Every day, we fill our trash bins without much thought to the journey our waste undertakes after it leaves the curb. However, your residential trash service has an intimate understanding of the contents of your garbage bags and wishes you had the same awareness. By being more mindful of what we throw away, we can make a positive impact on our environment and community.
How Much Waste Do We Generate?
Firstly, you might not realize the staggering amount of waste we produce on a daily basis. According to Environment America Research & Policy Center, Americans throw out 4.9 pounds of trash per person every day — that’s nearly 1,800 pounds of materials per American every year. Imagine the cumulative toll this takes on landfills, recycling centers, and incineration facilities. Reducing the volume of waste we generate starts with being conscientious about the products we buy and the waste we generate.
Proper Sorting Goes a Long Way
Not all trash is created equal. Many items that end up in the trash could be recycled, repurposed, or composted. Items like cardboard, plastic bottles, and certain types of glass are often improperly disposed of in trash bins instead of recycling bins. Compostable items, such as food scraps and yard waste, can be turned into valuable compost rather than contributing to landfill mass. Proper sorting at the source can greatly streamline waste management and recycling processes.
How Hazardous Waste Should Be Handled
It’s critical to know the unique challenges and risks created by hazardous waste. Items such as batteries, electronic waste, and household chemicals require special disposal methods due to their potential to harm the environment and human health. Throwing these items in your regular trash can lead to dangerous situations. Many communities offer special collection days or designated drop-off locations for hazardous materials, so take advantage of these services to dispose of such items responsibly.
The way we handle our waste has significant implications for our environment and the efficiency of trash services. Residential and commercial property owners alike can help contribute to a more sustainable future. Looking to schedule a residential trash service from a team of professionals? If so, then get in touch with Tiger Sanitation! We offer a comprehensive suite of services that allow you to properly and efficiently dispose of waste.