Understanding Waste Management Strategies for Different Waste Streams

Evolving waste management is crucial for businesses aiming to enhance efficiency, reduce costs and improve sustainability efforts. By adopting the right waste management strategies, your business can not only reduce its environmental footprint but also create a cleaner, more cost-effective operation. 

With new waste legislation coming in, and existing legislation evolving, you might understandably be confused about the different waste management strategies your business needs to follow. But don’t worry, that’s where we come in! With our 30 years of waste management experience, we are here to break it all down for you. 

 

Solid Waste Management 

Solid waste makes up the majority of waste generated within households, in industrial settings or in commercial businesses. This includes things such as plastic, paper, metals and other materials, and is likely to be the largest proportion of waste created by businesses.  

As with any waste, the first step should always be to try and minimise the creation of it in the place. Failing that, re-using as much as possible. This approach is illustrated in the waste hierarchy, a widely recognised government guidance that outlines what action should be prioritised and what should be the last resort.  

Reducing the generation of waste can be done through a number of means such as innovative product design to limit waste created in manufacturing and production, packaging optimisation and overall consumption reduction. 

After reduction of waste production, the most common methods of handling these types of solid waste streams are: 

• Recycling 

Recycling allows you to collect and reprocess materials to reduce waste and give virgin materials new life. Reconomy Connect offers a range of recycling services and the success of this can be seen in our work with Marstons. Reconomy Connect provides a number of services, with one of the first circular solutions implemented being a way to tackle the issue of hard to recycle plastic. Working with manufacturer Plastecowood, plastic waste was taken from several Marston’s pubs in the North East, and for every tonne of mixed plastic received, this was turned into a tonne of recycled plastic lumber.  

• Disposal  

Some waste may need to be disposed of. If correctly following the waste hierarchy, this should be the last option and only used if the materials cannot be prevented, reused, recycled or recovered. Reconomy Connect is proud to divert over 99% of waste from landfill and can help enable businesses to reach their zero to landfill goals.  

 

Liquid Waste Management 

Liquid waste management covers any waterborne waste such as domestic sewage, industrial wastewater and stormwater. It is really important that wastewater receives the correct treatment and is handled appropriately, as it often contains harmful chemicals that can reach natural water sources and contaminate it, having environmental and health consequences. 

• Wastewater Treatment 

Using physical, chemical or biological processes to clean sewage and remove any contamination. This transforms wastewater into an effluent, which describes treated wastewater that flows directly into surface waters. As it has been treated, this can be safely returned to the environment or reused for various purposes.  

• Industrial Effluent Treatment 

There are processes specific to managing industrial wastewater before reuse or discharge. This involves purifying wastewater from industrial processes to make it safe for discharge or reuse.  

Treated wastewater can be used for a variety of applications such as agricultural or landscaping irrigation, industrial processes, or even replenishing groundwater reserves! 

 

WEEE Waste Management 

WEEE waste stands for Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment and refers to anything electrical from computers and phones to household appliances. This is one of the fastest growing waste streams globally and due to the toxic nature of components, it is essential to handle WEEE waste correctly. 

Businesses should try to reuse these items as much as possible, by way of donating them or repairing them for further use if they still can be. Alternatively, recycling can be a good option if they cannot be used anymore in their current state. Components can be recovered from within the products and repurposed for new items. If the above methods cannot be completed, then responsible disposal is essential to ensure that all toxic substances are safely removed.  

Businesses must make WEEE waste management a priority, as failing to do so can lead to environmental pollution, health risks, potential data breaches, and the loss of valuable resources.  

 

Hazardous Waste Management 

Hazardous waste includes anything that is toxic, corrosive or reactive. It also refers to materials that can cause contamination in waste streams such as asbestos, batteries, or paint. Managing hazardous waste is so important that it is a legal requirement for businesses and correct procedures must be set up to stay compliant and safe. 

• Incineration – Destroying the hazardous chemicals within the waste by burning them. 

• Chemical treatment – Using neutralizing agents to make the previously harmful materials safe once treated. 

• Secure Landfills – Specifically designed landfills have been set up for hazardous substances and act separately to regular landfills. 

 

Organic Waste Management 

Organic waste management focuses on biodegradable waste which is most commonly found in the form of food waste in businesses. If not handled correctly, this waste can lead to methane production, which is a potent greenhouse gas. Methods to manage organic waste include:  

• Composting – A natural process where organic waste decomposes to create nutrient rich soil which can be beneficial to the environment. 

• Anaerobic digestion – Breaking down waste in the absence of oxygen to produce biogas which can be used for cooking, heating or even vehicle fuel!  

• Mulching – Using organic material to improve soil health and reduce water usage.  

Many businesses are leading by example in proper organic waste management, such as Tesco and Marks & Spencer who both operate a zero food waste to landfill policy, donating unsold food or using it for animal feed or energy recovery. 

 

With so many different types of waste and ways to manage them, waste management can be difficult to get your head around! However, it does need to be understood comprehensively in order to effectively apply the right methods to process your businesses waste – That is where we come in! As experts in the waste field, we can advise you and your business accordingly. 

Our services cover a wide range of these management options, and we can help you to employ the most appropriate waste disposal and treatment methods, improving overall sustainability levels by aiming for a zero-waste model.