How Is Your Waste Disposed Of?
Once your waste has been collected and taken to a waste transfer station, it is sorted and directed to specific facilities tailored to manage different types of materials. Materials recovery facilities (MRFs) handle the initial sorting process, separating recyclables such as plastics, metals, and paper. These materials are then processed and prepared for reuse in manufacturing and other industries.
Non-recyclable waste is often sent to energy recovery facilities (ERFs). These facilities use advanced technologies to convert waste into energy through methods like heat treatment or anaerobic digestion.
Recyclable waste is directed to recycling facilities, where it undergoes further processing. Here, materials are transformed into new products, ensuring that valuable resources are efficiently reused and integrated back into the production cycle.
Below, we have put together a list of our various facilities which explains each process in further detail:
Sorting Facilities
Waste sent to a sorting facility undergoes a systematic process to segregate and process different types of materials for recycling or proper disposal. Upon arrival, the waste is unloaded and conveyed through various stages of sorting equipment.
The first step involves manual sorting to remove large items and hazardous materials. Then, the waste passes through screens and separators that separate materials based on size, density, and composition. Magnets and eddy current separators extract ferrous and non-ferrous metals, while optical sorters identify and separate plastics by type.
After sorting, the recyclable materials are baled or compacted for shipment to recycling facilities. Any residual waste is further processed or sent to landfills using environmentally responsible methods.
Sorting facilities play a crucial role in diverting recyclable materials from landfills, promoting recycling, and supporting sustainable waste management practices.
Anaerobic Digestion
Anaerobic digestion is a sophisticated biological procedure in which organic matter is broken down in the absence of air in sizable, insulated, sealed vessels with carefully regulated heating and mixing.
Food waste is introduced into a temperature-controlled, sealed building where it is treated into a liquid before being injected into digesters. Bacteria feed on the food waste in this area to make biogas. Biogas is harvested and used as a fuel in CHP engines since it typically contains 60% methane and 40% carbon dioxide.
By using anaerobic digestion to recycle food waste instead of burying it in a landfill, between 0.5 and 1.0 tonnes of CO2 is kept out of the atmosphere.
No energy or resource is ever wasted when it comes to Anaerobic Digestion. These plants produce biogas for renewable energy, the leftover digestate is used as fertiliser for farms, and the heat generated from the anaerobic digestion process (which is enough to power a small town), is harnessed and fed back into the grid.
Energy Recovery
Waste sent to an energy recovery facility undergoes a sophisticated process that maximizes resource utilisation while minimizing environmental impact.
Residual waste, which would consist of General Waste items which typically can’t be recycled often ends up in landfill sites - with energy recovery, non-recyclable materials undergo thermal treatment.
This treatment involves incineration at high temperatures in a controlled environment, where the waste is converted into energy-rich gases. These gases are then used to produce steam, driving turbines to generate electricity. The heat generated during this process is also harnessed for district heating or industrial applications, enhancing overall efficiency.
Advanced emission control systems ensure that no harmful byproducts are released, adhering to strict environmental regulations. The resulting energy contributes to the local grid, reducing the dependency on fossil fuels and promoting
sustainable waste management practices.
Glass Recycling
The process for recycling glass depends on the type of glass you need to recycle, if you have broken glass, window panes and glass bottles and jars all to recycle at the same time you will just need to separate your waste glass into individual glass bins.
The glass is then taken to a Material Recovery Facility (MRF) where it is separated from other products such as tin, paper or plastic.
The glass is then sorted by colour and washed to remove any contaminants.
Once it is clean it is crushed, melted and moulded into new products like bottles and jars. Glass that doesn't make it into bottles and jars is often used for other purposes such as glass wool, building aggregate and fibre optic cables.
Materials Recovery
Waste sent to a materials recovery facility (MRF) undergoes a comprehensive sorting and processing procedure to extract recyclable and reusable materials efficiently.
Upon arrival, the waste is unloaded and passed through conveyor belts, where manual and automated sorting techniques are employed to separate different types of materials like paper, cardboard, plastics, metals, and glass.
Advanced machinery including screens, magnets, optical sensors, and air classifiers further refine the sorting process. Once separated, the recyclables are baled or compacted for transportation to recycling facilities.
Any remaining non-recyclable waste is typically sent to landfills or undergoes additional treatment for energy recovery. MRFs play a crucial role in diverting waste from landfills, promoting recycling, and conserving valuable resources. Their efficient processes contribute significantly to sustainable waste management practices and environmental conservation efforts.
Wood Shredding
Wood waste sent to a wood shredding facility undergoes a specialized process to transform it into valuable products and reduce environmental impact. Initially, the wood is sorted to remove contaminants like nails, plastics, and other non-wood materials.
Next, the clean wood waste is fed into powerful shredding machines that break it down into smaller pieces or chips. These wood chips are then processed further depending on the intended use. They may be used as fuel for biomass energy production, mulch for landscaping and soil enhancement, or raw material for producing composite wood products.
By shredding and repurposing wood waste, these facilities help divert material from landfills, reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with decomposition, and support sustainable practices in the forestry and construction industries. This process not only minimizes waste but also creates valuable resources for various applications.
Landfills
Landfills have long been the conventional solution for waste disposal. However, they pose numerous challenges and drawbacks, including:
- Limited Space: Landfills require vast tracts of land, which are becoming increasingly scarce, especially near urban areas.
- Environmental Hazards: Landfills can lead to soil and water contamination due to the leaching of harmful chemicals and materials.
- Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Decomposing organic waste in landfills produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas contributing significantly to climate change. (Why not harness these gasses to create clean energy?)
- Health Risks: Proximity to landfill sites can pose health risks to nearby communities due to exposure to pollutants.
Recognizing these significant issues, GWR advocates for alternative waste management solutions that are both environmentally sound and economically viable.
Achieving Zero to Landfill with GWR Waste Management
GWR offers comprehensive services tailored to help businesses eliminate their landfill contributions and move towards their zero-to-landfill objectives.
Here’s how we can assist:
Comprehensive Waste Audits
Our team conducts thorough
waste audits to understand the types and volumes of waste generated by your business. This allows us to develop customised strategies to reduce, reuse, and recycle waste effectively.
Advanced Recycling
We provide robust recycling programs that ensure maximum recovery of recyclable materials. Our facilities are equipped to handle a wide range of recyclables, including plastics, paper, metals, and glass, ensuring that these materials are processed and repurposed efficiently.
Materials Recovery Facilities (MRFs)
At our MRFs, waste is meticulously sorted and separated to extract valuable materials. This reduces the volume of waste that would otherwise be destined for landfills and ensures that recyclable materials are reintroduced into the supply chain.
Energy Recovery Solutions
For waste that cannot be recycled, we offer energy recovery options. Through processes like incineration and anaerobic digestion, waste is converted into energy, providing a sustainable alternative to landfill disposal while generating electricity and heat.
Education and Guidance
At GWR, we like to think differently about waste, and we believe that knowledge is power. GWR provides educational resources for businesses to empower their staff with the knowledge and practices necessary to achieve zero waste to landfill.
Ongoing Support and Monitoring
Achieving zero to landfill is a continuous process. GWR offers ongoing support and monitoring to ensure that waste management strategies remain effective and that businesses continue to meet their waste reduction goals.
Partnering for a Better Future
By partnering with GWR, businesses can take proactive steps towards responsible waste management and environmental stewardship. Our expertise and comprehensive services enable businesses to reduce their reliance on landfills, contributing to a cleaner, and brighter future.
Get a
free quote today from our waste management experts!
