Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Recycling and Composting Methods

          Recycling – the process to recovering and reusing any kinds of remaining materials that have been used. With recycling, we can prevent waste of potentially useful materials that can still be used. Although similar in effects, recycling cannot be considered same as composting. In recycling, the remaining things that have been used will reproduce into new things that contain the same materials, even though it may have a different shape and use. On the other hand, in composting, the remaining materials will not reproduce into another thing. It will only be broken down and processed by decomposer such as bacteria and fungi as a source of energy for living thing to keep the continuity of live cycle. There are two types of recycling based on its material, which are the organic materials recycling and inorganic materials recycling.

Image from : atlanta-recycling.com

Incineration

        As also we usually known as burning, is a common method to get rid of the trash. Beside its simple way that even can be practiced in household, incineration can also reduce the volume of waste until 90 percent in a short time.
        Initially, incineration was only used to dispose the trash. But now, the process of incineration is also used to generate some useful products, like heat, steam, and electricity. What is more, the high temperature of incineration can also destroy many pathogens and toxic materials. That is reason why incineration is often used in the disposal of biomedical trash. However, speaking of incineration is not always about a good things, it is also has a disadvantage. It has become a classic issue that the gases and ashes which are produced by incineration contain many kinds of pollutant such as heavy metals, dioxins, and other substances which are dangerous to be sucked by human.
         Comparing with other methods, incineration has more advantages than its disadvantages. But if we didn’t control the emissions well, it can be very dangerous for human’s health.

Image from : create.org.in

Sanitary Landfill

         Sanitary landfill is considered as the best method in trash disposal that are often used by many countries currently. Beside its environmentally friendly, the gas that is produced by this method can also be used as an energy sources. However, comparing with other methods, this method is quite expensive and requires proper planning, design, and operation.
         Similar as open dumping, in sanitary landfill, the solid trashes have also been gathered in one place. The difference lies in the process after that. If in the open dumping the trashes will be separated to be destroyed or recycled, in sanitary landfill the trash will be buried and compressed with heavy-earth-moving equipment, then covered by soil into several layers. The purpose why it is covered by soil into several layers is to prevent the dirty water of trash seeps and contaminate the groundwater. After a few years, the solid trashes which have been buried will be together with soil and become hard. Then, a new area can be open above it.
          As the best method in trash disposal currently, it is expected for every country, especially development countries to use this method rather than open dumping that has many disadvantages.