Industrial waste affects every form of life on the planet and must be managed properly. Most people think of industrial waste as someone else’s problem, but the fact is that about 70% of industrial waste is illegally dumped into bodies of water, making water supplies unusable and unsafe for wildlife and humans. Here are four ways that industrial waste can be disposed of safely.
1. Proper Separation Processes
Industrial waste needs to be separated based on the life cycle of the waste. For example, some waste is biodegradable, which means it will degrade quickly without any harmful effects. However, most industrial waste has a 100-year life cycle, which means plastics and other materials will sit for hundreds of years before it ever begins to decompose. Other materials still have no end date, like Styrofoam.
The first step in managing industrial waste is to keep waste separated by the expected life cycle. Segregation ensures that waste winds up where it is supposed to be and lessens the environmental impact.
2. Recyclable Materials
One of the best ways to manage industrial waste is to reduce the amount of waste created. Using recyclable materials in manufacturing and other areas can reduce the amount of industrial waste generated by millions of tonnes annually. Unfortunately, drug laws are more stringent than environmental laws. For example, if you are caught with three doses of LSD, you can go to jail for up to three years and pay a $25,000 fine. No matter how you’re choosing to live your life, you need to be aware of the laws surrounding your decisions.
While the environmental laws are not as stringent as they should be regarding waste management, they will catch up soon enough. Consumers can force companies to change their habits by refusing to do business with companies that do not have recycling or a waste management plan in place.
3. Incinerating Industrial Waste
Some progressive companies have taken a bold approach and started incinerating their waste independently. This is an expensive endeavor for many companies, and, unfortunately, it is cost prohibitive. Incineration is a good answer for those that can afford the option. Don’t believe that incineration is like an open fire pit where trash is dumped out in the open. Today’s systems use complex technologies to minimize pollutants that escape into the air. Some companies can be contracted to manage industrial waste incineration. Contracting incineration services can be a cost-effective, safe option for waste management.
4. Composting Options
If your business produces organic waste products, you may be able to compost those products into fertilizer and reduce waste and make some money off the product. Some industrial waste products that can be composted include food products, cardboard, sawdust, wood product waste, leaves, and other organics.
Composting can be a great waste management option for the right type of waste. However, it requires a special setup, and your area may have some regulatory limitations. Check with your local EPA office to learn if this is an option for your business.
In the United States, waste is a huge problem. About 10% of homes in the United States have plumbing leaks that result in a loss of 90 gallons of water every day. Everyone is responsible for reducing waste, conserving natural resources, and ensuring that industrial waste is handled properly.
Contracting with a professional waste management service could be the right solution for your business. Learn more about how you can do your part to ensure life on the planet is protected through proper waste management.
