Tracking global waste disposal trends can help businesses, households, individuals, and other waste management companies better understand where the industry is and where it might go. This blog explores just them.
Understanding waste disposal trends is essential for almost everyone. This is because we all produce waste in one form or another. Additionally, as our society develops, it will likely remain important.
Recent global trends have seen rapid growth in waste management systems. New technology and a changed attitude towards environmentally friendly waste solutions are part of this growth. That being said, the continued increase in the global population cannot be ignored.
Global Waste Disposal Trends
Global waste disposal trends follow technological innovation and a want to find more sustainable waste management solutions. While these might differ from country to country, the similarities cannot be ignored.
Understanding these trends is a great way to develop knowledge of how modern waste management companies like Cleanway function. Potential clients should read this blog to understand general waste solutions.
We’ve touched on modern waste management in several blogs. Be sure to read the ones below:
- Managing Waste in the Modern Age
- How Common E-Waste Items are Recycled
- E-Waste Management in the Modern Business Place
- 50 Modern Waste Management Solutions
Early Waste Disposal Solutions
In the past, waste management systems were rudimentary and did not have the advanced infrastructure currently associated with disposal services. At that time, these basic systems sufficed for households and small communities to manage their waste.
During the Industrial Revolution, the production and construction boom led to a surge in industrial waste and construction and demolition debris. This necessitated the safe and efficient disposal of large volumes of rubbish. The earlier systems were inadequate for handling this kind of waste effectively.
While initial solutions like landfills and burying waste were employed temporarily, they soon proved unsustainable. Consequently, the demand for large-scale waste management through municipal waste facilities increased significantly.
The Development of Waste Services
As cities experienced a surge in popularity throughout Australia in the early to mid-twentieth century, the need for private and municipal waste management services became increasingly evident. With more people came more waste, requiring proper disposal solutions.
During this time, waste infrastructure such as landfills and dumpsites emerged as the primary means of managing waste. Landfills proved efficient for containing waste and minimising human contact with it. However, concerns have been raised about their environmental impact and sustainability.
Global Waste Initiative and Policies
Global waste initiatives and policies have come about as part of an effort to challenge the effect of greenhouse gas emissions and other carbon dioxide emissions. They seek to have the whole world working together on this task.
Circular Waste Economies
Circular waste economy lessen waste generation by converting waste into alternative, usable forms. Instead of throwing things away, we’re finding new ways to reuse and recycle materials through the use of circular economies. These resource recovery systems take waste items and convert them into safe materials.
In Australia, the government and businesses work together to make this happen with Australia’s waste. Waste removal services are focusing on redesigning products so they’re easier to recycle and even setting up programs to take back used products. It’s all part of reducing waste and protecting our planet.
New Technologies
The management of waste is being transformed globally by technological advancements. Smart waste bins, automated sorting systems, and waste-to-energy technologies are some innovative solutions that significantly improve the efficiency and effectiveness of waste management.
Australia has been at the forefront of adopting these technologies. For instance, major cities like Sydney and Melbourne test smart waste bins with sensors. These bins are designed to optimise waste collection routes and reduce operational costs. Furthermore, the country is actively developing waste-to-energy plants, which aim to convert waste into electricity. This plays a crucial role in addressing both waste disposal and energy needs.
Plastic Use
The global movement to decrease the use of single-use plastics has made significant progress in response to the increasing recognition of the harmful environmental impact caused by these products. Consequently, many countries have implemented prohibitions and limitations on plastic bags and straws to tackle this issue.
Australia has been leading the charge in reducing plastic waste. Several states and territories have enforced bans on single-use plastic shopping bags and straws. The Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) is actively involved in improving packaging sustainability and minimising plastic waste by promoting collaboration among industry stakeholders and conducting public awareness campaigns.
Producer Responsibility
Manufacturers must take responsibility for their products throughout their entire lifecycle, including after customers have finished using them. This approach, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), encourages manufacturers to design products with recycling and proper disposal in mind.
EPR programs are becoming more popular in Australia. For example, the National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme (NTCRS) and the Australian Packaging Covenant are EPR initiatives to improve recycling rates and reduce waste. These programs require manufacturers to help cover the cost of recycling and proper disposal of their products, reducing the burden on local governments.
Waste Reduction Initiatives
The zero waste movement is dedicated to reducing the amount of waste we generate and maximising the recovery of resources. The overall goal is to minimise the amount of waste in landfills by promoting practices such as composting, recycling, and repurposing.
In Australia, several cities and communities have embraced zero-waste principles. For example, the City of Melbourne has implemented a “Zero Waste Strategy” to significantly reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills and encourage residents and businesses to embrace sustainable practices.
Waste Management Systems
Waste management systems allow global waste disposal systems to function efficiently. These companies are capable of managing hazardous waste, food waste, organic waste, electronic waste (e waste), and other common waste types. They commonly work with local recycling facilities to safely dispose of these waste types.
They have become an essential part of building a sustainable future where waste items are safely disposed of. They also ensure that recycling infrastructure is utilised over landfill sites. Be sure to contact Cleanway for further information about how your business or household can improve their waste systems.