Waste sorting refers to the activity of separating waste according to its type, dry or wet and organic or inorganic. This separation is important for the recycling and composting process.

When the waste is not properly separated, it will likely end up in landfills. Leftover food, vegetables and tea bags can be used as compost, while bottles and paper can be recycled into other valuable products.

Sorting waste has the potential to reduce waste in landfills and reduce pollution. When the garbage is exposed to water and solar heat, it can pollute and release various chemical components.

How to Identify and Separate Waste?

Waste processing techniques at home require householders to recognize and sort waste according to its category. So, what is the ideal way to identify and sort waste? Here's the explanation.

1. Group the Waste

Start grouping waste properly according to its type and characteristic. The purpose is to dispose the waste in different containers according to its category. This separation is intended to make the process of disposing of waste, such as non-recyclable, easier.

The following points are examples of the types of trash bins.

• Plastic: Any waste from plastic will fall into this category, and should be cleaned first before going into the trash. Examples of plastic waste include plastic bags, bottles, toys, Styrofoam, and polystyrene.
• Paper: This waste refers to any type of paper such as magazines, newspapers, cardboard, manila paper, and receipts. Just make sure the paper is not dirty when you throw it away.
• Ceramics and glass: This waste is made of ceramic and glass shards such as flower pots, glasses, plates, and tiles. This waste should be kept out of children and should be wrapped first before being put in a special trash can.
• Iron and metal: Garbage items from iron and other rusty materials must be separated. Cooking utensils, cans, pots, spoons, and pans are examples of iron waste.
• Electronic: Modern household waste includes used electronics such as gadgets, computers, cables, refrigerators, lamps, and especially batteries. This waste must be properly distinguished because several electronic components are hazardous waste.
• Clothes: Clothes are the most common types of household waste. Examples of fabric waste include clothes, t-shirts, shoes, bags, sheets, and others. Because it is difficult to decompose, this waste should be recycled or disposed of in a special place.
• Hazardous waste: It is common to find hazardous waste at home nowadays, especially with the various dissolvent products. Wall paint, mosquito repellent, spray cans, and rat poison are examples of hazardous waste found in homes.
• Bulk items: This waste has a larger size so it is difficult to handle. For this reason, waste must be crushed into smaller sizes. Examples of this waste are refrigerators, beds, chairs, furniture, cabinets, and others. Some types of waste are still possible to be recycled, although not all.
• Non-recyclable: Some waste cannot be reused or recycled, regardless of the method. Examples of non-recyclable waste are used napkins, laminated wrapping paper, tissues, and used diapers.

2. Use a Separate Trash

After knowing and sorting the waste, it would be useless if the waste was dumped in the same place. Each waste must have a dedicated place to avoid being mixed. If possible, use different colored trash cans for easy identification, or label each trash.

Each labeled trash should be exclusively used for a specific waste. Especially for hazardous waste, the bin should be closed to avoid contamination.

3. Set a Waste Disposal Schedule

It is important to schedule for waste disposal, especially for organic waste. Neglecting to schedule disposal will create bad smells and pollution. As a general rule, collect and dispose of dry waste once a week, while wet waste should be disposed of every day.

Set a schedule for garbage to be picked up and collected by officers. Skipping the schedule will decompose and attract flies and other animals.

4. Separate Wet and Dry Waste

Regardless of the form, waste can be categorized as wet or dry waste. Separating wet and dry waste is a must because wet waste is more difficult to manage. Wet garbage is easy to attract germs, becoming a place for pathogens and mosquitoes.

If the garbage can be dried first, it's good to do it so the waste will be easier to manage. Wet waste such as food wrapping paper, which is inorganic but wet, must be handled first in a proper place.

5. Follow the Standard Disposal Recommendations

Each region has different rules related to waste management, and this must be considered. Not following the rule means committing to a violation. That is why, it is important to understand each type of waste in accordance with the rules by the local government to avoid fines.

Each city has a different garbage retribution system, so don't create waste that goes against local regulations. If you are new to the area, look for information regarding the waste management system and follow it.