throwing plastic to dustbin

Understanding Plastic Waste Segregation

Waste segregation can be defined as simply separating wet waste and dry waste. No industry or household can avoid generating waste, which is often extremely harmful to animals, humans and the environment. 

However, waste management can mitigate the vast impact it has on our surroundings. 

Plastic waste segregation is one of its most critical components. Before learning about the importance of waste segregation, let’s get familiar with the two basic types of waste.

What is Wet Waste?

Wet waste is the complete opposite of dry waste. It is commonly referred to as biodegradable waste. Since wet waste contains organic matter, it can decay. Once wet waste is segregated and properly disposed of, it can be converted into compost, which is used in various activities, like gardening, soil conditioning, different horticulture applications and more. Food factories, hotels, construction sites and restaurants produce a massive amount of wet waste.

One of the ways to dispose wet waste is by using biodegradable plastic. Biodegradable plastic bags are commonly used as trash bags in many countries, including Malaysia. They are safer for the environment and make the composting process easier. Other advantages of biodegradable plastic bags include easy recycling, efficient composability, lesser energy for production and reduction of waste and production of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide.   

 

What is Dry Waste?

Dry waste does not decay and does not have any kind of organic matter. Metal, wood, glass, textiles and plastic are some of the many examples of dry waste that is prevalent in a huge majority of industries and households. 

 

Importance of Waste Segregation

The importance of plastic waste segregation cannot be underestimated, as it leads to a dramatic decline in landfill waste.  Separating wet and dry waste facilitates the recycling of dry waste and proper composting of wet waste. Moreover, proper waste segregation and disposal bring a decline in water and air pollutions. 

Most importantly, it makes composting, recycling and incineration easy, which leads to a further reduction in waste. Furthermore, existing landfills will also decrease, which will reduce the toxicity in our environment, leading to a healthier, greener, healthier, and sustainable environment.

Biodegradable plastic bag manufacturers in Malaysia have adopted eco-friendly manufacturing techniques, making it possible to recycle biodegradable plastic bags or use them for quick and easy composting. Your one decision of properly throwing away a plastic bag in a suitable bin can reduce the impact of plastic on our planet.

An efficient way of waste segregation at home is using two separate disposal bins – one bin for dry waste and another for wet waste. Remember: kitchen waste, such as vegetables, fruits and decayed food is wet waste, while plastic, paper, glass, etc. are dry waste.

Another important tip for waste segregation is that you should throw out wet waste on a daily basis. Dry waste can be disposed thrice a week, depending on your family members and the amount of waste that your household generates. Ensure that every plastic plate, bag or container (or any other dry waste) does not contain any food residue. 

 

Now that you know about the importance of waste segregation and the crucial role it plays in promoting an eco-friendly society, spread this knowledge and encourage other people to adopt sustainable activities. 

Explain the whole process of waste segregation to your friends, family and neighbours to create awareness and facilitate the entire movement of reducing global waste.