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Introduction
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Activities
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Quiz
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Conclusion
Main topic information
Vocabulary/new concepts:
Organic waste: Waste from living organisms, such as food scraps.
Recyclable waste: Items that can be reprocessed and reused, such as paper and plastic.
Non-recyclable waste: Items that are not recyclable, such as Styrofoam.
Hazardous waste: Waste, such as batteries, that can harm the environment.
A huge amount of waste is thrown away every day and inevitably, the amount and composition of waste depends on various factors. The average person generates around 2 kg of rubbish every day. In addition to households, industrial enterprises, construction and agricultural activities are also sources of different types of waste. Imagine what would happen to this waste if we do not take care of it.
Source: https://depositphotos.com/similar-images/378448104.html?qview=392029200
What is waste?
Waste includes anything we throw away because it is no longer needed or wanted, such as leftover food, packaging, paper, plastic or old electronics, and old possessions. In addition to household waste, there is also industrial, construction and hazardous waste, which contains substances that are harmful to health and the environment.
Construction waste. Source: https://st3.depositphotos.com/29384342/34048/i/1600/depositphotos_340489802-stock-photo-excavator-construction-waste.jpg
Hazardous waste. Source: https://st4.depositphotos.com/1001877/24219/i/600/depositphotos_242196178-stock-photo-barrels-radioactive-waste-isolated-white.jpg
Generally accepted warning signs are also placed on the packaging of hazardous waste:
The collection and treatment of waste is an essential issue related to the ecology and health of all living beings. Waste pollutes the air, water and soil, damaging ecosystems and destroying the natural habitats of plants and animals.
It is our concern and responsibility to protect nature and ensure a healthy way of life by taking steps to properly treat waste and reduce its quantity.
Types of waste
- Organic waste: food scraps, garden and plant waste (e.g. fruit and vegetable waste – banana peels, apple cores, etc., dead leaves, grass clippings, egg shells, coffee grounds, tea residue). These wastes are biodegradable and can be broken down by composting and thus reused to naturally feed the soil.
- Recyclables: Paper, plastic, glass and metals (e.g. empty soda cans, old newspapers, bottles, packaging, aluminium cans, metal cans). In recycling, waste materials are processed and turned into new materials and raw materials. That way, the amount of waste can be significantly reduced and natural resources can be saved for the production of various new products. Much of the waste we throw away every day can be recycled.
- Waste that is not recyclable: Styrofoam, food-soiled paper, some plastics, hygiene products (e.g. polystyrene cups, thin plastic bags, juice containers that are a combination of paper, plastic and aluminium, ceramics and porcelain, oily pizza boxes, wet wipes, nappies, light bulbs). Some materials, such as those listed above, are too contaminated, mixed or complex in composition, making them unsuitable for recycling.
- Hazardous waste: batteries, paint, chemicals, electronic equipment, medicines (e.g. AA batteries, used engine oil, computers, televisions, substances such as lead, mercury, acids, pesticides, cleaning products – ammonia, bleach, etc.). They are a serious threat to human health and the environment as they contain toxic, corrosive, flammable or radioactive substances. This is why hazardous waste should never be disposed of in household waste containers!
What happens to waste after we throw it away?
With the help of specialised equipment, the rubbish from the containers is collected and transported to designated landfills or processing plants. To manage and treat the waste effectively, it must be sorted beforehand. This will help in the way they are processed and reduce their harmful impact on the environment and human and animal health.
The main methods of waste treatment are:
- Recycling: the process of waste turned into new materials, raw materials and products fit for use.
- Composting: a process that turns organic waste into high-quality fertiliser (compost) for use in agriculture.
- Incineration: the process of burning in special plants to produce heat and electricity.
- Chemical treatment: usually applied to hazardous waste to neutralise and render harmless the harmful substances it contains.
Watch a video about how landfill waste harms the environment and wildlife:
