Last month, we researched the goal of zero waste and what ways we can achieve it. However, why exactly do we need to manage our waste? In the past, waste was often deposited in areas just outside our developed areas. Lack of waste management, and even current common methods of burning wastes, leads to environmental problems and detriments on human health.

First, hazardous waste- like paints, poisons, household chemicals- can contaminate land, air, and water. Here in the United States, their disposal is strictly regulated by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Also, municipal solid waste- garbage or rubbish- decomposing in landfills is the third-largest source of human-related methane emissions in the United States. So, we can affect gas emissions by effective waste management!

I’ve noticed that the waste management company in my area has been doing some good things to make waste management more eco-friendly. They are Recology; they serve the western US states, but are headquartered nearby in the city of San Francisco. 

Recology uses a different from traditional method of waste management - they approach it as resource recovery. They’ve been working to develop and discover sustainable resource recovery practices that can help with waste management globally. 

For example, I’ve noticed that our waste disposal cans have changed in size - composting and recycling getting larger, and municipal waste cans getting much smaller, to encourage more eco-friendly practices.

Recology uses a ‘closed loop’ resource ecosystem, managing each step of the waste management process to “achieve high landfill diversion and meet sustainability goals.” It consists of collection of materials, recovery, processing, then marketing to manufacturers that will create recyclable consumer goods. 

Lastly, Recology has divisions that expand these eco-friendly practices. They have Recology Organics, which produces compost, soil blends, and a variety of mulches from recycled, clean wood for farmers, landscapers, and gardeners. They also have Recology Artist in Residence (AIR) Programs to encourage support of artists who use discarded materials in their work.

References used:

https://www.epa.gov/report-environment/wastes

https://www.recology.com/environment-innovation/#waste-zero

https://www.recology.com/about-us/#mission-vision

https://www.recology.com/organics/#recology-organics-who-we-are

https://www.recology.com/cultural-impact/#sustainability-at-recology