There is no doubt that humans generate a lot of waste. As per a study, more than 11 billion tonnes of solid waste are generated across the world and most of which comes from humans. And this is increasing with time. That’s why it is important to effectively manage this waste and also come up with some effective strategies to recycle the waste to enjoy better sustainability. For example, producing Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) by recycling waste.
Well, sustainable waste management is a crucial part of a vast circular economy. This can be defined as a systemic approach to the development of the economy. On the other hand, sustainable waste recycling helps tackle different issues that the environment has and also offers effective solutions to different issues that are caused by waste. In the case of the corporates, this allows them to fulfill their Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals.
One of the major components of MSW- Municipal Solid Waste is paper as well as paperboard items. These are less damaging compared to plastic and are also biodegradables. However, it still can affect the environment. The use of raw materials in different industries to produce products made of card and paper leads to deforestation.
However, experts have suggested that by recycling those products, more than 100 tonnes of wood can be saved every year. If the wasted paper products are processed through an effective waste recycling program, more than 4100 kilowatts of energy can be produced, and it is possible to save around 3 yards of landfill space. Besides, with this, it is possible to reduce CO2 emissions.
Another largest component of municipal solid waste is plastic. From the petrochemical that should be extracted to create new materials to the projected USD 3 trillion in lost and damaged resources, plastic waste is a major issue. Sustainable waste management or recycling means using plastic waste to produce energy.
Is this even possible? Yes, there are many RDF manufacturers who are using plastic and other commercial waste to produce RDF that works as an efficient coal substitute. In fact, most
cement manufacturing plants are now using RDF instead of coal to meet their Corporate social responsibility (CSR) of lowering carbon emissions.
Sustainable recycling of waste depends on an effective waste management hierarchy. In simple words, it is a system that generally focuses on avoidance, reuse, energy production, recycling, and disposal of waste. It majorly focuses on efficient utilization of resources; place less wasteful and renewable practices are the top.
When it comes to maintaining sustainability, the first priority should be avoiding as well as reducing the amount of waste produced. And this can be attained by lowering the consumption and enhancing the efficiency. Businesses or manufacturing units should go for products that require the fewest resources to produce. On the other hand, disposable goods or single-use should be avoided.
Reusing is an ideal option as it can be easily done without using new materials, which takes energy, money, and some other resources. Reuse, which is a major part of the zero-waste plan, can be done in different forms, such as donating old clothes or items to others, reusing plastic bags, and researching some new recipes for your leftover foods instead of throwing them away.
The next crucial step is energy production. In simple words, it is the process of converting waste into electricity, heat, or other types of fuel. This can be done through different processes, like anaerobic digestion, gasification, incineration, and converting waste into RDF.
One of the most common methods of energy production from non-hazardous waste is combustion. This process lowers the physical volume of waste that will be sent to landfills. On the other hand, it also offers energy through a burning process that will otherwise need fossil fuels like oil or coal to generate. In Thailand, there are multiple facilities that are currently recovering energy from the combustion of MSW. Besides, the introduction of RDF has made it possible for cement manufacturers to lower the use of coal.
Reusing is an ideal option as it can be easily done without using new materials, which takes energy, money, and some other resources. Reuse, which is a major part of the zero-waste plan, can be done in different forms, such as donating old clothes or items to others, reusing plastic bags, and researching some new recipes for your leftover foods instead of throwing them away.
1. It Helps In Creating SpaceIf waste is never managed properly, it will end up on lands centralized in a landfill. Well, landfills are big and can cover up a lot of space. In different confined areas, by following a sustainable waste recycling process, it will be possible to free up some space. This way, you can make the best use of it.
2. It Saves MoneyOnce you recycle anything, you don’t have to buy another piece of the same product. This way, you can save more money than otherwise be utilized to purchase a new item. On the other hand, the agencies that manage the trash or waste will not be forced to manage the trash constantly.
On the other hand, sustainable waste management or recycling can help some companies to make money. For example, there are RDF producers who reuse the MSW to produce RDF pellets that are widely used in the cement industry or other industries that depend on oil or coal to produce energy. This is a great way to use waste.
3. It Enhances SustainabilityManaging energy, water, and waste and handling it efficiently are the major factors of sustainability. By enhancing your business or individual sustainability, you can boost your image as an organization or individual. As a result, you will be able to attract more clients and customers to your business.
Reusing and recycling waste plays a great role in sustainability as it lowers the negative impacts of waste. Besides, different agencies like RDF manufacturers are now investing more into Landfill mining and Dumpsite mining to use MSW to produce RDF, helping in reducing the consumption level of coal in the cement industry. The earth is an amazing place, and it will be really unfair for the upcoming generation to leave it depleted and exhausted for them.