Waste management as a term refers to the actions and processes which collect, transport, treat, monitor, and dispose of waste ; we can even broaden this definition to include the regulation and legislation of waste. These processes can seem complex at first glance – but gaining a greater understanding of waste management helps you recognise how waste accumulates, letting you manage your own waste more efficiently. With this in mind, here are some of the basic ideas surrounding waste management, including the challenges this field faces.

1. Waste Hierarchy

The Waste Hierarchy is a ranking system that sets out the preferable order of waste management actions by knowing what we can and cannot put garbages in a trash bin, as this determines the most efficient actions you can take when handling waste. The top of this inverted pyramid is ‘prevention’, where people act to prevent an item from becoming waste, such as by using fewer materials or avoiding unnecessary ones. At the bottom is ‘disposal’ – where the only available course of action is to dispose of the item at a landfill. Following this system allows everyone to gain the most from their products, while also reducing overall waste generation.

2. Resource Efficiency

By maximising resources, manufacturers can create more efficient products which improve the planet’s overall production and consumption processes. Globally, our use of resources isn’t as effective as it could be, meaning the current approach is unsustainable in the long term, especially for non-renewable resources. Businesses and even individuals can do much to help resource efficiency, such as by conserving energy and water, buying recyclable products whenever possible, and limiting waste when preparing food. There are many small changes that may have a big overall impact when combined.

3. Product Life Cycle

A core tenet of waste management is looking at a product’s life cycle and using this to determine if there’s any way to streamline its stages, which usually include planning, manufacturing, distribution, use, reuse, reduction, recycling, and disposal. Manufacturers especially can interrogate how to make each stage more efficient – such as by using eco-friendly packaging or shipping. Newer versions of the same product may have specific changes to the design which rely less upon certain raw materials.

4. Common Challenges

Waste management itself can be quite challenging, we want to minimise the waste in our area but if people can understand the impact their actions have, they may change their own behaviour for the better and have a tangible positive effect on the environment at large. However, waste management problems still exist; Australia produces over 2.5 million tonnes of plastic a year, and sends over 80% of it to landfill, for example. These landfills can emit toxic gas and leak their contents into nearby water sources. Without better education on the topic, and without massive budget increases, local councils may not be able to make the necessary changes for a sustainable future.

Though waste management may seem like a complicated field, even a cursory understanding can equip you for a greener lifestyle. At Brisbane Skip Bin Hire, we are passionate about the environment, and make sure that we dispose of waste efficiently; we only send something to a landfill when there’s no alternative. For more on our green collection practices and a free quote, contact us today.

The importance of knowing what you can and can’t put in a skip is that it helps to keep your skip area clean and free from obstructions. If something is placed in the skip that shouldn’t be, it can cause the skip to become too heavy and potentially dangerous. Loading a skip up with the wrong items can also make the whole thing combustible and at risk of a fire. For the protection of you, your family and neighbours, our team have created this guide on what you can and can’t put in skip bins.

What CAN Go In A Skip

A skip bin is a great way to get rid of large or bulky items that you don’t want anymore. But what can you put in a skip? Here’s a list of some of the most common things people put in skips:

• Household rubbish – this includes pieces of old furniture, clothes, toys, kitchen appliances, and anything else fitting into this category that you don’t want anymore.
• Green waste – this includes leaves, branches, plants, and soil leftover from tidying the garden up.
• Construction waste – this includes any rubble, tiles, wood and nails leftover from a job.
• Metal – this includes pieces of old cars, bikes, fridges and ovens that may have fallen off. Refrain from putting whole items in the skip as this will make the skip bins too heavy to take away.
• Electrical appliances – this includes TVs, microwaves, and toasters. Ensure that you disconnect all devices from the mains before you put them in the skip – and don’t forget to pack away any cords and plugs!
• Tyres – although tyres make both lists, there are some types that you can put into a skip bin but they need to be cut up first.

What CANNOT Go In A Skip

There are some things that should not go in a skip, as they can cause damage to the skip itself or problems such as leakages or bad smells on your street. These include:

• Toxic materials – this includes items like oil, paint and batteries. If these are put into a skip, they can leak and contaminate the area.
• Heavy items – if something is too heavy for the skip to handle, it can cause damage to the vehicle or the skip itself.
• Sharp objects – if these are thrown in with other waste, they can cause injury to those who are handling the skip.
• Flammable materials – if these come into contact with heat or an open flame, they can create a dangerous fire hazard.
• Food – while food waste can be composted, it is not advisable to put it in a skip as it can attract pests.
• Glass – this can include bits of window, bottles, and jars as their sharpness can hurt our team as we come to collect the skip.
• Tyres – used for racing or off-road driving cannot be placed in a skip.

If you’re unsure if something can or cannot go in a skip bin, please give Brisbane Skips a call. We’ll be happy to help.

Waste isn’t just bad for the environment, it’s also bad for your bottom line! Purchasing more resources than you need to get the job done, or throwing away resources that could be profitably repurposed elsewhere means you’re consigning potential profit to the bin! Take a look at these five successful strategies that show how to minimise waste in the workplace without compromising on performance or results.

Consider Waste as a Resource

Packaging, scrap paper, card, toner cartridges, soft plastics, metals and food waste are all resources that, if appropriately repurposed or recycled can either save or make you money. At the very least, materials that are recycled don’t go into landfills. Given that many companies have to pay to have their rubbish removed, it makes sense to recycle as much as possible to keep removal costs low. Don’t forget that some waste materials can be sold on for a small profit – scrap metal, for example.

Enlist the Help of Your Workforce

Nobody knows your business as well as your workforce. In most cases, eco-conscious workers will have lots of good ideas for ways to reduce waste. Using suggestions generated by workers increases the probability of employee buy-in. In addition, there are many small behavioural changes that employees can make (for example swapping paper cups for reusable options, or setting up a food waste bin in the staff canteen) that can reduce waste across the organisation.

Launch an Energy-efficiency Drive

From turning off lights when not required through to switching to LED lighting, reconsidering the ambient work temperature and ensuring that new appliances comply with the highest grade of energy efficiency, there are plenty of ways to keep fuel bills low. With energy prices as high as they are, any steps to reduce energy waste are bound to be beneficial.

Make Recycling Easy

Employees are far more likely to adhere to waste reduction and recycling measures if the process is made as fast and simple as possible. Having suitable containers for waste paper, cardboard, cans and similar recyclable materials makes recycling as easy as putting an item in the bin.

Use Less!

When it comes to the “reduce, reuse, recycle” mantra, it’s often reducing consumption that is overlooked. It’s worth looking at every stage of your operation to see if there are ways to reduce the use of new resources in your operation.

Consider Swapping New for Used

It’s surprising how many businesses still tend to invest in new furniture, fitting and even machinery, rather than opting for secondhand choices. Secondhand plant, office furnishings and equipment can often give years of durable service. Using secondhand goods assists with the conservation of resources, reducing waste. At the same time, used goods are cheaper to purchase, potentially creating a reduction in outlay.

Don’t forget that when you hire a skip from Brisbane Skip Bin Hire for your workplace waste, the contents are carefully sorted after collection. As much as possible is reused or recycled, conserving precious resources wherever possible.