Common Types of Waste

Organic Waste

Numerous varieties of organic waste are present in municipal solid waste, industrial solid waste, agricultural waste, and wastewater. Although they are frequently discarded alongside other types of waste in landfills or incinerators, their biodegradable nature means that certain organic wastes can be effectively composted or to land.

Some of the examples are;

• Leftover Food

• Yard Waste

• Wood Waste

• Leaves, even  dried
  
  

Plastic Waste

Plastic waste denotes the buildup of man-made plastic materials in natural surroundings, posing challenges for wildlife, ecosystems, and human communities.

Some of the examples are;

• Bottles

• Containers

• Bags

• Disposable utensils

Metal Waste

Metal waste encompasses discarded metal items, metallic materials, and any products containing metal suitable for recycling. Metals, being finite non-renewable resources, are depleted significantly through the production of metal waste, highlighting the importance of recycling.

Some of the examples are;

• Pipes

• Window Frames

• Doors

• Metal Furniture

Electronic Waste (E-waste)

E-waste refers to a wide range of electronic gadgets, appliances, and equipment that have reached the end of their usable life or are no longer wanted by their owners.

Some of the examples are;

• Television

• Broken computer monitors

• Phones

• Printers

Construction and Demolition Waste

Paper and Cardboard Waste

Paper and cardboard waste encompasses disposed items predominantly made of paper fibers, ranging from newspapers, magazines, office paper, and cardboard boxes to packaging materials and similar paper-based products. 

Some of the examples are;

• Newspapers

• Magazines

• Cardboard boxes

• Packaging materials
  
  
  
  

Glass Waste

Glass waste is the term used to describe any glass products that have completed their intended use and must be discarded safely. When recycling is considered, glass waste is transformed into usable goods through processing.

Some of the examples are;

• Glass bottles

• Jars

• Containers
  
  

Textile Waste

Textile waste pertains to fabric material that owners no longer find suitable for its original use.

Some of the examples are;

• Old or worn-out clothing

• Unwanted or outgrown garments

• Fabric scraps from sewing projects

• Damaged or defective textiles from production lines

Household Hazardous Waste

Household hazardous waste includes items that people toss out from their homes during cleaning or repairs, like chemicals or electronics, which can be harmful if not handled carefully.

Some of the examples are;

• Cleaning products

• Automotive products

• Pesticides and herbicides

• Batteries

Medical Waste