We all know that household waste is an inevitable and unavoidable part of our daily lives, and no household or business is completely waste-free nowadays. A few families may have survived living off the grid and having an almost zero-waste lifestyle, but they are few and far between. When it comes to household waste, it’s important to know the best ways to dispose of it, as improper disposal can lead to serious health and environmental problems. So this brings us to our next question: what can you really do with household waste? Following are the top ways to deal with and dispose of it.
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Reduce your production of waste
Before we dive (pun not intended!) into how to dispose of household waste, reducing the amount of waste you produce is essential. But this isn’t an easy matter, as we all know. However, one of the most effective ways to do this is by avoiding purchasing items with excessive (i.e., too much) packaging. You can also reuse items, such as shopping bags or containers, rather than throw them away. In addition, recycling materials like metal, paper, and plastic and even composting food waste can significantly decrease the amount of waste your household produces.
Recycling
Recycling is one of the best – and most common – ways to dispose of household waste, as attested to by recycling experts at Langley Recycling. With recycling, you can allow materials like plastics, glass, and paper to be reused, significantly reducing the waste that goes into landfills. Different municipalities across the US have curbside recycling programs, and it’s essential to follow their guidelines to ensure that all the relevant materials are recycled properly and correctly. In addition to curbside recycling, there are even dedicated recycling centers where you can drop off hazardous materials (such as paint and batteries) and electronics.
Composting
Composting is another way to help reduce the amount of waste your household produces, and many are doing it as we speak. It is the process of using organic material and turning it into a nutrient-rich amendment to the soil. Yard waste, food scraps, and paper products are all suitable for composting. Furthermore, it not only reduces the amount of waste that goes to landfills – but it also creates a useful product for gardening. You can do composting in your backyard or use a ‘composting service’ that can pick up your compost materials for a minimal fee.
Bringing waste into landfills
Landfills are the most common method of waste disposal, and they are designed to contain waste and prevent contamination of the environment. However, landfills are not without their drawbacks. For one, as waste decomposes, it can produce methane gas, an incredibly potent greenhouse gas contributing greatly to climate change. In addition, landfills take up a significant portion of the land and can even contaminate the soil and water in the surrounding environment.
Donation
Donating items you no longer need is, by far, the most excellent way you can reduce waste while also helping others. Many organizations accept donations of furniture, clothing, and various household goods. Donating items can also be tax-deductible, so keep a record of your donations for tax purposes.
