Whether you’re a contractor or a homeowner clearing out a loft, you want to know that your waste is being disposed of responsibly. From skips to the sorting lines, every load collected should be carefully separated and directed to the most appropriate treatment method.
But before settling on an organic waste digester, you need to be aware of the different options available at your disposal. In this guide, we explore the different waste treatment methods to help determine which is right for you and the environment.
Physical Treatment
This is what most people think of when they hear ‘recycling.’ It entails separating and reprocessing materials like metal, plastic, and word, so they can be used again in the future. Popular techniques like shredding, grinding, and screening help reduce waste to a manageable size, making it easier to handle and prepare for its next stage, whether that’s reuse, recycling or further treatment.
The good thing with physical treatment is that it reduces the need for raw materials and cuts down emissions compared to producing from scratch. Not to mention, it keeps materials in use, supporting a circular economy. However, not all materials are recyclable and contamination can affect quality and value.
Thermal Treatment
When waste can’t be recycled, then it might be sent for thermal treatment. This involves methods like incineration, pyrolysis, and gasification. These processes use high temperatures to reduce the volume of waste. Even though it is not the first choice for recyclable materials, it can be an effective option to dispose of certain types of residual waste.
So, why should you consider settling for thermal treatment? Well, it significantly reduces waste volume, can generate energy from non-recyclables, and is useful for hazardous materials. On the downside, it requires a waste management provider with specialist equipment.
Biological Treatment
Organic waste such as food is best treated using natural ways. In biological treatment, microorganisms break down waste through methods like anaerobic digestion. This method can be leveraged in creating useful by-products like biogas and nutrient-rich digestate, which are used to make fertilizer or soil-improver.
Biological treatment is an eco-friendly way to turn waste into something useful and valuable, working perfectly for food and organic waste. If this is not enough, it helps divert biodegradable waste from landfills. However, it is limited to organic waste types and unsuitable for mixed or contaminated loads.