Every household in Newcastle deals with rubbish on a daily basis. Many families use skip bins, their local recycling centres, and waste removal services to dispose of their waste. From simple household rubbish to the commercial waste of businesses, proper removal of rubbish matters. However, there are still those who choose to dispose of their rubbish themselves. This is where the problem arises, especially when toxic wastes are involved.
Effects of improper rubbish removal and waste management
Here are 10 negative effects of the improper removal and disposal of waste.
1. Soil contamination
Soil contamination is the No. 1 problem caused by improper waste removal and disposal. Some wastes that end up in landfills excrete hazardous chemicals that leak into the soil. Take the case of plastic bottles. When they eventually break down, they release DEHA, a carcinogen that affects our reproduction systems, causes liver dysfunction, and weight loss. Soil contamination does not only affect plant growth, it is also unhealthy to humans and animals feeding on those plants.
It is therefore important that every household takes recycling to heart. Plastics, metals, paper, and electronic wastes can be recycled at your local recycling centres. If everyone takes time to segregate and sort their recyclable wastes and bring them to recycling centres, the bulk of waste that will be removed from the landfills.
2. Air contamination
Waste that contains hazardous chemicals, such as bleach and acids, needs to be disposed of properly, and only in approved containers with correct labels.
Some papers and plastics are burned in landfills, emitting gas and chemicals that hurt the ozone layer. Waste that releases dioxins are also dangerous and pose a health risk when they diffuse into the air that we breathe. Add to that the methane gases that decomposing wastes release.
Finally, landfill gas produced by the decomposing wastes, can be explosive and can harm nearby communities
3. Water contamination
Hazardous wastes in the environment leech into the ground, and ultimately, into ground water. This water is used for many things, from watering the local fields to drinking. Toxic liquid chemicals from waste can also seep into water streams and bodies of water.
Untreated sewage can threaten marine life that comes into contact with the contaminated water. It can destroy and suffocate marine habitats, such as corals. Contaminated water is also dangerous and harmful to humans who consume fish and other marine life.
4. Bad impact on human health
Improper disposal of waste can greatly affect the health of the population living nearby the polluted area or landfills. Waste disposal workers and other employees in these landfill facilities are at a greater risk. Exposure to improperly handled wastes can cause skin irritations, blood infections, respiratory problems, growth problems, and even reproductive issues.
5. Impact on animals and marine life
It cannot be stressed enough: our carelessness with our waste and garbage does not just affect us. Animals likewise suffer the effects of pollution caused by improperly disposed wastes and rubbish. Styrofoam and cigarette butts have been known to cause deaths in marine animals who consume them. Animals who consume grasses near contaminated areas or landfills are also at risk of poisoning due to the toxins that seep into the soil.
6. Disease-carrying pests
Mosquitoes and rats are known to live and breed in sewage areas, and both are known to carry life-threatening diseases. Mosquitoes breed in cans and tires that collect water, and can carry diseases such as malaria and dengue. Rats find food and shelter in landfills and sewage, and they can carry diseases such as leptospirosis and salmonellosis.Moreover, moisture production from waste is a breeding ground formould.It’s bacteria that has the ability to spread and grow given the appropriate conditions, such as moistureproduction from appliances and food scraps.
7. Adversely affect the local economy
Everyone wants to stay and live in a healthy, clean, fresh, and sanitary place. A city with poor waste management will certainly not attract tourists or investors. Landfill facilities that are mismanaged can cause the local economy to sink, which can then affect the livelihood of the locals.
8. Missed recycling opportunities
There is revenue in recycling. Cities that do not implement proper removal and recycling of wastes miss on this. They also miss out on the resources that can be reused and on the employment opportunities that a recycling centre brings.
9. Causes extreme climate changes
Decomposing waste emits gases that rise to the atmosphere and trap heat. Greenhouse gases are one of the major culprits behind the extreme weather changes that the world is experiencing. From extremely strong storms and typhoons to smouldering heat, people are experiencing and suffering the negative effects of greenhouse gases.
10. It is slowly killing the planet
We only have one planet, and our careless handling of waste is harming it. Taking care of the environment is everyone’s responsibility, for ourselves, for our planet, and for our children.
Dispose of your rubbish properly in Newcastle with Skip the Tip!
Skip the Tip has a wide variety of affordable skip bins for your waste removal needs. From general waste, to construction waste and toxic wastes, let our professionals help you dispose of them properly, with your wellbeing and that of the community in mind. Call us today for a free quote!
