Waste Management: The Ugly Impacts Of Ineffective Waste Management Systems
Every business generates waste daily, and it is your responsibility as a business owner to ensure the proper disposal of this waste. Unfortunately, though most individuals today understand the consequences of improper waste management, some businesses take shortcuts when disposing of their waste, increasing pollution. This article explains the negative impact of improper waste management and reasons to hire professional waste collection services.
1. Soil Contamination
Though the best way to deal with plastic, paper, metal, and glass waste is to take them to recycling centers, sometimes these waste items end up in landfills. Unfortunately, when such waste materials sit in landfills for extended periods, they will begin leeching harmful chemicals into the ground. For instance, decomposing plastic releases a toxic chemical that can affect your reproductive system and liver.
Also, remember the soil is the main medium for plant growth. So, when the soil is contaminated, it can inhibit plant growth, reducing food supply. Besides, the growing plants might absorb the toxic chemicals and pass them over to the consumer. As a result, improper waste disposal can affect food security for multiple generations.
2. Health Issues
Any unprocessed and accumulated waste provides the perfect breeding ground for harmful bacteria and pathogens. Therefore, people exposed to such environments risk suffering illnesses like asthma, diarrhea, rashes, eye irritation, and various infections. Sometimes, inhaling gases from such waste will cause serious organ failure or reproduction issues, such as preventing childbirth.
Moreover, accumulated waste and sewage provide the perfect habitat for insects like mosquitoes and pests like rats. Unfortunately, these pests carry and spread harmful bacteria, posing serious health risks to your workers and clients. Moreover, the moisture and warmth from such waste encourage mold growth, whose spores cause respiratory issues.
3. Air Contamination
Waste will decompose if you allow it to accumulate on your property for a long time. Unfortunately, food waste that doesn't decompose under the right conditions might produce methane gas, which is unpleasant and harmful to the ozone layer. Also, if you dispose of your waste by burning it, you risk releasing greenhouse gases to the environment that accumulate and contribute to global warming. Some of these greenhouse gases can be explosive, posing a serious risk to the nearby population.
If you have not incorporated proper waste management systems in your business, you risk contaminating the surrounding environment and exposing everyone to various health risks. For this reason, it is important to hire a reliable and reputable waste management company. These experts will help you develop a proper waste management system to prevent waste accumulation and improper waste disposal.
Contact a local waste management service to learn more.
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