If your family is anything like mine, then I’m sure you generate a lot of household waste. You’ve probably thrown all your waste into the bin without even considering if anything can be recycled. It’s okay; we have all done this at least once. However, this is not a good way to get rid of your waste. It will only end up in a landfill, which this is very bad for the environment and, ultimately, human health.
Did you know that waste can actually be classified into many different types? Some say there are 3 classifications of waste, but we like to break our waste into 6 types of waste. Moreover, some types of waste are recyclable, whereas others are not. Recycling can be confusing, so I’m not surprised to see many Brisbane residents failing to grasp the concept.
If you are one such resident, by knowing the different types of waste, you’ll be able to understand better what you can and cannot recycle.
1. Liquid Waste
Liquid waste is commonly found both in households as well as in industries. This waste includes dirty water, organic liquids, wash water, waste detergents and even rainwater.
You should also know that liquid waste can be classified into point and non-point source waste. All manufactured liquid waste is classified as point-source waste. On the other hand, natural liquid waste is classified as non-point source waste.
Examples of waste in this classification include:
- Dirty water
- Wash water
- Organic liquids
- Waste detergents
- Rainwater
It is best to get in touch with waste removal experts specialising in liquid waste to dispose of it properly.
2. Solid Rubbish
Solid rubbish can include various items found in your household, along with commercial and industrial locations.
Solid rubbish is commonly broken down into the following types:
- Plastic waste – This consists of bags, containers, jars, bottles and many other products that can be found in your household. Plastic is not biodegradable, but many types of plastic can be recycled. Plastic should not be mixed in with your regular waste; it should be sorted and placed in your recycling bin.
- Paper/card waste – This includes packaging materials, newspapers, cardboard and other products. Paper can easily be recycled and reused, so place them in your recycling bin or take them to your closest Brisbane recycling depot.
- Tins and metals – These can be found in various forms throughout your home. Most metals can be recycled. Consider taking these items to a scrap yard or your closest Brisbane recycling depot to properly dispose of this waste type.
- Ceramics and glass – These items can easily be recycled. Look for special glass recycling bins and bottle banks to dispose of them correctly.
Examples of waste in this classification include:
- Plastic bags
- Plastic containers
- Jars
- Bottles
- Paper packaging materials
- Newspapers
- Cardboard
- Tins
- Metals
- Ceramics
- Glass bottles
While many types of solid waste can be recycled, some items cannot be recycled and should be disposed of properly.
3. Organic Waste
Organic waste is another common household. All food waste, garden waste, manure and rotten meat are classified as organic waste. Over time, organic waste is turned into manure by microorganisms. However, this does not mean that you can dispose of them anywhere.
Examples of waste in this classification include:
- Food waste
- Garden waste
- Manure
- Rotten meat
Organic waste in landfills causes methane production, so it must never be simply discarded with general waste. Instead, look to get a green bin from the Brisbane council or hire a green skin bin or garden bag for proper waste disposal.
4. Recyclable Rubbish
Recyclable rubbish includes all waste items that can be converted into products that can be used again. Solid items such as paper, metals, furniture and organic waste can all be recycled.
Instead of throwing these items in with regular waste to end up in a landfill, place them in your yellow recycling bin or take them to your local Brisbane recycling depot.
Examples of waste in this classification include:
- Paper
- Metals
- glass
- Furniture
- Organic waste
If you’re unsure whether an item is recyclable or not, look at the packaging or the diagrams on the lid of your yellow recycling bin. Most products will explicitly state whether they are recyclable or not. If you’re still unsure, an incredibly easy and efficient way to dispose of solid rubbish is by hiring a Brisbane waste removal company, like 4 Waste Removals, to take care of your recycling. We will remove all of your rubbish and ensure it is disposed of properly.
5. Hazardous Waste
Hazardous waste includes all types of flammable, toxic, corrosive and reactive rubbish. It also includes radioactive waste and chemical wastes.
These items can harm you and the environment and must be disposed of correctly. Therefore, I recommend you use a waste removal company to dispose of all hazardous wastes.
Examples of waste in this classification include:
- Paint and thinners, Motor oils
- Batteries
- Aerosol cans
- Light bulbs
- Fluorescent tubes
- Pesticides
- Weed killers
- Chemicals
- Gas bottles
- Fertilisers
- Oils
6. Industrial waste
Industrial waste is any type of waste that is produced by an industrial process. This can include manufacturing, construction and mining processes. This is a broad category that can include anything from asbestos and clinical waste to oil and chemicals.
This type of rubbish generally consists of harmful chemicals and other materials that can be dangerous to humans and the environment if disposed of incorrectly. Therefore, this type of waste should not be disposed of in your regular rubbish bin. You must use a professional waste removal company to get rid of all your industrial waste.
Examples of waste in this classification include:
- Asbestos
- Gases
- Oils
- Chemicals
- Hazardous waste
- Industrial waste
Conclusion:
Waste can be classified into 6 types of waste which are all commonly found around the house. These include liquid, solid, organic, recyclable, hazardous, and industrial waste. Make sure that you segregate your waste into these different types to ensure proper waste management.
Contact us at 4 Waste Removals in Brisbane to make waste removal easy and effortless. Drop us an email at info@4waste.com.au, and we’ll gladly help you with your waste disposal needs.