Poor waste management can have detrimental effects of environmental ecosystems and human health. Additionally it negatively contributes to climate change. None of these will have a positive impact on the future of humanity.
Cleanway takes waste management company seriously. A major aim of ours is to ensure that waste is managed in a safe and secure manner. Our methods ensures that poor waste management does not occur.
This blog explores the environmental cost of poor waste management. We hope that it will highlight the importance of hiring a waste management company like Cleanway who is aware of the safe and efficient waste stream protocols.
What is Waste Management
Waste management is a streamlined process that organises various forms of garbage and trash. It does this through sorting, disposing, reducing, recycling, reusing, and preventing different forms of waste.
Waste management is important because waste exists whether a person likes it or not. Without effective systems in place to deal with it, there will be piles and piles of unaccounted-for waste and other garbage.
Not only will this be unsightly, but it will also contribute to greenhouse gases and other pollutants. For the beauty and security of planet Earth, waste management is important.
Waste Management Hierarchy
The waste management hierarchy underlines the importance of reusing and recycling waste over simple waste disposal. It is the guideline adopted by major waste management companies across the globe.
Its goal is efficiency. It seeks to find more effective ways to manage waste by re-entering the waste back into the production cycle. However, it also understands that certain wastes, such as hazardous waste, is best disposed of if it cannot be reused.
The waste management hierarchy is a six-point logistics triangle. It breaks down the best ways to deal with waste, with prevention at the top as the most ideal and disposal at the bottom as the last choice.
We explore the waste management hierarchy in greater detail in our blog Managing Waste in the Modern Age.
Impact on Ecosystems
Environmental ecosystems are a vital part of how our Earth functions. Without ecosystems, nature cannot manage itself. It is therefore important that they are not damaged by human waste.
Soil Contamination
Soil contamination occurs when waste is incorrectly or improperly disposed of in such a way that it contaminates the surrounding environment. This is something that needs to be avoided through proper waste management. Additionally, waste management companies should be contacted to safely handle and contaminations.
Water Pollution
When waste is disposed of wrongly or improperly, it contaminates the ecosystem and causes water contamination. It is necessary to prevent this by appropriate waste management. Pollution can occur through liquid waste spillage and other emergency spill situations
Human Health Risks
Human health risks are a great concern of improper waste disposal. This includes not following the correct techniques to handle municipal solid waste, plastic waste, hazardous waste, landfill waste, food waste, and other waste types that produce carbon emissions and negatively effect the environment.
Waste management companies are aware that sustainable waste management practices work hand in hand with promoting human health. Strengthening waste management policies and waste management initiatives ensures not just responsible waste disposal, but also safeguards human health.
Exposure to Toxins
Poor waste management can significantly increase the risk of exposure to toxins and hazardous chemicals for individuals in the community. When waste is not handled correctly, these harmful substances can contaminate the environment, leading to various potential health issues.
Exposure may result in immediate effects, such as respiratory problems or skin irritations, as well as long-term consequences like chronic illnesses. Therefore, improving waste management practices is crucial to safeguarding both short-term and long-term health for everyone.
Waterborne Diseases
Waterborne diseases, such as cholera, continue to pose serious health threats in many regions where inadequate waste management and water sewage systems are prevalent. These diseases are not relics of the past; they remain a pressing issue today, especially in communities lacking proper sanitation infrastructure.
When waste is not managed effectively, contamination increases, leading to outbreaks that drastically affect public health and well-being. Awareness and improved management practices are crucial in combating these ongoing challenges.
Impact on Vulnerable Communities
Vulnerable communities already dealing with various societal challenges often experience even greater hardships when poor waste management occurs. Inadequate waste disposal can lead to health hazards, contamination of local resources, and an overall decline in living conditions.
These problems disproportionately affect those already struggling, exacerbating existing issues such as poverty, health disparities, and social instability. Effective waste management is essential to support these communities and improve their quality of life, ensuring a healthier environment for all residents.
Economic Costs
The economic costs of poor waste management tend to grow the more it is done. This is partly why it is so essential to curtail any poor waste management tactics before they form in greater issues. One way to do this is through regular waste audits.
Cleanup Costs
Cleaning up the consequences of poor waste management incurs significant costs that could have been easily avoided with better planning and practices. When waste is improperly handled, it can lead to environmental hazards, public health issues, and increased cleanup expenses. This strains municipal budgets and diverts resources from other essential services.
By implementing effective waste management strategies, communities can prevent these additional expenditures, promote sustainability, and protect public health. Investing in proper waste disposal and recycling programs ultimately saves money in the long run. It contributes to a cleaner, safer environment for everyone.
Healthcare Costs
Inadequate waste management can lead to significant health issues with considerable economic implications. Poorly managed waste often results in the proliferation of harmful pathogens and contaminants, contributing to diseases that can burden healthcare systems and decrease workforce productivity.
The financial strain on public health resources can escalate as more individuals require medical attention, leading to higher healthcare costs. Additionally, communities facing health crises may experience reduced property values and decreased economic activity. Investing in effective waste management strategies protects public health and promotes economic stability, fostering healthier communities and more resilient economies.
Solutions and Best Practices
We have written extensively on waste management best practices. Here are some of the top blogs as well as a short summary of the main takeaways.
Organic Waste and the Waste Hierarchy
Organic waste refers to all organic materials that can be broken down into a variety of natural chemicals and compounds. Take cow manure, for instance. It is a great fertiliser for crops, but manure itself is a leading contributor to climate change. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is a primary goal in building a sustainable future.
Similarly, just because waste is organic does not mean that people want to, or should, come into contact with it. Again, cow manure is a good example of this. Most people don’t want to smell it in their daily life. The human aversion to waste is well documented in history. Even early scientists had the basic understanding that something that smells bad has the potential to cause negative effects on human health.
Implementing a Rubbish Waste Collection Plan
Implementing a rubbish waste collection plan, as with any other waste management system, gives businesses the benefit of having a dedicated and safe way to manage their waste and their waste systems.
Often, waste and rubbish collection systems are not a priority. Some businesses make the error of merely seeing waste as a minor logistical issue. However, implementing a management system have many benefits.
E-Waste Management in the Modern Business Place
E-waste management has become an increasingly important consideration for the modern business place. This is because more and more e-waste is being produced that needs safe handling.
Additionally, waste management systems are looking at becoming more sustainable and environmentally friendly. This carries over into e-waste management. Considering that it is an industry of technological innovation, it is natural that many manufacturers and producers are building electronic products with sustainability in mind.
25 E-Waste Disposal Best Practices
Electronic products differ from more traditional products. This is because of the materials used in their construction. Some of these materials, like the lithium found in most batteries, pose risks to human health and well-being if improperly disposed of. The large amounts of electronic waste produced annually signify our economies’ shift towards technology.
Almost all industries function because of computers and phones, and this is unlikely to change in the future. E-waste will only grow from its current tonnage. To create a more environmentally friendly future, we must engage in waste management best practices for every type of waste product.
Commercial Waste Management Techniques
There are a variety of options for any company that seeks to improve their waste management solutions. Many are as simple as understanding the wide waste system that they exist in. Additionally, certain systems are common waste management best practices found in the average household.
It is important for companies to find ways to constantly adapt and improve their waste management streams. This can lead to greater efficiency across multiple supply chains. It can also improve employee morale through allowing them to see how the company is committed to environmental best practices.