Tel:0161 766 3330
Open Mon-Fri 9.30am-3.30pm
Landfill - Landfills are usually one of the most common waste disposal method, but as we can all see for ourselves, it isn't the most efficient type of waste disposal. Any person who thinks that stuffing non-recyclable waste into the ground is a good idea needs to re-evaluate their priorities. Not only does it create an eyesore, but, creates methane and other dangerous greenhouse gas which can be a big risk.
Waste to Energy - One of the more efficient ways of disposing of waste is by taking it to a Waste to Energy facility. In Waste-to-Energy facilities, non-recyclable waste is burned to generate electricity or heat. The benefit of this is that it reduces the volume of waste and harnessing energy, but, how does it work?
Well, the collected non-recyclable waste undergoes high-temperatures in specialised facilities known as incinerators. The heat produced from the combustion process generates steam. The high-pressure steam is then directed to turbines, connected to generators, to produce electricity and energy recovery.
Recycling - By far the most efficient method of waste disposal.
The recycling of waste is not only one of the key waste solutions to reduce our footprint, it is also saves energy, water, and raw materials.
Recycling involves the collection and processing of materials like paper, plastic, glass, and metals to create new products. Materials are sorted, cleaned, and processed into raw materials for manufacturing.
This means that we are technically not throwing away our plastic bottles, aluminium cans and other trash and recycling, as they are being melted down and reused again and again.
Composting - Everyone knows a composter and this is the same as any local compost you may find food scraps in the back of someone's garden or in their soil, only it is done on a much larger scale!
Gasification - This is a process where organic materials such as waste, are transformed into a gas called syngas. Imagine your organic waste entering a super-hot incineration. Instead of burning up completely, it transforms into syngas, leaving behind a solid residue called char.
This means that it provides an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional burning, generating energy from waste.
Pyrolysis - Very similar to Gasification, in that they are heated up, but this time they are heated up without any oxygen in the chamber. This controlled heat causes it to break down which will turn your waste into oils, gases, and char, creating valuable resources.
We have all said it and we have all heard it, 'That costs a tonne' or 'That weighs a tonne' but how many of us actually know how much a tonne is?
Well here are some fun comparisons to how much a tonne actually is...you will be surprised:
The cost of disposing of commercial waste per tonne can vary widely depending on factors such as the type of waste, its volume, location, and the waste management provider. On average, disposal costs can range from £100 to £200 per tonne, but prices may be higher for hazardous waste or special handling requirements. It's best to contact local waste management companies for accurate pricing based on your specific needs.
Landfill tax is a tax imposed on the disposal of waste at landfill sites. The purpose of landfill tax is to encourage waste reduction, reuse, recycling, and the use of alternative waste disposal methods by making landfill disposal more expensive.
Currently (2024), the standard rate for landfill tax is £98.60 per tonne for the standard rate and £3.15 per tonne for the lower rate (this means for less polluting materials), but this is likely to increase in April of this year again.
Both of these materials are eco-friendly and breakdown naturally and are a great way of making solid waste more sustainable, but...what is the difference between them?
Biodegradable Materials:
Compostable Materials:
Well, each different type of industrial waste and waste materials breakdown slower or faster then each other. The amount of waste in a landfill will also impact how long it takes for waste to decompose.
When you spot those mountains of waste and recycling near your doorstep, you may wonder to yourself, I could own a landfill, surely it can't be that hard to set up? All they do is pile rubbish on top of the other
Sounds simple right.,.well there are a lot of factors that go into a landfill and choosing the right spot.
It isn't just a case of piling home, recyclable waste on top of each other, and calling it a disposal site, even though this is basically what it is. These include:
Site Selection: This is chosen based on location, soil, and water conditions to minimise environmental impact.
Engineering Design: Includes impermeable liners, leachate collection systems, and gas collection systems to prevent contamination and control gas emissions.
Waste Placement: Waste is compacted in layers to maximise space and promote decomposition.
Covering and Closure: Sections are covered with soil or synthetic material after reaching capacity to prevent odours and erosion.
Environmental Monitoring: Rigorous monitoring of air, soil, and water quality to detect and mitigate any environmental issues.
Regulatory Compliance: Landfills must comply with regulations governing waste management and environmental protection.
With the waste piled up and dangerous gases floating around the site, it can be a difficult choice to close a landfill site down. After closure landfills need to be monitored and managed properly and efficiently as safety is paramount.
Cover System Maintenance: Closed landfills are typically capped with a cover system consisting of multiple layers, including soil and vegetation. Regular maintenance of this cover system is essential to prevent erosion and effectively control gas emissions.
Groundwater Monitoring: Monitoring wells are installed around the perimeter of the landfill to track groundwater quality and detect any potential contamination. Samples are collected regularly and analysed for various pollutants, ensuring that groundwater resources remain protected and any toxic waste is deal with.
Surface Water Management: Storm-water runoff from closed landfills must be managed to prevent contamination of nearby surface water. This may involve the construction of diversion channels, erosion control measures, and sedimentation ponds to capture and treat runoff before it is discharged.
Gas Collection and Management: Closed landfills continue to produce methane and other gases as the waste generated decomposes. Gas collection systems, such as vertical wells or horizontal collectors, are installed to capture these gases and prevent their release into the atmosphere. The collected gas is typically treated to minimise the environmental impact.
In each industrial waste disposal facility, correct disposal needs to take place to ensure all environmental safety measures and safeguards are strictly and stringently followed:
Leachate Collection - Leachate is a liquid that forms when water passes through solid and liquid waste. This water waste can contain pollutants and other nasty chemicals. The collection and disposal of the leachate is paramount to prevent it from contaminating soil or water source.
Gas Capture - We aren't talking about wrapping your partners head under the cover to smell your captured gas. This gas is a lot more potent. Waste decomposition produces gases such as methane and carbon dioxide, which can contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and pose safety risks if released into the atmosphere. The common method of disposal of this gas is by capturing it and releasing in a safe manner.
Dust Suppression - Dust particles can carry harmful substances. This is why waste piles are covered and dust is sprayed away to reduce the amount of airborne dust.
Pest Control - Waste disposal sites can attract pests such as rodents, insects, and birds, which can spread diseases and cause nuisance to nearby residents. Pest control measures may include proper waste containment, regular monitoring, and implementation of barriers or deterrents to prevent pest infestations.
On top of these rules, waste disposal places also have to follow government regulations, keep an eye on things to make sure they're not messing up the environment or putting people's health at risk. They also have to do regular checks, look at how their operations affect the environment, and talk with the community about what they're doing to keep things safe to human health.
Medical waste, also known as biomedical waste, is managed through specialised processes to protect public health and the environment. Unlike most other waste, it is essential that medical waste is disposed of in a safe and sanitary manner.
Medical waste undergoes various treatment methods to reduce its volume and reduce potential health and environmental risks. Common treatment methods include:
To read our privacy policy CLICK HERE
