Waste segregation - what does it consist of and how to correctly segregate rubbish?
Waste separation is the sorting of waste according to the material from which it is produced. This makes it possible to separate out waste that can be recycled and waste that cannot be reused.
Correct separation of waste
When separating your rubbish, there are several main groups: glass, metals and plastics, paper, biowaste and mixed waste. Each of these types of waste has its own container into which you should put the waste. Proper waste segregation begins in our kitchen. If we have a properly chosen bin, which makes segregation easier, it is very simple, because we can immediately throw the waste to the right place. If you don't have a waste sorting bin, you can sort a particular group of waste in bags or sacks and put them in large communal waste bins. The correct separation of waste is important, because if we do not use it, some raw materials cannot be reused, and it is essential that we look after the planet and recycle
What rubbish bins there are and what to put in them
We can distinguish between yellow, blue, green, brown and black bins. Each bin contains a different type of waste. Blue bins are for paper, cardboard boxes etc. The yellow bin is for metals and plastics. Schools should only go in the green bins. BIO (bio-degradable) waste is placed in brown bins. Mixed waste, e.g. lunch leftovers, peelings, used hygiene products should be placed in black bins. More on this subject can be found in the article: Waste bin colours - what do they mean?
Segregating medical waste
Medical waste includes used bandages, syringes and medicine bottles. Their segregation has been specified by the Regulation of the Minister of Health on dealing with medical waste. The document states how and where we should dispose of medical waste. This type of waste can only be disposed of in bags or containers of appropriate colours with proper labelling. The most dangerous medical waste, which may cause illness, should be thrown into red containers or bags. All kinds of chemicals and chemical reagents should be thrown into yellow containers. Other medical waste, such as medicines and dressings, should be thrown away in special bins, which are usually found in pharmacies.
BIO (biodegradable) and green waste
Biodegradable waste is the waste that decomposes fastest. It is often produced when cooking food in the kitchen or tidying up the garden. The most common types of biodegradable waste are fruit and vegetable waste, food leftovers, branches, grass cuttings, leaves and flowers. Do not throw animal waste, medicines, earth or stones into the brown bins.
Author: ALDA team
Sources:
https://ekoemka.com.pl/przepisy-dotyczace-segregacji-odpadow-medycznych-najwazniejsze-informacje/
https://naszesmieci.mos.gov.pl/jak-segregowac