Segregating rubbish these days is no longer fashionable, it is actually compulsory. The average Pole produces around 315 kg of rubbish a year. Waste takes up space, not only for trees, animals but also for ourselves. We can reclaim this space, but in order to do so, we need to take action as soon as possible. Even small actions, repeated regularly, can produce spectacular results. So how do we separate our rubbish properly? What is selective waste collection? What happens to the recycled waste? Here is a complete guide to segregating rubbish at home.

What is waste segregation?

Waste separation is not a particularly popular activity. Segregating the rubbish produced in our homes involves collecting waste into specially labelled containers or bags, broken down into the different types of materials (raw materials) from which it has been produced. Plastic, glass, waste paper or organic waste can be reused. By segregating properly, we help the environment. Let us therefore learn about the three key methods:

• segregation at source - the most important method, which starts already in our homes. It involves reducing the amount of waste to be disposed of (e.g. landfill) by recovering materials that can be reused. This allows us to use them in the production of new valuable materials . Waste separation is facilitated by all kinds of racks, baskets and bags in matching colourswhich can be easily obtained on the market.
• bag segregation - carried out in municipalities. It consists of collecting waste in special plastic bags provided by the municipality and is mainly introduced on single-family housing estates.
• container segregation - mostly applies to people living in blocks of flats and tenement houses, where sets of containers are set up; a company contracted by the municipality is also responsible for their removal and emptying.

Meet the super five - a uniform waste segregation system

The main principle of the Single Waste Segregation System (JSSO) is to strictly separate raw materials from non-recyclable waste. So which raw materials do we separate? These are: metals and plastics, paper, as well as glass packaging and biodegradable waste. Collecting all these materials separately produces the most fully recyclable raw materials. As a reminder, here are some graphics that will serve as a "reminder" for some and a coeducational lesson for others 🙂 .

segregation of glass and plastic waste

It is worth familiarising yourself with what you can and categorically are forbidden to dispose of in the various containers in order to recover as many recyclable materials as possible.

waste segregation - selection of biodegradable and paper waste

The collection of biodegradable waste and paper (waste paper) has many benefits for our environment. There are many valuable things that can be done with the extraction of these raw materials. What are they? We will tell you later in this article.

Other types of rubbish that we are not able to segregate in any way are put in the black bin - mixed rubbish.

• However, it is worth remembering not to dispose of hazardous waste such as: mercury-containing waste, e.g. thermometers, fluorescent lamps; batteries and accumulators; used cartridges and toners; pesticides; aerosols, solvents, leftover paints, varnishes and glues; or used electrical equipment.

Separating waste and recycling - building a future without waste

Recycling actually starts at home. Every day, when we open the cupboard under the sink, we are faced with an important decision: recycle or waste valuable raw materials? If we choose the former option, i.e. we decide to separate raw material waste from food waste , it has a great chance of becoming a new park bench, glass wool or newspaper.

recycling

A common myth about segregating rubbish is the belief that segregated waste goes into one rubbish truck which mixes everything up, so our work at home goes to waste. Well, no! Much has changed in this respect. Modern waste collection vehicles usually have different compartments where the waste goes. Another solution is for each type of waste to be collected by a different refuse lorry. So why is it important to separate waste?

• First and foremost, segregating waste brings financial benefits - by segregating, we pay less for waste collection. If we only dispose of waste in mixed form, the waste collection bill will be several times higher.
• Another important thing is that recycling saves energy, raw materials and the environment. Each reused glass bottle saves the energy needed to light a room with an incandescent bulb for approximately four hours. Recycled waste also means less landfill!

What about the remaining rubbish?

Another important element in waste segregation is electronic waste. There are more and more modern electrical and electronic devices on the market. Faster and faster computers, tablets, smartphones. More modern fridges, hoovers or dryers. So where can you return your old appliances? Certainly, you can give them away free of charge at selective collection points for municipal waste, shops selling white and brown goods, as well as during frequent collections organised in municipalities and towns. So don't let this equipment be thrown into the mixed municipal waste.

Our world in our hands

So what can we do to protect our environment? Swap water in plastic bottles for filtered tap water, when going shopping it's worth taking a reusable bag with you. And if you are the lucky one who has your own garden and has the opportunity to turn biodegradable rubbish into compost - we encourage you to set up a garden composter. You can find out how to do this and what to put in it in the The film.  

All is not yet lost. Let us start fighting together for our future. Let us be aware and responsible for the actions that will best contribute to the total elimination of any waste generation.