooga or any other place, these types of waste require different disposal methods, which may not be suitable for a regular dumpster used in commercial settings. Furthermore, many residential areas have limited space for dumpster placement, making it important to have smaller and more flexible options. Residential-friendly dumpsters come in a variety of sizes, making them ideal for use in tight spaces such as driveways or small yards.

Understanding Waste Disposal

Waste disposal refers to the proper management and removal of waste materials. This includes everything from household trash to industrial waste, hazardous materials, and other types of waste. The goal of waste disposal is to minimize the negative impact on public health and the environment.

There are different methods of waste disposal, such as landfilling, incineration, recycling, and composting. Each method has advantages and disadvantages, but each plays a crucial role in proper waste management . However, no matter the method used, following proper waste disposal guidelines and regulations is essential to ensure its effectiveness.

The Impacts of Improper Waste Disposal

Improper waste disposal has severe consequences for both the environment and human health. When waste is not disposed of properly, it can contaminate water sources, soil, and air, leading to pollution. This pollution can have detrimental effects on plants, animals, and humans. It can also contribute to the depletion of natural resources and damage ecosystems.

Moreover, improper waste disposal can also have a direct impact on human health. This is especially true for hazardous waste, which includes chemicals, batteries, and electronic devices. When not disposed of properly, these materials can release toxic substances into the environment, causing health issues such as respiratory problems, birth defects, and even cancer.

Why Proper Waste Disposal Matters

Protecting the environment.

Proper waste disposal is crucial for protecting the environment. By responsibly disposing of waste, we can prevent pollution and preserve natural resources. This helps maintain a healthy ecosystem, which is essential for supporting life on Earth.

Ensuring Public Health and Safety

As mentioned earlier, improper waste disposal can seriously affect human health. By following proper waste disposal methods, we can protect ourselves and our communities from the harmful effects of pollution and toxic substances.

Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Proper waste disposal also plays a significant role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Improper disposal of organic waste leads to its decomposition and the production of methane gas, a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. Proper disposal of organic waste can help reduce the amount of methane released into the atmosphere.

Promoting Sustainability

Proper waste disposal is an essential component of sustainable living. By managing our waste effectively, we can reduce our environmental impact and conserve resources for future generations. This benefits the planet and ensures that our communities remain livable and healthy.

How You Can Dispose of Waste Properly

Here are some ways in which you can dispose of waste properly:

Separate your waste: This involves sorting your waste into different categories, such as recyclables, organic, and hazardous waste. By doing this, you can ensure that each type of waste is disposed of appropriately.
Recycle: Recycling helps to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills and conserves natural resources. Make sure to recycle items such as paper, plastic, glass, and metal.
Use proper disposal methods for hazardous waste: It is crucial to follow guidelines and regulations when disposing of hazardous waste. This may involve taking it to a designated drop-off location or hiring a professional service for disposal.
Compost organic waste: By composting organic waste, you can turn it into nutrient-rich soil for your garden. This reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills and provides a sustainable solution for managing organic waste.
Properly dispose of electronic waste: Electronic devices should not be thrown in the trash as they contain toxic materials. Many communities have designated drop-off locations or programs for recycling e-waste.

Make a Difference with Proper Waste Disposal

Proper waste disposal is essential for protecting the environment, promoting public health and safety, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and promoting sustainability. As individuals, we can make a significant impact by following proper waste disposal methods in our daily lives. Governments and businesses are also responsible for prioritizing proper waste management to ensure a healthy and sustainable future for all. Let’s do our part in properly managing waste and preserving our planet for generations to come.

So, it is necessary to raise awareness about proper waste disposal and take action to ensure that we are all doing our part in protecting the environment. Remember, every small step counts towards a cleaner and healthier world. So, let’s join hands and make proper waste disposal a top priority for the betterment of our planet. Together, we can make a difference and pave the way for a sustainable future.

