The Effects Of Improper Waste Disposal Globally
Improper waste disposal can have massive effects on the environment. Not only can it directly impact our plants, animals and green spaces, but it can also be a public health risk. In this article, we will be taking a deep dive into all the problems that come with improper waste disposal, and how we, as homeowners, can avoid making harmful choices during our clearance process.
What is Considered ‘Improper Waste Disposal’?
Improper waste disposal can refer to anything that has been either incorrectly or irresponsibility gotten rid of. Without proper waste disposal rules in place, there can be massive negative impacts on global health and the environment.
Improper disposal of waste can also be identified as not following the regulations, established guidelines or ethical standards when it comes to removing unwanted items from your property. Some examples of improper waste disposal would be littering, illegal dumping of unwanted items, leaving waste in large bodies of water, abandoning appliances or electronic waste, mixing hazardous and non-hazardous waste and burning items.
How Waste Accumulation Can Affect The Environment
Ecosystem Disruption
Improper waste disposal can massively affect the ecosystem around us. E-waste in particular can be extremely harmful. When not disposed of properly e-waste can be exposed to the heat, meaning that toxic chemicals can be released from these items and into the surrounding atmosphere.
These nasty chemicals go into the air, and even be absorbed into the ground below. This can directly affect both land and sea animals. This can be extremely harmful to these creatures, and it will subsequently have a knock on effect for the entire ecosystem in the long and short term.
Impact on Wildlife
As mentioned above, improper disposal of waste can affect all animals, both in sea and on land. As well as e-waste being chemically harmful, fly tipping and littering can also impact all creatures, big and small. Litter can massively disrupt their habitats, meaning that many of them can’t live and breed naturally. Not only that, but animals can become injured by our man-made waste, such as plastic. We see this often with birds and other small animals or water creatures getting tangled up in or even eating plastic bags or 6 ring holders.
Climate Change
Landfill is where many items go to decay. However, through this waste, methane can be created. As our waste starts to decompose, this harmful gas is created which directly contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Whilst sometimes taking items to our local dumping site is the only option, we can also be more mindful when it comes to properly disposing of our unwanted items to minimise the effect it could have on climate change.
The Global Health Impact of Improper Waste Disposal
Contamination of Air, Water & Soil
If our rubbish isn’t reused, reduced or recycled, then it will ultimately be taken to landfills, where it will subsequently contribute to further air pollution, water and soil contamination. All of these are factors of climate change, as well as potentially affecting our global health. In third world countries, this is an ongoing problem. According to The Climate Policy Watcher “garbage in developing countries tends to pile up in waterways and on land, creating serious health and environmental hazards.”
Landfills should be seen as a very last resort, and finding other more eco-friendly ways to dispose of waste should be a more favourable option. Without fresh air to breath, clean water to drink and uncontaminated soil to grow food, improper waste disposal becomes a public health issue.
Spread of Diseases
As well as waste posing a public health risk, we also increase our chances of spreading unwanted diseases. CleanManagement.com states that “unprocessed waste is a huge breeding ground for major diseases”. Many diseases can grow and expand in places like landfills, which can affect many animals, plants and humans alike – and this doesn’t only go for big piles of rubbish.
Landfills also attract insects and rodents, which also spread illnesses such as cholera and dengue fever. They can pollute the water by using it for bathing, drinking and food irrigation. All of this can also expose us to contamination and diseases.
How to Improve Waste Disposal as a Homeowner
So, now we understand the negative impacts of improper waste disposal, what can we do to prevent any further implications? Well, as homeowners, there is a certain responsibility that comes with removing unwanted items from your property.
Local Landfills
We all want to do the right thing for both effective waste disposal and the environment. In this day and age, many of us are taking active steps towards living a more eco-friendly lifestyle, which puts the planet first. Our team of professionals can help you properly dispose of any of your unwanted items, including lending a helping hand when it comes to your local landfills.
Instead of utilising a landfill near you, you can instead look at other options for regulated waste disposal. We can help you differentiate between pieces that will need to be gotten rid or versus, items that could potentially go to your local recycling centre or be donated to a charity.
Local Recycling Centres
Your local recycling centre can be a great way to get rid of unwanted items in a plant-friendly way. Whilst it can take a little more time to separate out unwanted items for recycling, rather than landfill, it can truly be worth it in the long run. Also, our expert team can be of assistance here, and help you speed up the process. We want to make your clearance as straightforward as possible, which means saving you both time and energy.
We can help with setting aside recyclable items, and taking them to the local recycling centre as well. Many centres across the UK require you to make a booking so they can assess the items you are looking to get recycled. This can be time consuming and additional stress during an already demanding time. Our team can do this all for you, so you can put your energy back into other important tasks.
Fly Tipping & Littering
Fly Tipping and littering is not good for us, or the plant. As well as personally not improperly disposing of unwanted items, you will also have to do your due diligence when it comes to hiring a clearance service. There are horror stories surrounding homeowners hiring cowboy removers, who simply tip their waste into the nearest layby instead of taking it to the local recycling centre.
Prior to your clearance services, it’s vital that you do your research and find a company which understands all the regulations that surround proper waste disposal. Here at Greenleaf Clearance, we specialise the London area and house clearances Surrey. As well as understanding the area, we also know what the best way is to get rid of unwanted items, in both a regulatory and environmentally-friendly way.
Donating Your Unwanted Items
One of the most ‘green’ ways to dispose of unwanted items would be to donate them to your local charity shop. If some of your bigger pieces, such as bed frames, sofas and desks are still in good condition,then taking them to a charity shop is a much better option. This means that instead of good items going to landfill, you can give them a second lease of life and pass them on to someone else who is going to use it.
Our team of experts would recommend calling your local charity shop ahead of taking your donations down. If they are larger pieces, some charities will have specific requirements and may not take everything you have to offer. It’s a good idea to ring their store and ask in advance.
Selling Your Unused Belongings
Finally, you could sell your unused belongings. If you are looking to make a little bit of money out of your house clearance, then selling some of your less used items could be a great way to do it. You could list them on sale sites such as Facebook Marketplace, Vinted, Ebay, Freecycle, or even Gumtree.
House Clearances Near Me – Hiring Professional Clearance Services
If you are Googling ‘house clearances near me’, then look no further. Hiring a professional team can be the number one way to avoid disposing of waste incorrectly. During your clearance services, our team here at Greenleaf Clearance will help you every step of the way. We can make everything easier, from the general clearance tasks, the removal, transportation and the disposal of waste.
Not to mention, we also offer a free no-obligation quote as well. So, before the work begins, you can know exactly what we will be doing and how much it will cost you. If you have more questions, don’t hesitate to contact us on 0808 164 8226.
