Incinerators and landfills have long been the traditional solutions for waste management. After all, they are simple, scalable, and immediate ways to deal with non-recyclable materials. That said, many people don’t realize just how much both options impose environmental problems on neighboring communities and our planet earth.

While we may not find the ultimate solution for waste management in this article, our team believes it’s best to outline the environmental impacts of our current systems so that we can all proceed responsibly. At Texas Recycling in Dallas, Texas, we’re here not only to help our commercial and industrial recycling customers but also to provide education in support of environmental efforts community wide.

Texas Recycling: A Dallas Recycling Facility for Metal, Cardboard, Paper Recycling and More! Call 214-357-0262

Incinerators, Landfills, and Waste Management—Oh My!

Understanding incinerators

Waste incineration is especially popular in areas such as the northeast because of their dense populations and limited land availability. Proponents of waste incinerators claim that these facilities produce energy. Unfortunately, the energy produced by the burning process does not balance out the negatives.

Just a few negatives of incineration processes include:

1. Aging facilities — Waste incinerators have a life span of approximately 30 years, and most facilities in the United States are approaching that age. Many people might simply say, “Well, upgrade them.” The problem is that upgrades to limit pollution are costly, and facilities can’t afford continuing maintenance and the needed upgrades.
2. Decreasing revenue — Incinerator companies earn revenue from the sale of generated electricity and tipping fees (fees for dumping trash at the incinerator facility). However, many facilities are experiencing decreased revenue.
3. Risks for residents — Many incinerators are in low-income areas, adding to already present environmental inequalities. Those living close to incinerators can experience miscarriage and other health issues.
4. Emissions — Even with some safety measures in place, incinerators release toxic emissions into the air, soil, and water supplies. Plus, carbon dioxide emissions are a downside of transporting waste to the incinerator facility and, after processing, transporting the by-product to the landfills.
5. Ash — Incinerators produce solid waste, such as ash, that needs to be transported and dumped into landfills.

What About Landfills?

Next, let’s review the environmental impact of landfills for waste management. Found mostly in areas with abundant land, landfills are just a dumping ground for residential, industrial, and commercial waste. The volume of the waste is not reduced.

The top three negatives of landfill use include:

1. Transport — Again, CO2 is released during the transport of waste to the landfill site.
2. Methane — Methane gas is released into the environment due to waste decomposition.
3. Land scarcity — It is getting more difficult to find large plots of land to contain waste. Waste is produced faster than it decomposes. Some products, such as plastics, never decompose.

Texas Recycling: Our Dallas Recycling Center Helps Your Business with Revenue by Accepting Recyclable Items. Call 214-357-0262

What Are Alternatives to Waste Management?

What can we do to minimize the environmental impact of incinerators and landfills for waste management? How can we begin to reduce the need for waste management solutions that involve emissions? It all goes back to three simple words: reduce, reuse, and recycle. Plus, we’ll add one more: compost.

1. Reduce

Reduce the amount of waste produced. Think twice before purchasing disposable bags and containers. Buy used clothing and appliances. Maintain and repair items when possible, instead of replacing them.

2. Reuse

Reuse goods so they don’t end up at incinerators and landfills. Donate usable items you no longer want. Purchase reusable water bottles.

3. Recycle

This is Texas Recycling’s specialty. Visit our Public Buy Back Center in Dallas, Texas and turn your recyclable trash—such as paper, cardboard, and industrial scrap metal—into treasure. Learn what items your town collects for recycling and follow the guidelines. Purchase recyclable items over those that can’t be recycled.

4. Compost

Compost food and yard scraps. Nutrient-rich compost goes back into the soil to nourish plants. Plus, it keeps more items from being burned in incinerators or tossed into landfills.

If everyone tries to follow these steps, we will have less need for large industrial incinerators and giant landfills one day. Dangerous emissions and toxic fumes can be reduced, helping both the environment and our neighbors. We may not have the next solution, but if we work together to recycle more and reduce waste, it will prevent further climate change. Plus, it may buy us time until a safer waste management solution can be invented.

Texas Recycling Offers Commercial Recycling Solutions in Dallas

Do you want fewer of your eligible recyclable materials to go to incinerators and landfills? In addition, do you want to learn about recycling programs available for your organization? Like you, we at Texas Recycling are concerned about the future of our environment. We offer customized recycling solutions to fit your recycling needs and help you reach your business goals. Our professional and personalized service will exceed your expectations.

While we are a leader in recycling paper, newspaper, cardboard, and aluminum cans, we also handle various industrial and commercial metals. Texas Recycling is dedicated to improving the environment by providing the highest-quality recycling services in the DFW Metroplex. Our creative solutions help companies embrace environmental responsibility and sustainability.

Texas Recycling is committed to educating the public about recycling and the environment. We offer customized recycling programs for companies and industries, allowing businesses to earn revenue and help the environment with scheduled pickups. In addition, individuals, organizations and smaller businesses can bring recyclables to our Public Buy Back Center.

With over 30 years of industry experience, our customer service is second to none. Help the environment and your bottom line by calling Texas Recycling at 214-357-0262 to get started on a commercial recycling or industrial recycling program for your business.