Can Liquid Waste Be Recycled?
The world is drowning in rubbish and we can’t afford to be irresponsible anymore. We have to take action and recycle whatever we can wherever we can. We also need to be responsible for the proper disposal of our waste materials.
It is not enough that we pay waste disposal companies to take care of our rubbish. We must ensure that the company we choose will use proper waste disposal methods and processes that will comply with government and environmental regulations.
Our waste, our responsibility. Have you ever wondered what happens to your liquid waste after it’s collected? Did you know that liquid waste can be recycled?
As responsible citizens, you should understand what happens to your rubbish and where it goes after it is taken away from you. Understanding the liquid waste removal process is important in helping you to segregate your waste.
Composting
Yes, that’s right, liquid waste can be turned into compost. The waster waste will go through a rigorous process to remove the water from the waste. What remains, will be turned into organic fertiliser.
This will contain important nutrients like nitrogen, potassium, and sodium.
For industrial and sewage waste, you will need a professional waste collector to transport it to a facility who can turn large batches of waste into compost which they will then donate or sell as fertilisers at a reasonable price to farmers and small scale market gardens
For non-sewage household liquid waste, you can turn your wastewater into compost by following this process:
- Make a composting area. This can be done anywhere near your kitchen or anywhere that is easily accessible so it will be convenient to transfer the waste materials. The ideal place is a good outdoor space with plenty of sunlight and air.
- Segregate your waste. Segregating your waste can start inside the home. Segregate dry and liquid waste as well as edible waste, biodegradable and non-biodegradable materials. Always keep the lid on your bins to avoid bugs, worms, flies, and unpleasant odours.
- Make a composting bin. You can use old trash bin, bucket, garden pot or old plastic drums. Drill four to five holes in the container so the air can circulate. Layer the bottom with soil to absorb the wet waste.
- Start the composting process. Layer the compost with wet and dry waste as well as soil to maintain a balance between the wet and the dry. The order must be, soil, dry waste, and then liquid or wet trash. Cover the compost bin. Once a week, add soil on top of the compost. To facilitate faster decomposition, you can also add semi composted soil to the compost.
- Maintain the compost. If you notice the smell is becoming too strong, add extra newspapers and paper waste or add more holes to the compost bin to keep the balance of the waste materials. Adding more holes will allow air to circulate reducing the smell and making the decomposition process faster.
If the compost seems dry, sprinkle some water or add more liquid waste. Once every three to four days, use a rake or stick to give the compost a quick turn. This will provide more aeration to help decomposition.
After two to three months, your compost should be ready to use for your vegetable patch or your potted plants.
Waste Reduction
Did you know that a family of four can reduce their household waste from 1000 kilograms per year down to 100 kilograms through segregating waste, recycling and composting?
To save our environment, we don’t just need stricter laws for waste management, we also need to change our habits.
We need to train ourselves to be aware and be conscious of what we buy, what we cook and eat, and how we dispose of, reuse and recycle our waste materials.
The effects of global warming are becoming worse and worse each year. Let’s do our part to ensure that our grandchildren will live to enjoy mother nature and live a sustainable future.
Reuse, reduce, recycle. For waste that needs to be handled professionally, make sure that you trust only legitimate and environmentally conscious companies.