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Essay on Waste Management

Updated on
May 11, 2023

Every year, the amount of waste is doubling because of the increasing population around the world. The 3Rs, Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle should be followed to help in waste management. Waste management is the need of the hour and should be followed by individuals globally. This is also a common essay topic in the school curriculum and various academic and competitive exams like IELTS , TOEFL , SAT , UPSC , etc. In this blog, let us explore how to write an essay on Waste Management.

This Blog Includes:

Tips for writing an essay on waste management , what is the meaning of waste management, essay on waste management in 200 words, essay on waste management in 300 words .

To write an impactful and scoring essay, here are some tips on how to manage waste and write a good essay:

The initial step is to write an introduction or background information about the topic
You must use a formal style of writing and avoid using slang language.
To make an essay more impactful, write dates, quotations, and names to provide a better understanding
You can use jargon wherever it is necessary, as it sometimes makes an essay complicated
To make an essay more creative, you can also add information in bulleted points wherever possible
Always remember to add a conclusion where you need to summarise crucial points
Once you are done, read through the lines and check spelling and grammar mistakes before submission

Waste management is the management of waste by disposal and recycling of it. It requires proper techniques while keeping in mind the environmental situations. For example, there are various methods and techniques through which the waste is disposed of. Some of these are Landfills, Recycling, Composting, etc. These methods are useful in disposing of waste without causing any harm to the environment.

Sample Essays on Waste Management

To help you write a perfect essay that would help you score well, here are some sample essays to give you an idea about the same.

One of the crucial aspects of today’s society is waste management. Due to a surge in population, the waste is generated in millions of tons day by day and affects the lives of a plethora of people across the globe. Mostly the affected people live in slums that are extremely close to the waste disposal areas; thus, they are highly prone to communicable and non-communicable diseases. These people are deprived of necessities to maintain a healthy life, including sanitation and proper hygiene.

There are various methods and techniques for disposing of waste including Composting, Landfills, Recycling, and much more. These methods are helpful in disposing of waste without being harmful to the environment. Waste management is helpful in protecting the environment and creating safety of the surrounding environment for humans and animals. The major health issue faced by people across the world is environmental pollution and this issue can only be solved or prevented by proper waste management so that a small amount of waste is there in the environment. One of the prominent and successful waste management processes, recycling enables us not only in saving resources but also in preventing the accumulation of waste. Therefore it is very important to teach and execute waste management.

The basic mantra of waste management is” Refuse, Reuse, Reduce, Repurpose, and Recycle”. Waste management is basically the collection or accumulation of waste and its disposal. This process involves the proper management of waste including recycling waste generated and even generating useful renewable energy from it. One of the most recent initiatives taken by various countries at the local, national and international levels, waste management is a way of taking care of planet earth. This responsible act helps in providing a good and stable environment for the present and future generations. In India, most animals get choked and struggle till death because they consume waste on the streets.

So far many lives are lost, not only animals but also humans due to a lack of proper waste management. There are various methods and techniques for disposing of waste including Composting, Landfills, Recycling, and much more. These methods are helpful in disposing of waste without being harmful to the environment. Waste management is helpful in protecting the environment and creating safety of the surrounding environment for humans and animals. This process of waste management evolved due to industrialization as prior to these inventions simple burying was sufficient for disposing of waste.

One of the crucial things to control waste is creating awareness among people and this can only be achieved only when the governments and stakeholders in various countries take this health issue seriously. To communicate with various communities and reach each end of the country, the message can be communicated through media and related platforms. People also need to participate in waste management procedures by getting self-motivated and taking care of activities of daily living. These steps to create consciousness about waste management are crucial to guarantee the success and welfare of the people and most importantly our planet earth.

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Sonal is a creative, enthusiastic writer and editor who has worked extensively for the Study Abroad domain. She splits her time between shooting fun insta reels and learning new tools for content marketing. If she is missing from her desk, you can find her with a group of people cracking silly jokes or petting neighbourhood dogs.