Sustainable Waste Management: The Most Eye-Opening Facts You Need to Know

Waste accumulation is one of the major environmental challenges that we face in the world today. With the global population steadily increasing, this challenge is perpetually worsening. Fortunately, society has recognized the need to take action in order to mitigate waste-related problems. Recycling and landfill are two of the most popular methods of waste management. Unfortunately, these methods are often misunderstood. In this article, we will take a closer look at these two waste management techniques and provide you with some of the most eye-opening facts about them.

1. Let’s start with Landfills
   Landfills have been placed under heavy scrutiny because of the negative environmental impact they have on our planet. One of the most alarming facts is that most disposable items that end up in landfills can actually be recycled, including plastic bottles, cardboard, and aluminum cans. But, perhaps the most eye-opening fact about landfills is that they are not a bottomless pit. Every landfill has a capacity, and once that capacity is reached, the landfill must be closed. It is estimated that by the year 2025, 80% of current landfill sites in the United States will be filled to capacity and be closed down.
2. Let’s look at Recycling
   Recycling has been hailed as the solution to most of our waste management problems. However, there are a few misconceptions regarding recycling. Firstly, not all materials can be recycled. Secondly, recycling takes up a lot of resources and energy, meaning that it may not always be the most cost-effective option. For example, recycling paper requires a huge amount of water and energy to process, whereas, producing new paper from raw materials uses less energy. On the other hand, recycling aluminum cans saves 95% of the energy compared to producing new cans from raw materials.
3. Plastic Waste
   Plastic waste is one of the biggest culprits of environmental pollution. One of the most shocking facts about plastics is that the amount of plastic produced in the last 10 years is greater than the total amount produced in the last century. Additionally, only 9% of plastic waste produced globally is recycled. The remaining 91% ends up in landfills, polluting our oceans, and harming marine life.
4. E-Waste
   Electronics are a major contributor to our daily lives, however, they also contribute significantly to the waste we produce. It is estimated that over 50 million tons of e-waste are produced globally each year, with only 20% being appropriately recycled. E-waste contains harmful substances such as lead, mercury, and cadmium, which can be harmful to the environment, and human life.
5. Food Waste
   Lastly, food waste is a significant contributor to the overall waste we produce as a society. Globally, one-third of food produced is wasted, with the US alone throwing out about 35 million tons of food annually. Food waste contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, which come from the decomposition of organic matter. By reducing the amount of food waste we produce, we can reduce our environmental impact significantly.

Conclusion:
It is essential for us to educate ourselves on the topic of waste management so that we can make informed decisions regarding our waste disposal methods. Knowing the facts about landfills, recycling, plastic waste, e-waste, and food waste helps us take action in making smart and sustainable choices. There is no better time than now to start taking steps towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future. If you want to know more recycling facts, visit online at SwagCycle and check out all details.