What are inorganic waste?

All materials or products discarded are considered waste. The waste can be in any physical state (solid, semi-solid, liquid or gaseous), this being one of the keys for its deposit in the different containers. There are several types of wastes, including inorganic ones. But, what is inorganic waste and how is its treatment? In this article, we will delve into “inorganic waste” and its classification.

The meaning of inorganic waste refers to all those waste materials whose origin is not biological. Unlike organic waste, inorganic waste has been manufactured in industrial and artificial processes. For example, apple peel is organic waste, but fabrics or plastics are artificially manufactured materials and are therefore inorganic waste.

Inorganic waste takes a long time to degrade as it does not “re-integrate” into nature as is the case with the vast majority of organic waste. Some can do it, but over the years and with the release of polluting substances that are harmful to health and the environment. For this reason, many inorganic wastes are classified as non-biodegradable waste.

In any case, it is important to emphasize that the vast majority of inorganic waste is recyclable and can be reused in the production and consumption chain.

Classification of inorganic waste

We can classify in a list of inorganic solid waste:

Glass

It is one of the inorganic waste with the greatest potential to be recycled, either through selective collection in containers or through the use of returnable packaging. In addition to savings, recycling glass is important because a massive accumulation of this non-recycled material can be problematic.

Paper and paperboard

The waste paper and cardboard are also inorganic wastes with a high percentage of recycling. Some may think that its origin is organic since it comes from the cellulose of trees. However, many materials are used in the paper transformation process (rubbers, additives, colorants) that make it difficult to “reinsert” them naturally and whose dumping into rivers or soils can be dangerous.

Scrap

Around 3% of the inorganic waste produced is scrap, that is, household garbage made up of cans of canned food and soft drinks, among others. The importance of recycling scrap metal is such that it offers many benefits.

Wrapping and packaging

Practically 20% of the garbage is made up of wrappers and containers. This is due to the fact that the products are “over-packed”, which means an increase in the number of daily waste we produce.

Plastics

One of the most identifiable inorganic waste and with the greatest recycling potential. In this case, reuse is essential, since the vast majority of this waste does not degrade. The Plastic Waste Management Authorization account for approximately 9% of municipal waste.

Some examples of inorganic trash are:

·         Cellophane packaging.

·         Plastic bags.

·         Synthetic fiber clothing.

·         PVC containers (trays, bottles, etc.)

·         Batteries

·         Batteries

·         Tetra bricks.

·         Glass bottles.

·         Glass bottles.

·         Printer cartridges.

·         Broken cables.

·         Tires

Inorganic waste recycling: is it possible?

The question that many people ask is: can inorganic garbage be recycled? The answer is yes. In fact, almost all of this waste can be reused.

Some tips to reduce the consumption of inorganic garbage or to recycle it efficiently are:

·         Choose fresh foods. Processed foods carry more packaging.

·         Use containers that you can reuse.

·         Install reusable filters in coffee makers and ovens.

·         Try not to break the glass containers, as these are recycled separately.

·         Remove the lid from the plastic containers and compress it to reduce its volume in the container.

·         Leave your used tires in the workshop where they are changed for better recycling.

Recycling inorganic waste is very important to reduce the consumption of energy and raw materials. We work to offer its best comprehensive management, complying with current legislation, being aware that the proper management and treatment of waste is the responsibility of waste collection and transport companies like ours.

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