Managing Waste

Producing waste is a natural consequence of the world we live in. It becomes clear that we need to deal with our waste when you consider the vast quantities that we produce. Thinking about what we throw away every day helps us to understand the relationship between the use by the consumer/producer and the impact waste has on the environment. 

There are many facets to the management of waste.

Household bin

A typical household bin. It is important people realise what they are throwing away and if it can be recycled or not. In this bin the cans and paper could be brought to a recycling point.

Household bin

Household bin

A typical household bin. It is important people realise what they are throwing away and if it can be recycled or not. In this bin the cans and paper could be brought to a recycling point.

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Public rubbish bin

Local authorities are using public bins to get accross the message of recycling and managing our waste.

Public rubbish bin

Public rubbish bin

Local authorities are using public bins to get accross the message of recycling and managing our waste.

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Concepts: An agreed set of models were created to help waste management programmes in different countries.

Hierarchy:  This pyramid structure places the different waste disposal options in order of preference.

Disposal: Different types of waste are disposed of in different ways. Landfills and incineration are the two most popular ways to get rid of unwanted products. Increasingly, however, composting and prevention methods, such as designing products with less material in them, are being used.

Recycling: As disposal of waste becomes ever more difficult, recycling is encouraged. Biological reprocessing has also become a popular method of dealing with waste material.

Prevention: Creating less waste is better than having to dispose of it  - and cheaper. Using less, throwing away less and being conscious of your environment are the major factors in dealing with waste regulation problems.

Education: One of the ways to make sure that waste is better controlled is to inform people of the choices available to them to dispose of their waste materials.

Government policies: Governments have passed much of the responsibilty of dealing with waste management onto local authorities, with National Waste Management Strategies to back them up. A national overview of waste management plans was published in 2004 in association with the 'Waste Management – Taking Stock and Moving Forward' document. The National Overview of Waste Management Plans outlines the objectives, implications and future projections for each of the ten waste management planning regions.

Since 2001, waste management plans have been implemented regionally. There are, in effect, seven regions (involving 31 local authorities) while the three remaining authorities have prepared individual plans.

Food Waste

Food Waste Regulations (SI 508 of 2009) came into force on the 1st of July 2010. The regulations require that main sources of food waste should use a dedicated bin for their food waste and not mix it with other types of waste. They also require that a brown bin collection service is used so that the waste is brought to a composting facility or other approved recycling centre. Alternatively, the food waste can be brought directly to the recycling facility or can be treated by the business themselves by installing a composting unit. Further information is available on the Food Waste website.