Waste is the term used for used materials or products that need to be disposed of. Waste includes all unwanted, already used, substances, occurring throughout our environment, derived from human activities, either, personal or work related.
Waste types, defined through waste management systems, and what is included under each type
- Municipal Waste is inclusive of:
Household waste: which is including, all household trash, refuse, waste water and sewage.
Commercial waste includes waste from business premises, sport and recreation facilities, educational and entertainment organisations.
Demolition waste materials include debris from insulation, electrical wiring, wood, concrete, bricks, etc.
- Industrial waste is produced through industrial activities and manufacturing processes in factories, industries, mills, mining operations, and includes, chemical solvents, paints, paper products, etc.
- Organic Waste is biodegradable, meaning that the organic matter can be broken down into carbon dioxide, water, methane, organic molecules and microorganisms. Examples are green waste, food waste, slaughterhouse waste, etc.
- The biomedical waste contains potentially infectious materials, which includes infusion kits, used bandages and syringes. It also includes laboratory waste that might contain bio molecules and organisms that need special care in disposing of.
- Hazardous waste is inclusive of:
- The radioactive waste contains radioactive materials which are a by-product of nuclear power generation, or research and medicine. Nuclear Waste is hazardous to most life forms and the environment.
- The explosive waste contains a great amount of potential energy that can produce an explosion. Triggers can be anything from, light, heat, pressure and sound.
- Electronic waste is inclusive of all discarded electrical and electronic devices and can have an adverse effect on human health and the environment.
Biochemical waste, radioactive waste and Demolition waste have very strict management rules for disposing of materials. These materials are mostly highly hazardous to human life and the environment.
Many waste materials in the other waste types are recyclable. Energy recovery from waste is using the non-recyclable materials to extract heat, electricity or energy through a variety of processes. These processes may include combustion, gasification, and anaerobic digestion. These processes turn your waste into energy.