Selective waste collection - how to do it correctly?

SELECTIVE WASTE COLLECTION - HOW TO DO IT CORRECTLY?

Let’s start with the basics! What is waste and what is garbage, is there any difference at all? They are quite similar, but there is an important distinction between the two. They both refer to material that has become useless. Garbage is the material that the owner cannot or does not want to use/store anymore, and it ends up in a landfill or an incinerator along with other useless garbage. In contrast, waste, when collected selectively and processed, can be recycled. But what exactly is selective waste collection?

WHY SHOULD WE COLLECT WASTE SELECTIVELY?

The primary goal of selective waste collection is to ensure a healthy environment and sustainability: in this process, different types of waste are collected separately for recycling and reuse. For example, you’ve probably seen fleece jackets made from plastic bottles. Moreover, there are numerous clothing brands on the market that use ocean plastic to create their garments. Recycling helps conserve primary raw materials, preserves natural resources, and reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills.

HOW TO COLLECT WASTE SELECTIVELY?

Once you’ve decided to opt for selective waste collection, you’re halfway there! The next step is to ensure correct sorting. In many countries, containers of different colors are available for selective waste collection.

Important to note: Blue containers are for paper, yellow and gray containers since 2011 can accept plastic and metal waste mixed together, green containers are for colored glass (e.g., brown, green, yellow, etc.), and white containers are exclusively for clear glass. It’s important to rinse and clean the waste before placing it into the selective waste collector. Many people dispose of unwashed waste with food residues without realizing the importance of rinsing for the hygiene of manual sorters!

It’s also important to debunk some myths:

Many people think that selective waste collection is unnecessary because it will be mixed later anyway. This is a huge misconception! Not only is waste not mixed later, but it is often sorted multiple times (machines and people perform this task).
If I rinse out a yogurt container, I'm wasting water... Well, the amount of water needed for this is negligible compared to what is required to manufacture a new product.
I alone don't make any difference! But you do! Every individual matters significantly, as every little bit helps. On average, one person produces about 480 kg of waste per year... isn't that significant?

SUMMARY

From an environmental perspective, the real solution lies in producing less waste from the start, as the best waste is the one that doesn’t leave a trace behind! Just as waste production, shopping is also a decision; we decide what products to buy, where, and how much. Therefore, let’s strive to replace single-use items with durable ones; for instance, swap plastic bottles for reusable bottles or thermoses. Additionally, nowadays, we have the opportunity to buy our groceries and everyday items in packaging-free stores. Considering all these factors, we can confidently say that selective waste collection is a good option for creating a more sustainable future!

DID YOU KNOW?!

Environmental protection is very important to us too, so we try to be mindful in every way possible to not burden our planet with unnecessary waste. Oxygeni Hair products are packaged in 100% recyclable jars, with a biodegradable applicator. If you want more information or wish to make a purchase, check out our products.