We are producing more and more garbage. According to an estimate by the World Bank, released at the meeting of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), the volume of urban waste on the planet should reach 2,2 billion tons in 2025, against the current approximately 2 billion tons . It is easy to imagine that, when disposed of in dumps and sanitary landfills, as is the case today, these residues compromise the quality of the environment and, consequently, of our lives. So, we need to think about a more appropriate destination for our garbage, like the recycling.
This is one of the alternatives that has already been practiced in some places with good results and the rates of recycling are increasing in Brazil and in the world. But we still have a long way to go, which involves making the selective collection process accessible to the entire population, significantly changing the way we deal with our domestic and industrial waste. Many people are already aware of all of this, but still don't know where to start. If so, don't worry! In this article, we will teach you everything you need to know to do your part.
Know what are the types of garbage and how to dispose of them
To begin, we need to understand that “garbage” is not a homogeneous category. There are several types of waste and being aware of the composition of each one of them is essential so that we can carry out a correct separation and, thus, dispose of them in the best possible way. Know the main types below:
1. Organic waste
Organic waste, which some people call "wet waste" or "wet waste", consists of food scraps, dead plants, coffee grounds, toilet paper, diapers and other materials of biological origin.
Many people believe that it cannot be reused, the landfill being the only possibility for disposal, but there is a better destination for it: the composting. Not all organic waste can be composted (toilet paper and food of animal origin, for example), but by carrying out this process, you will certainly reduce your garbage volume at home.
2. Recyclable waste
Recyclable waste, also known as “dry waste”, is made up, in general, of paper, plastic, glass and metal. Disposal can be done in separate collection bins that are usually available on city streets, in the colors blue (paper), red (plastic), yellow (metal) and green (glass). These materials are then collected, separated and sent to the recycling.
It sounds simple, but many people still have doubts about these materials. So, let's give some examples. By "paper", we mean cardboard boxes, printed in general, envelopes, notebook sheets (without the wire), cards and paper packages. As "glass", you can consider bottles, glasses and flasks. “Metal” are aluminum cans, canned goods, nails, wires, pipes, tubes and objects made of copper, aluminum, bronze, iron or lead. It's the "plastic”Comprises PET bottles, food jars, disposable cups, plastic bags, bags, buckets and plastic wrap.
And an important tip: in order to dispose of this type of garbage, it is essential that the materials are clean and dry! Otherwise, the recycling it can be made difficult or even impossible.
3. Junk mail
Electronic, technological, computational or simply e-waste - which consists of waste from cell phones, tablets, computers, batteries, household appliances, radios, cameras or any electronic material - can be separated, disassembled and destined for the recycling (when possible, parts are reused).
But, despite being mainly formed by metal, it cannot be discarded along with other types of metallic waste. This is because electronic waste releases substances that can be harmful to the environment. Thus, its disposal needs special attention.
In some cities, e-waste collection points are found close to recyclable waste collection points. And in others, they are available in the corridors of companiesshopping centers, in addition to stores in the computer segment.
And which materials are not recyclable?
Hospital waste and radioactive waste, as they are contaminated with substances that are highly harmful to people and the environment, cannot be sent to the recycling and they need an exclusive disposal, carried out by specialized companies. In addition to them, there are some household materials that cannot be recycled and usually cause doubts. Here are some examples:
- Styrofoam
- clips
- steel sponge
- X-ray plate
- photography
- espelho
- porcelain
- ceramics
- cellophane paper
- EVE
Know where to deliver the materials to recycling
Now that you know what can be recycled, you may be wondering where this process should be done. There is no single answer, as the destination of this garbage varies from city to city. In São Paulo, for example, a truck takes the pre-defined route by the city hall, collecting recyclable waste at strategically chosen points. In other places, as in the case of Belo Horizonte, there are fixed points where you can (and should) deposit your waste. To understand the model of your municipality and the collection point closest to you, see the city hall website.
Now there are no more doubts about the separation of garbage, is there? So we make an invitation: how about starting the year by proposing a new way to deal with discards in your house, building or condominium? And, in addition to recycling, remember that it is also very important to reduce and reuse resources in order to generate less waste, as we have shown in this article regarding various uses of the Ziplock bag, that will inspire you!