05 Mar Guide to Waste Management

Three simple rules to keep in mind:

• You can reduce the amount of money you spend by only purchasing what you’ll use.
• Reuse whenever you can – Use refills and consider second-hand
• Recyle all you can, and don’t purchase anything that can’t be recycled

Did You Know?

* One plastic bottle can be recycled to power 25 minutes of a computer.

* Reusing plastic is twice as energy-efficient than burning it in an incinerator.

* Some supermarkets will accept plastic carrier bags for recycling.

* You should place recyclable materials in your recycle bin without bags.

To make an adult fleece jacket, you will need 25 plastic bottles of two-litre capacity.

How can I organize my waste?

Step 1

• A waste contractor should be hired. Always ensure that the company handling your refuse is licensed.
• The householder is responsible for the waste until the collector has picked it up. The householder is responsible for the waste until it is picked up by the collector.
• Beware of fake collectors

Step 2

Before contacting any waste collector, every householder should be prepared to ask questions (kerbside collection of household waste, bags for clothing and furniture, soil, etc.).

• Can I see the Waste Collection Permit? Each permit will be assigned a reference number that begins with NWCPO/WCO-WW. They must show this to be allowed to use the permit. This could be a violation of the law.
• How much will you charge me and what are your charges? Household waste charges are now based on how much waste is collected.
• What kind of recycling is included?

Step 3

Now, waste collectors must provide a brown bin service to food waste.

You can also buy a composter to use in your back yard and recycle your organic waste. Around a third of your waste can be composted and safely disposed of in your garden. Your vegetable and fruit scraps, grass cuttings, weeds, and hedge trimmings can all be composted at home.

Step 4

Decide how you will handle your recycling. Although they can offer a collection service, these companies may not take all items. You can designate a space in your garage, shed or house to store the recycled materials. Make sure that all materials are dry and clean. Recycling means the materials can be used to create new products and they must be in good condition otherwise they will not be able to be used again.

Step 5:

You must ensure that hazardous materials are properly disposed of and stored securely. Keep an eye on the calendar to see when the next collection of hazardous waste is scheduled.

Step 6

To avoid causing damage to the environment and others, you must properly store your waste.

Waste Framework Directive

The Waste Framework Directive outlines the basic requirements for managing waste and defines “waste”. It stipulates that EU member countries must:

• You must ensure that waste disposal and recycling does not pose a danger to water, air or soil.
• Do not allow waste disposal to create a nuisance by excessive noise levels, unpleasant odours or degrade special natural areas.
• Interdict the uncontrolled or dumping of waste
• Create an integrated network of waste disposal facilities, develop waste management plans, make sure that people who store it properly handle it, and license waste treatment operations
• Require waste collectors for special authorisation and records
• Inspect companies involved in waste collection and disposal
• Periodic inspections are required