Global Trends in Waste Management & Recycling Practices

The past decade has been an exciting time for the eco-movement. From the adoption of biodegradable products, eco-friendly urban housing, plastic bans, and digital record systems, we’re continuing to see innovations, developments and global trends in waste management and recycling practices.

To get a better sense of where we’re headed in matters of waste and recycling, here are the trends that are already being implemented and we certain we’ll be hearing more of soon.

Sustainable Innovation and Processes

Multiple industries across the globe are now leaning towards sustainable innovation and processes when it comes to sourcing and producing items. For instance, technology integration and environment-friendly packaging design have during the last few years become a huge area of focus and are quickly gaining in popularity.

Be it in packaging or the final product, more and more companies are adopting technology and environmentally sustainable practices that help reduce waste. A website for a waste management company notes that innovation and technology are key to eradicating inefficiencies in today’s waste management processes. The following practices are expected:

• Use of renewable resource wherever possible
• Use of more sustainable and environmental-friendly raw materials
• Elimination of products and materials that can’t be recycled
• Embracing the use of multi-purpose product and packaging design
• Employing innovative waste reduction processes like biodegradable packaging

E-Waste Recycling

According to statistics at Dosomething.org, around 20 to 50 million metric tons of e-waste are disposed globally every year, and only 12.5% of it is currently recycled. When we look at these numbers, this is a trend that requires drastic measures to be taken.

Recently, more companies have been tapping into the e-waste recycling business by reclaiming reusable resources from obsolete and old products like electronics, old computers and phones. In fact, a substantial revenue opportunity exists for businesses that engage in proper disposal of e-waste.

Homeowners, manufacturers and even corporations are taking steps towards ensuring proper disposal of electronic waste. Although slowly gaining momentum, we’re set to see a more diverse e-waste recycling sector in the near future.

Waste Reduction Policies

Waste reduction and recycling have no doubt become the focus of integrated waste management. As the volume of waste increases, so do reduction and recycling efforts. Statistics from environmental agencies in the U.S and Europe show that waste reduction policies are improving fast.

Companies across all market sectors are establishing more aggressive zero-waste policies. These policies are playing a huge role in providing guidelines that further push the overall vision of sustainable waste management and recycling practices. Everything is moving forward in the industry. Everyone wants to be able to get the best dumpster to rent to make sure they are helping the environment in the best way they can. It’s simple and efficient, which is why many people are switching to using this service more often. Zero-waste policies are geared towards helping organizations reduce the overall waste created.

Restructuring of Production Processes

With more focus on sustainable waste management, companies have no option but to restructure their supply and production processes. There is a growing trend of organizations requesting more detailed audits, measurements and implementation of smart and sustainable methods that help maximize the yield from supply chains or the production process.

This in turn has and will continue to ensure optimal utilization of resources while reducing production of harmful waste and also decreasing the company’s carbon footprint. The key goal here is to “Reduce, reuse, recycle and refuse.”

Conclusion

The development and implementation of such green practices will prove to be beneficial to companies and will also create a positive outlook in the eyes of the consumers. This way, the society can follow similar practices in their day-to-day lives, ensuring a cleaner and a better tomorrow.