While we’re trying to get through the busy day-to-day, throwing out waste in our kitchen bins, bathroom tidies and council bins is a constant, and perhaps not given a great amount of thought or attention. For most of us, the only conscious delineation of waste is what’s recyclable and what’s not. While some items seem obvious, it’s common for us to get it wrong. The proper management of household waste is something worth scrubbing up knowledge on, to recognise the crucial process demands needed to adhere to local regulations and guidelines that help waste management plants better help the environment. So, here’s a run down of how to
Regular household waste
This includes everyday waste from cooking, cleaning, and general living. Examples include food scraps, packaging materials, broken items, and non-recyclable materials. These waste items are the stuff that builds up as a byproduct of daily activities, and is the most common of household waste types.
Food scraps
In the kitchen, the preparation and consumption of meals result in a multitude of food scraps. These include fruit and vegetable peels, eggshells, coffee grounds, tea bags, and other organic materials. Despite their biodegradable nature, food scraps can attract pests and produce unpleasant odours if not discarded properly. Food scraps should be placed in your standard domestic council waste bin. In NSW, if you're in an applicable area, you can also request compostable bags made of plant material that breaks down with your food, and goes in a caddy that can be requested, or a designated food scrap recycling bin.
Food scraps, even if in a biodegradable food scrap bag, should not go in your skip bin.
Packaging materials
Packaging materials have become a significant component of household waste. Items such as cardboard boxes, plastic wrap, Styrofoam, and bubble wrap often accompany the products we purchase. Though some of these materials can be recycled, others may be non-recyclable, necessitating careful consideration during disposal. All packaging material that doesn’t include hazardous material can be placed in a Central Skip skip bin; we sort your waste for recycling and other use categories for you, no extra charge.
Broken Items
Over time, various household items, such as utensils, appliances, and furniture, may wear out or become damaged. These broken or non-functional items often contribute to the growing pile of household waste. Repair or donation may be feasible options for some items, but those beyond repair require appropriate disposal. Again, if they are not made of hazardous materials, the item can be placed in a skip bin, or into the recycling or general waste council bins (depending on the material itself).
Non-Recyclable Materials
Certain materials fall outside the scope of recycling programs due to their composition or the lack of local facilities to handle them. Examples include mixed materials, heavily soiled items, certain plastics, and some types of glass. These non-recyclable materials form part of the regular household waste stream. The only way to dispose of non-recyclable materials is to include it in your general waste skip bin, or domestic waste bins. Central Skips endeavour to re-use as many materials as possible, including typically non-recyclable materials, for innovative reuse across multiple industries and applications.
Cleaning products
Regular cleaning activities produce waste materials as well. This can include used paper towels, disposable cleaning wipes, and empty cleaning product containers. Care must be taken to separate recyclable cleaning product containers from non-recyclable waste. With cleaning products, an otherwise recyclable material could be contaminated by the cleaning product itself (bleach, or other liquids and powders). In these cases, products and packaging should be put in your general waste disposal. They are suitable for skip bin disposal, too.
Properly managing these everyday waste items is crucial to minimise environmental impacts, conserve resources, and reduce landfill waste.
Recyclables
Many communities have recycling programs for materials like paper, cardboard, glass, plastic, and metal. These items should be separated from regular waste and placed in recycling bins provided by local authorities or waste management companies.
Central Skips includes recycling in its waste management sorting, making it an environmentally sound way to dispose of waste en masse. All waste that is collected in our bins, comes back to Central Waste Station, where it passes through a mechanised resource recovery plant to ensure we recover all material that can be recycled.
Sharps
Sharp objects, such as needles and razor blades, can pose risks of injury and should be handled with care. To ensure the safety of you, your family and the environment, place these items in specifically designated containers designed to prevent accidental contact. These containers should be puncture-resistant and easily identifiable, reducing the likelihood of mishandling or improper disposal.
It's important to follow your local waste management guidelines to ensure that you are disposing of waste appropriately and in an environmentally friendly manner. For peace of mind, contact Central Skips to discuss your waste needs, so that we can help you navigate the best and most cost effective waste management solution.
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