How To Set Up Dry & Wet Waste Management System In Your Home

Our homes produce a mix of organic leftovers, plastics, and recyclables every day. Tackling them is essential to ensure they do not put a strain on landfills and the environment.

The good news? Setting up a dry and wet waste management system is easier than you think.

Ready to be the change and bring a shift in attitude towards the planet, starting right at home? Here's a simple guide to help you set up an effective (and simple) waste management system at your home.

Step-by-step guide to starting waste segregation at home

Since you are ready to make a difference, let's begin by understanding the difference between dry and wet waste in order to build an effective waste management system.

Dry waste are all dry materials that get generated as waste, such as paper, plastic bags, old items. These are mostly non-biodegradable, but if properly taken care, they can be redirected towards recycling or reuse.

In contrast, wet waste is biodegradable waste materials like vegetable and fruit peels, food scraps, your garden waste, and anything organic. The greatest advantage is that these decompose quickly and, therefore, don't require much effort in ensuring proper disposal.

However, whether it's dry or wet waste, it's essential to direct them towards proper disposal so that they do not burden our planet.

Now, let's walk through the process of segregating and building an effective waste management system right at home.

1. Get your bins right

The first step is to make two separate bins for dry and wet waste. Make sure that these bins are easily identifiable, appropriately labelled, and are made of durable material. They must be large enough to hold a good amount of waste, and for a wet waste bin, make sure you place a compostable liner in it so that it can be collected and disposed of easily.

2. Household training

Waste management system requires active participation from every family member and therefore, educating and training them adequately is necessary. They must understand the importance and be aware about the separation of bins. Try to involve the children as early awareness will turn them into responsible adults.

3. Segregate at the source

Don't keep segregation pending for long as delaying will spoil the waste and make them hard for disposal. Timely segregation at the source will keep your cooking and pantry areas clean and hygienic.

4. Handle dry waste differently

Rinse and clean items like cans, glass jars, and plastic containers to prevent odours or pest issues before putting them into the bin. This way, you will be able to find items for recycling or repurposing or even alert your garbage collector of any item of value.

Following these steps will help you dispose of home waste responsibly and significantly reduce household waste clutter.

The best thing about the waste management system at home is that the state government has taken the initiative to ensure that the efforts taken at home don't go to waste.

Once you follow a step-by-step process of segregating and storing dry and wet waste at home, the Guwahati Municipal Communication (GMC) has assigned designated authorities for the collection of house-to-house solid waste from homes and other establishments. So, all you need to do is take one step, and the rest will be guaranteed by the state governments.

Products that make waste management system easier

Now that you have gained knowledge about segregation, it is time to make it efficient and hassle-free. You can get the process streamlined by using the following products that simplify waste segregation and ensure an eco-friendlier approach to the management system:

1. Compostable liners for your wet waste

Investing in the right products makes waste management more effective and helpful for everyone involved in the process. When you line your bins with compostable liners, they not only help manage the waste properly but are also degradable, so they break down naturally along with the organic waste.

2. Waste shredder

Many of us generate a lot of dry waste because of professional reasons or other habits and using a waste shredder reduces the volume of items like cardboard, paper, and some specific types of plastics. Thus, this can be a simple but effective way for waste management system at home.

3. Large Bins with wheels for your dry waste

We must aim to recycle dry waste ourselves or at least drop it off at dedicated centres at frequent intervals. Large, wheeled bins make it easy to move dry waste to the recycling centre. Also, since these do not decompose, you can collect and store them for a longer time, recycling them at one go once the bin is filled.

4. Bins with a separate compartment

Finally, a built-in divider to separate dry and wet waste is ideal for waste management systems in homes with limited space. These bins keep everything in one place and make disposal convenient. You can also opt for bins with foot pedals for easier access.

Integrating these products into your waste management system will make handling household waste more manageable.

The environmental benefits of proper waste disposal

It's necessary that we no longer take our planet for granted and ignore the harm our mindless habits have been continuously causing. Our planet and its well-being are our responsibility, and we must take every step to ensure that our thoughts and actions are mindful and planet-healthy.

