We all know that waste management is becoming more and more important.

Garbage classification is a reform to the traditional methods of waste collection and disposal. It's a scientific way of managing waste, especially in the face of rising garbage amounts and worsening environmental conditions.

The world is now focused on how to use garbage resources more effectively, reduce waste disposal, and improve living conditions. This has become a critical global issue. So, how can we get it right?

What Categories Can We Sort Trash Into?

When it comes to waste sorting, there are four basic steps we need to follow. Each step ensures that we properly classify and handle our trash in a way that minimizes waste and helps with recycling. Here's a quick guide to sorting your waste:

Step One: Is It Hazardous?

The first step is to determine if the waste is harmful to our health or the environment. Hazardous waste needs to be disposed of separately and treated by professional facilities to eliminate its dangers. You can remember the following key items:

• Mercury: Items like thermometers or blood pressure monitors that contain mercury.

• Lightbulbs: Fluorescent light tubes and similar items.

• Medicines: Expired medications and their packaging.

• Batteries: Most batteries (excluding alkaline and lithium) contain harmful metals like lead, mercury, and cadmium, making them hazardous.

• Paint: Paints and solvents, including nail polish, are hazardous due to their volatile nature.

Step Two: Is It Recyclable?

The second step is to identify recyclable materials. These are items that can be reused or processed into new products. Here's a quick way to remember the recyclable materials:

• Paper: Items like used printer paper, envelopes, and newspapers, but not tissues or paper plates.

• Plastic: Clean plastic bottles and containers, but avoid greasy plastic food containers or plastic bags with food residue.

• Glass: Pure glass bottles or jars, but not mirrors or glass with coatings.

• Metal: Cans, aluminum foil, and metal products.

• Clothing: Fabrics like old clothes, but not towels, underwear, or stockings, as these are often not recyclable.

Step Three: Is It Organic?

The third step involves sorting organic waste, also known as kitchen waste. These are biodegradable materials that can be composted or converted into energy. Most food waste falls into this category. However, there are a few items that are not considered organic waste, such as bamboo products, large bones, hard shells, coconut shells, durian skins, and fruit pits. These items should not be disposed of as organic waste.

Step Four: What's Left?

Finally, any remaining items that don't fall into the above categories are considered general waste or "other trash." These are typically items that are made from a mix of materials or ones that can't be recycled or composted, such as lighters, pens, and umbrellas. These items should be disposed of in the general waste bin.

How Can We Reduce Waste?

While waste sorting is important, it doesn't solve the problem entirely. To truly reduce waste and its environmental impact, we need to take steps to minimize the amount of trash we generate. This involves being mindful of our consumption habits and trying to produce less waste in the first place. Here are a few things we can do:

• Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Aim to buy fewer single-use products and consider reusable alternatives.

• Composting: Organic waste can be composted at home or in local composting facilities, turning it into valuable resources for gardening.

• Educational Efforts: We should raise awareness about the importance of waste sorting. This can be done through campaigns and educational programs that teach people about proper waste management and recycling practices.

Getting Involved

Waste sorting is not just a government responsibility, it's something that we all need to take part in. Whether it's sorting at home, at work, or in public spaces, each of us can make a difference. By following the simple four-step method, we can contribute to a cleaner and healthier environment.

Lykkers, let's all work together to make waste sorting a habit. Have you started sorting your trash at home? If not, what's stopping you? Let's share our thoughts and encourage each other to take action!