Despite collective concern for the environment and relentless efforts to minimize the negative impact of our actions, global waste generation is expected to increase 70 percent by 2050. (Alves, 2023)
According to Statista, waste generation has increased exponentially over the past few decades because of urbanization and population growth. In this context, waste management has taken an important role as a strategy to reduce waste and combat climate change.
Waste management processes consist of adopting better practices to collect, transport, treat and dispose solid and liquid waste. It requires the cooperation of stakeholders including waste producers, regulators, government, organizations, media, and consumers.
It’s important to remember that the initial step in making a difference is finding ways to reduce waste generation which can be achieved by changing our consumption habits, purchasing only what is essential, choosing better materials and giving resources a second life through recovery, re-use and recycling.
For waste that is classified as garbage, there are various methods of waste disposal, such as landfilling, incineration, and composting; additionally, there are methods for valorizing waste, such as energy generation (waste-to-energy). All of themimply expertise and knowledge to evaluate the best way to maximize the efficiency of these practices according to the needs of each case.
In addition to the many environmental benefits, waste management also contributes to:
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- Improve human health and quality of life reducing the release of toxins into the air which can lead to skin irritation and respiratory problems.
- Protect biodiversity preventing the presence of materials such as glass, plastic, oil and paper in ecosystems.
- Contribute to the development of a circular economy model extending the life cycle of products and resources.
- Reduce production costs and energy consumption avoiding overproduction. (Rapid River Magazine, 2021)
For companies, implementing good waste management practices can lead to greater profits by maintaining the efficiency of the supply chain, saving money and resources, creating economic and environmental value to achieve their sustainable goals in line with the 2030 Agenda.
At Set the World, we assist our clients by providing advice on evaluating methods to reduce their waste generation and implementing a waste management system that ensures the proper separation and disposal of resources thus minimizing their negative impact on the planet. Contact us today!
- Referencias.
- Alves, B. (August 31, 2023). Global waste generation – statics & facts. Statista. https://www.statista.com/topics/4983/waste-generation-worldwide/#topicOverview
- United Nations Development Programmme. (2023). Case Studies: The Role of the Private Sector. Harnessing the role of private sector in waste management through South-South and Triangular Cooperation for inclusive urbanization. United Nations. https://www.undp.org/sites/g/files/zskgke326/files/2023-09/undp-harnessing-the-role-of-private-sector-in-waste-management-through-south-south-and-triangular-cooperation-for-inclusive-urbanization.pdf
- Kelvin Water Technologies. (April 29, 2023). What are Waste Management and Different Waste Disposal Methods? LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/what-waste-management-different-disposal-methods-water-technologies/
- Arts & Culture. (2021). 5 Reasons why Waste Management is important. Rapid River Magazine. http://www.rapidrivermagazine.com/2021/5-reasons-why-waste-management-is-important/