As per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), our country generates over 160,000 tonnes of solid waste every day, out of which 18% end up in landfills despite over 50% of waste getting properly treated. This means that if we continue to take our planet for granted, it will no longer be able to accommodate us or tackle the massive amount of waste we generate. So, it is imperative that we make an effort and start practicing habits that not only save the planet but also create a better place for the next generation.

When we take the time to segregate, recycle, and properly dispose of waste, we reduce the burden on landfills and minimize pollution. Let's see how exactly do we make a difference:

1. Reducing the landfill burden

One of the most immediate benefits of a proper waste management system-segregation and disposal-is the reduction in the amount of waste sent to landfills. When dry and wet waste get mixed together, it becomes difficult to recycle the non-biodegradable materials or segregate them, resulting in an unnecessary amount of waste being dumped into landfills.

But when we make an effort to segregate waste at the source, our homes, separating biodegradable waste for composting and recycling dry waste becomes possible. Not only does this reduce the load, but it also stops the emission of harmful greenhouse gases, particularly methane, which is a major contributor to climate change.

2. Pollution control

Remember when we used to study environmental pollution and how humans contribute to it heavily? Remember the promises we used to make about not doing anything harmful and always preserving our planet! Well, we all know how badly we have failed at it.

Improper waste disposal leads to various forms of pollution-air, water, and soil. They release harmful toxins and pollute the air and pollute the water as the chemicals and colours get into the water. It does long-term damage not just to the water but also to drinking water by seeping into the soil and contaminating groundwater. Proper segregation and separation of waste at home becomes possible with a practical and active waste management system. This will also stop pollution and diseases that people suffer from because of the pollution.

3. Preservation of natural resources

Recycling boosts natural resource preservation because when we recycle dry waste like paper and metal, we save our trees and minimize the need for mining, which in turn saves naturally occurring minerals. In contrast, deforestation and mining both cause environmental damage and consume a huge amount of energy, ultimately draining natural resources.

So, the sooner we focus on strategically implementing a waste management system, the sooner we reduce the demand for raw materials and help preserve natural ecosystems.

4. Turning down energy consumption

Recycling utilizes less energy than producing new materials from scratch, and therefore, when we make small efforts at home, they make a large-scale impact. Our habits reflect the choices and decisions we make, and this, in turn, affects industries and the production of raw materials. For instance, recycling aluminium consumes far less energy than creating new aluminium from bauxite ore.

By adopting proper waste disposal practices at home, we create a lesser load on the burning of fossil fuels and less consumption of energy, and we encourage everyone to adopt recycling.

A waste management system at home is like those small actions that contribute greatly to saving the planet and building a sustainable world for ourselves and the generations to follow.

How to compost wet waste and recycle dry waste

We have so far understood the need to understand the difference between dry waste and wet waste and how establishing proper segregation in our homes can make a significant difference.

I would now urge you to go a step further and compost the wet waste items and recycle the dry waste yourself so that you take control of the journey. It's time to reignite those childhood dreams of saving the planet and wear our green capes so that we can make a meaningful contribution to environmental awareness and sustainability.

Wet waste composting

Here's how you can compost wet waste for an effective waste management system with these simple steps:

1. Place a dedicated container in the kitchen

Take an odour-free compost bin/bucket and place it on the kitchen counter so that you can easily collect organic waste immediately after the kitchen activities are done. Additionally, place charcoal filters at the bottom beneath the liner so that they absorb smells and keep the kitchen clean and fresh.

Remember that this is just the smaller bin that you are going to use every day to collect the everyday wet waste.

2. Choose an ideal area

This can be tricky for homes with limited space, but be creative and utilize that perfect spot, and let your creativity flow to conceal the true purpose of the compost bin. Place it in an ideal area (free open space beside your kitchen, balcony, or if you have a garden), and use it to dump all the kitchen waste into it.

This bin is where your everyday waste will go as a part of your home waste management system. It is the final place where the composting will actually take place.

3. Collect the organic waste

It is necessary that you put in the right materials. Fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, eggshells, tea leaves, and food scraps qualify as organic waste.

However, if you wish to compost dairy, meat, or oily food scraps, there is a separate way to do that, known as Bokashi composting. In comparison to the traditional style, this allows you to ferment kitchen waste, including meat and dairy, and produce a nutrient-rich liquid that can be used as fertilizer.

4. Create a green-brown balance

Composting requires a sustainable process of action to ensure maximum result and minimum damage, and therefore, maintaining a healthy green-brown ratio is essential.

While green wastes are nitrogen-rich materials like leftover food and garden waste, brown wastes are carbon-rich materials like dried leaves, newspaper, and cardboard, and maintaining a balance between the two is necessary for proper composting. The correct ratio is 1 part of greens to 3 parts of browns (1:3).

5. Regularly maintain it

The process of the waste management system requires consistency, and turning the compost pile once every week ensures proper air circulation for facilitating the process.

You can fix a day for aerating the pile, and since you have a dedicated smaller bin in the kitchen for everyday use, the composting process will find the necessary environment to convert itself into the final product.

6. Redirect the finished product

In about a few months' time, your enriched compost will be ready for usage in your backyard garden or your balcony garden.

Once utilized, restart the composting process.

Dry waste recycling

Here's how you can recycle dry waste for an effective waste management system with these simple steps:

1. Collect and clean

Responsibility doesn't just include making an effort to segregate dry waste and wet waste but also going a step further and cleaning the items. The first step is to collect all potential items and clean them free of food or other types of residues. Make sure the plastic containers, cans, and glass bottles are cleaned and washed before the process.

2. Categorize and separate

Separate the collected items based on their texture and material. Different materials require different recycling processes, so separate paper, cardboard, plastic, metal, and glass.

3. Flatten wherever possible

If it can be compressed, make sure you do that so that the process of recycling or repurposing becomes convenient. Flatten cardboard boxes, plastic bottles, and aluminium cans to save space in your recycling bin and make the waste management system easier.

4. Recycle or repurpose

Those that can be collected by dedicated pickers or sent to drop-off centres, should be taken care of immediately. Rest, every item that you can repurpose or recycle yourself can be a great opportunity for revisiting your inner creative child or even starting a bonding or learning project with your child.

Here are some ideas:

• Turn old cardboard boxes into storage bins for those extra supplies
• Use glass jars and plastic containers to store colour brushes, forks and spoons, stationery items, hardware, etc
• Wrap gifts with old newspapers or magazine pages
• Use tin cans as plant pots
• Use bottle caps to teach younger children to count
• Turn old CDs into wall art
• Reuse old t-shirts as cushion covers

Remember: Avoid contamination. Make sure you don't mix hazardous materials, such as electronics, chemicals, or batteries, with your regular recyclables. They cannot be taken care of by us and therefore, should be disposed at the proper recycle centres.

All these steps will help you become environmentally conscious and support our ecosystem.

Common challenges and how to overcome them

Even though everything can go great, and you may be surprised at how well everything is falling into place when it comes to implementing a waste management system at home, let's keep an open mind for unforeseen challenges. Our aim is to help you with every feasible strategy (and tips) to create a positive experience, but in case a few hiccups arise, here is a plan made just for you to tackle the issues:

1. Lack of awareness and habit formation

Challenge: There is a possibility that not every family member or person living in your community will be quick to understand the difference between dry waste and wet waste. Moreover, they can also forget to separate waste properly every time.

Solution: Make them aware of the differences between dry and wet waste by labelling the bins or creating a fun step-by-step process with arrows to guide them to the correct bin. Slowly, these small pushes will turn into habits for them.

2. Limited space for multiple bins

Challenge: In smaller homes, finding space for separate dry and wet waste bins can be difficult. Yes, despite knowledge and eagerness, a simple lack of space can create unwanted difficulties. So, what do you do?

Solution: The solution is simple. All you need to do is opt for compact, stackable bins or use dual-compartment bins that make segregation easier. In fact, if you think you do not have ample floor space, then you can also use wall-mounted bins or under-sink segregation units as practical alternatives.

3. Dealing with bad odour from wet waste

Challenge: Wet waste, especially food scraps, can start smelling bad if not disposed of properly, and we know how ugly things can turn if it gets out of hand.

Solution: You can use a closed-lid compost bin or store wet waste in a biodegradable bag before disposal to make it less messy. Also, regularly emptying the bin and using baking soda or coffee grounds to neutralize odours can be a simple but effective way of tackling wet waste.

4. Inconsistent collection by waste management services

Challenge: Sometimes, your locality or nearby areas may lack a reliable waste collection system, leading to uncollected waste piling up. It is wise to come up with a community plan during such times instead of looking for solo efforts.

Solution: If waste collection is irregular, consider community-based waste management solutions. GMC has assigned local NGOs to collect waste, and they offer pickup services, so get in touch with them.

By addressing these challenges proactively, you can ensure a smooth and efficient dry and wet waste management system at home.

Local resources for waste management in Guwahati

Residents of Guwahati have a great opportunity to collaborate and ensure proper waste management disposal at various locations.

For instance, AXOM Refurbisher, an e-waste collector, offers the opportunity to recycle old IT-related equipment, mostly computers, and refurbish them for utilization. They believe in breathing new life into old electronic waste.

Another organization doing a great job at ensuring biomedical and liquid waste do not end up polluting our natural resources is Fresh Air Waste Management Services. They dispose of biomedical waste diligently and also regulate an effective liquid waste management in the entire northeast region.

Furthermore, the Guwahati Sewerage Project, an Assam government initiative, working in close collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), plans to build a reliable sewage service infrastructure within the next few years.

As builders in Guwahati, we feel proud to be a part of this wonderful state, which not only emphasizes effective waste management systems but also builds projects that help establish sustainable living practices in Guwahati.

Quick tips for waste management system

We are now ready to make a difference and have realized why it is important to segregate dry and wet waste.

It is essential to periodically assess the practices we implement at home, but here are some quick tips to ensure that too much waste isn't created in the first place:

1. Use cloth bags or, if at all necessary, reuse plastic bags while shopping for groceries or other goods
2. Carry your own bottles or cups and use them when ordering beverages
3. Ask for paper straws or carry your own eco-friendly straws when going out
4. Donate. Donate. Donate. It is never bad to donate a little more.
5. Buy in bulk to reduce packaging waste

Doing things that are helpful for the planet is no longer a choice but a major necessity. Be conscious of the choices you make and actions you take.

Final thoughts

By setting up a waste management system at home, you will contribute greatly to a cleaner environment and also help reduce your household's carbon footprint.

It is one of the simplest yet most impactful ways to make a difference. Start small, but don't forget to educate everyone at your home because it's a team effort that is needed to save our planet and reverse the damage we have done.

And Uttarayan, one of the most reliable builders in Guwahati, has pledged to make a difference, by implementingeco-friendly practices in their projects. Click here to check out the ongoing projects.

Every effort, no matter how small, adds up to big changes. So, why wait? Take the first step today and transform the way you manage waste at home for a cleaner, greener tomorrow!

Start your waste segregation journey and share your experience with us in the comments below.

FAQs

1. What if my apartment society does not support waste segregation?

You can start by segregating waste within your home and educating your neighbours on its benefits. Propose a simple system for your society's management or find local waste collection services that handle segregated waste.

2. How can I dispose of hazardous waste like batteries or electronics?

E-waste and hazardous materials should never be mixed with regular waste. Look for authorized e-waste collection centers, drop-off points in electronics stores, or city-run hazardous waste disposal programs.

3. What do I do if my compost starts smelling bad?

A foul smell usually indicates excess moisture or improper balance. Add more dry materials like shredded newspaper or dry leaves, and turn the compost regularly for aeration.

4. How do I prevent pests from entering my wet waste bin?

Use a tightly sealed bin and line it with newspaper to absorb moisture. Empty it daily and wash the bin regularly to keep it clean.

5. Can I compost cooked food waste?

It's best to avoid cooked food, especially oily or dairy-based items, in compost as they attract pests. Instead, look for Bokashi composting, which can handle cooked food scraps effectively.

6. What should I do with expired medicines or medical waste?

Never dispose of medicines in regular bins or flush them down the drain. Check if your local pharmacy or hospital has a take-back program for safe disposal.

7. How can I get my family to follow waste segregation?

Make it easy and visual! Use colour-coded bins, create a waste segregation chart, and involve kids by turning it into a fun learning activity.