Journal of Environmental Waste Management and Recycling

All submissions of the EM system will be redirected to Online Manuscript Submission System. Authors are requested to submit articles directly to Online Manuscript Submission System of respective journal.
Reach Us +44 1518081136

Opinion Article - Journal of Environmental Waste Management and Recycling (2024) Volume 7, Issue 6

Waste Management: A Key to Sustainable Future

Larisa .R*

Department of Management, Politehnica University of Timisoara, Romania

*Corresponding Author:
Larisa .R
Department of Management
Politehnica University of Timisoara, Romania
E-mail: larisa.r@upt.ro

Received: 01-Nov-2024, Manuscript No. AAEWMR-24-155184; Editor assigned: 05-Nov-2024, Pre QC No. AAEWMR-24-155184 (PQ); Reviewed: 19-Nov-2024, QC No. AAEWMR-24-155184; Revised: 22-Nov-2024, Manuscript No. AAEWMR-24-155184 (R); Published: 29-Nov-2024, DOI: 10.35841/aaewmr-8.6.231

Citation: R.L. Waste Management: A Key to Sustainable Future. Environ Waste Management Recycling. 2024; 7(6):231

Introduction

Waste management is an essential part of maintaining a healthy environment, managing natural resources, and ensuring public health. As urbanization and industrialization continue to increase globally, the volume of waste generated by households, industries, and businesses is rising at an alarming rate [1-3]. Proper waste management involves collecting, processing, and disposing of waste in an environmentally responsible manner. However, with the growing global population and changing consumption patterns, waste management is facing significant challenges, including the need for more sustainable and efficient practices [4, 5].

Effective waste management

Effective waste management consists of several key strategies. First and foremost, waste minimization reducing waste at the source should be prioritized. This can be done by adopting practices such as using fewer packaging materials, opting for reusable items, and promoting the concept of the "3 Rs": Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle [6, 7]. Waste segregation is also vital, ensuring that recyclable materials, organic waste, and hazardous materials are sorted to prevent contamination and enhance recycling efforts. Another key component is resource recovery through recycling and composting. Recycling transforms waste materials into valuable raw materials, thus reducing the demand for new resources and lowering energy consumption. Similarly, organic waste can be composted to produce nutrient-rich soil, diverting waste from landfills and reducing greenhouse gas emissions [8].

For waste that cannot be recycled, Waste-to-Energy (WtE) technologies offer a solution. These methods convert non-recyclable waste into energy, reducing the volume of waste sent to landfills while generating power. However, the environmental and health risks associated with some waste-to-energy processes must be carefully managed to ensure they do not produce harmful pollutants [9]. Lastly, landfill management remains necessary for dealing with residual waste. Modern landfills use technology to minimize leakage, capture methane, and reduce environmental harm. However, landfills should be seen as a last resort, not the primary waste disposal method [10].

Conclusion

In conclusion, effective waste management is crucial to addressing the environmental, economic, and health challenges associated with waste. By adopting sustainable practices such as waste minimization, recycling, composting, and resource recovery, we can reduce the burden on landfills, conserve natural resources, and mitigate environmental damage. Governments, industries, and individuals all play a role in creating more sustainable waste management systems. With the right strategies and technologies in place, we can move toward a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future for all.

References

  1. Cramm JM, Van Dijk HM, Nieboer AP. The importance of neighborhood social cohesion and social capital for the well being of older adults in the community. The Gerontologist. 2013; 53(1):142-52.

    2. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  2. Levasseur M, Généreux M, Bruneau JF, et al. Importance of proximity to resources, social support, transportation and neighborhood security for mobility and social participation in older adults: results from a scoping study. BMC public health. 2015; 15(1):1-9.

    3. Indexed at, Google Scholar

  3. Lauwers L, Leone M, Guyot M, et al. Exploring how the urban neighborhood environment influences mental well-being using walking interviews. Health & Place. 2021; 67:102497.

    4. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  4. Koohsari MJ, McCormack GR, Nakaya T, et al. Urban design and Japanese older adults' depressive symptoms. Cities. 2019; 87:166-73.

    5. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  5. Mohammad NM, Abbas MY. Elderly environment in Malaysia: Impact of multiple built environment characteristics. Procedia Soc. 2012; 49:120-6.

    6. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  6. Gómez LF, Parra DC, Buchner D, et al. Built environment attributes and walking patterns among the elderly population in Bogotá. Am. J Prev Med. 2010; 38(6):592-9.

    7. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  7. Distefano N, Pulvirenti G, Leonardi S. Neighbourhood walkability: Elderly's priorities. Res Transp Bus Manag. 2021; 40:100547.

    8. Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  8. Lam WW, Loo BP, Mahendran R. Neighbourhood environment and depressive symptoms among the elderly in Hong Kong and Singapore. Int J Health Geogr. 2020; 19(1):1-0.

    9. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  9. Loo BP, Lam WW, Mahendran R, et al. How is the neighborhood environment related to the health of seniors living in Hong Kong, Singapore, and Tokyo? Some insights for promoting aging in place. Annals of the American Association of Geographers. 2017; 107(4):812-28.

    10. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  10. Bird EL, Ige JO, Pilkington P, et al. Built and natural environment planning principles for promoting health: an umbrella review. BMC public health. 2018; 18(1):1-3.

    11. Indexed at, Google Scholar

Get the App