Despite the environmental awareness campaigns, waste management is still elusive. There appears to be laxity from every stakeholder to ensure that waste is minimized and disposal is done efficiently. Following the increase and complexity of the waste emitted, previous processes have been rendered obsolete. Therefore, there is a need to incorporate advanced technologies to achieve efficient disposal that protects the environment.
Automated Sorting
Currently, Live Green has become the key influencer for consumers’ buying behavior. Manufacturers may rely on experienced recycling company consultants to integrate waste management systems into their production process. It presents an opportunity to identify the changes in technology best suited for the company, saving their resources that would have been otherwise wasted.
Previously, waste management was tedious and time-consuming, as sorting used to be done manually. Following the advancement in technology, waste can be put in one container as there are optical sensors and magnets in place to aid in the sorting.
Monitored Waste Fill-ups
Innovations have led to the creation of automated sensors that detect whether trash containers are filled. Monitoring can be done from anywhere, enhancing the planning of pickup schedules, along with specified collection points; therefore, reducing fuel emission. Manufacturers are able to track the rate of waste emission enabling them to streamline their production processes. It also enables them to avoid penalties resulting from overflows of waste bowls.
Trash Compactors
Depending on the geographical size of an industrial plant, trucks can make numerous trips to collect the waste. The number can increase depending on the holding capacity of the offloading sites. Incorporation of compactors that are solar-powered can increase the holding capacity of the site, allowing the company to reduce the collection trips. Consequentially, a significant portion of the waste emitted can be repurposed, shortening the time taken to recycle waste. The new products could present a new business idea that can be explored to increase the company’s product portfolio.
Waste Energy
Given that not most of the waste can be recycled, non-recyclable waste can be converted into energy. It offers clean renewable energy that can be used within the production process as heat or electricity. Due to its eco-friendly cost-effective nature, it aids in the reduction of carbon emission by discouraging the use of fossil fuels. It is also a key component of the waste management cycle, as it reduces the number of waste landfills.
Proper waste management practices are a conscious decision. Poor disposal of the waste following the non-existence of collection processes has led to the contamination of water and pollution of air. The presence of open undesignated garbage heaps, especially in the urban areas, poses a health hazard to residents. If waste is to be minimized and repurposed or reused, it might reduce some of the health burdens on society.
Soil contamination due to landfills is hazardous to human health. The awful odor from the garbage can cause infection and other diseases, especially to young children. It is, therefore, imperative that stringent measures are established to achieve effective waste management.