Trash, also known as rubbish, refuse, or garbage, is unwanted material that requires disposal. Common types of trash include paper, plastic, food scraps, yard waste, and household items. Untreated trash can pose a risk to public health and the environment.
The composition of trash varies depending on its source. For example, residential trash typically contains more paper and yard waste than commercial or industrial trash. Construction and demolition debris often contains large amounts of wood, metal, and drywall.
Trash must be collected and transported to a facility where it can be properly disposed of. The most common method of disposing of trash is through incineration or landfilling. Incineration involves burning the trash at high temperatures to reduce its volume by up to 90%. Landfills are sites where trash is buried under layers of soil.
Both incineration and landfilling have potential environmental impacts. Incineration can release pollutants into the air if proper emission controls are not in place. Landfills can leach harmful chemicals into groundwater if they are not properly lined or monitored.
Proper management of trash is essential to protect public health and the environment. To learn more about proper management of your Trash please contact your local sanitation department or check out the resources below: