How To Manage Industrial Waste

Industrial waste is the major contributor to the generated global annual waste. As such, the correct disposal of industrial waste will go a long way to reduce the current waste crisis plaguing many parts of the world.

What Is An Industrial Waste?

Industrial waste is the unwanted byproduct of industrial processes. These processes include mining and manufacturing activities. Therefore, industrial waste management is the act of safely removing and disposing of industrial waste. Some of the strategies that can utilize to manage industrial wastes are:

Segregation

Industrial wastes like glass, plastic, and paper are recyclable. As such, a company should segregate this waste from bio-degradable wastes, hazardous waste, and solid non-hazardous waste. To do this, the factory or company should identify the recyclable material and the set up a separate waste collection system for them. This can be done by providing a recycling bin or dumpster at the factory or company.

Utilize Landfills

After sorting the waste, the factory or company should dispose of non-hazardous waste that cannot be recycled to landfills. A landfill is a confined area where wastes are compacted and buried beneath the surface of the earth. As the buried wastes decompose or degrade, it releases gases that can be used to generate electricity or fuel. As such, burying waste in landfills has been widely adopted as it is cost effective and safe. However, landfills are limited because they are designed to accommodate a specific volume of waste.

Composting

There are compostable industrial wastes that can be converted into fertilizers and manures. Some industrial wastes that fall into this category are food waste, newspaper, leaves, sawdust, straw, and cardboard. These compostable wastes can be added to the soil directly or processed into fertilizers to help improve the nutrient level of the soil. As such, you are both getting rid of waste and improving the environment.

Recruit Industrial Waste Management Firms

Rather than go through the rigorous processes of sorting and composting waste, a company or manufacturer can enlist the help of industrial waste management firms. These firms are specially created to manage industrial waste, as such, a factory can save itself the stress of monitoring and managing waste. However, it is important to do an in-depth analysis of the waste management firm as some are known to adopt waste management strategies that solely focus on reducing the operating cost. Recruiting such firms will defeat a manufacturer’s waste management goals.

Why Should Industrial Waste Be Managed?

It Is Good For The Environment

Uncontrolled disposal of industrial waste can lead to environmental pollutions and irreparable damages. The soil, water, and air near industrial wastes dumpsites are regarded to be very harmful to animals and humans. As such, disposing of industrial waste the right way will prevent against such occurrence.

Legal Liability

Manufactures are governed by policies that require them to dispose of industrial ways the right way. As such, violating these rules is illegal and could lead to costly reparations.

Conclusion

Managing industrial waste is one of the ways to protect our environment from harmful pollutants. As such, manufacturers and companies should be held responsible for the waste they generate.