6 Methods of Sustainable Municipal Solid Waste Management

Whether you donate a basket of fresh food or hand over a used cell charger at an in-store drop-off you are helping to eliminate waste. In the large picture, Americans bag up close to 251 million tons of trash, otherwise known as municipal solid waste (MSW), according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
 
While many tossed out items could be refurbished or given to those in need, unfortunately, most of that rubbish is transported into landfills.
MSW: Electronics and Food

Consider the high consumption and turnover of electronics—and the inherent waste that accumulates. As spotlighted by the EPA, Americans own close to 24 electronic products per household, according to the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA.) (That’s 7.65 billion electronics!)
 
Or, think of all of the fridge leftovers that are tossed out. Perishables that rot in landfills produce methane—a greenhouse gas that holds 21 times greater potential for increasing global warming than carbon dioxide. Landfills account for more than 20 percent of all methane emissions.
MSW Sorting Solutions

Reflecting on electronic and food waste, amongst other goods, the importance of MSW sorting solutions becomes clear. To help, General Kinematics engineers progressive waste sorting equipment, which efficiently recovers reusable throwaway goods. Thisvibratory technology mechanizes the sorting process and separates materials by size, density and shape.
 
In addition to recycling, the EPA outlines five other categories connected to sustainable municipal solid waste management, along with specific variables of each category:
 
Food waste management:
Feed food scraps to animals, compost, or turn oils into biofuel
 
In-Store Take-Back Programs:
Items include electronics, plastic bags, and refrigerators
 
Pharmaceuticals:
Important waste management for healthcare facilities
 
Recycling:
Ideal for public locations such as shopping centers
 
Electronics:
Prevents valuable materials from going to waste
 
Waste and Materials Management:
Solutions for landscaping, industrial waste, common non-hazardous materials, and greenhouse gas emissions
 
To learn more regarding responsible MSW waste management visit the EPA Municipal Solid Waste sustainability website page or check out General Kinematics MSW sorting solutions.