5 Waste Disposal Methods

Everyday life can generate a lot of waste, from product packaging to food scraps. Fortunately, there’s a wide variety of waste disposal methods to responsibly get rid of household waste. This guide explores some of the most common types of waste disposal, their benefits and drawbacks, and why it’s so important to make sure you dispose of your waste properly.  

1. Recycling

“Reduce, reuse, recycle” has been a popular slogan for the eco-conscious for decades, and household recycling is widely available in many areas. Once you’ve reduced household waste, you can send recyclable materials for processing to keep even more waste out of landfills.

Recycling takes household waste made of materials like glass, paper, aluminum, and some kinds of plastic and converts them into materials used in various consumer goods and industrial applications. 

Best For: Household in areas with established recycling programs

2. Landfill

Landfills are where household trash that can’t be recycled ends up. A landfill is an area that contains layers of waste over a protective lining to protect the soil and groundwater. Layers of waste are covered with layers of soil to reduce odors and deter pests.

When you throw your trash in a garbage car or hire someone to haul your junk away, your items will most likely end up in a landfill. Disposing of recyclable materials or organic waste using another method can help keep landfill waste to a minimum.

Best For: Households in areas with municipal or private trash collection

3. Incineration

Incineration uses combustion to burn waste, converting it to gases and ash. Incineration generates energy, which can be converted to electricity to feed back into the power grid. This waste disposal method reduces waste volume by 90% or more, but it’s not without its drawbacks. Incineration plants can emit pollutants, although newer facilities have modern treatment methods to reduce emissions and harmful byproducts. 

Best For: Areas without large amounts of land for landfills

4. Composting

One way to dispose of organic waste is by composting. This method introduces microbes into accumulated organic waste, which turns it into usable fertilizer. Composting can improve soil quality and water retention and is a popular waste disposal method for both nature-loving households and agricultural areas. 

Composting can be done easily at home with a small amount of ground space or a store-bought composter. In addition, many areas offer municipal or private composting programs that collect organic waste from residents and bring it to a central composting facility. 

Best For: Home gardeners and people in areas with large agricultural activity

5. Biogas Generation

Biogas generation is the process of converting organic waste like food, crop waste, and animal waste into fuel. Bacteria is introduced to the waste in an oxygen-free environment, converting the waste into fuel that can be used to power engines, fuel cells, and microturbines. The residual byproduct of biogas generation can be used as fertilizer. 

This process often takes place at biogas generator plants, although home biogas generators are becoming more readily available.  

Best For: Areas with established biogas plants; homeowners living off-grid

The Importance of Waste Disposal

Disposing of household waste properly benefits not only your home but the planet as well. Keeping residential areas free of waste helps deter pests and provides a clean, sanitary living environment. With so many options for disposing of organic waste, recyclable materials, electronic waste, and more, it’s easier than ever to dispose of waste responsibly.

Whether you use a local junk removal company, municipal trash or recycling collection, or a backyard composter, you can get rid of household waste conveniently and responsibly, making your home and the surrounding environment a cleaner place to live.

How Much Does Waste Removal Cost?

If you aren't able to put your waste out for regular municipal waste pickup service, then removal costs will vary by the method you use and the type of waste you have. Junk removal costs an average of about $250, but your total bill could range anywhere from $60 to $700. 

• Hazardous waste removal costs between $250 and $500 per ton

• Furniture removal costs between $50 and $400 per item

• Tree debris removal costs anywhere from $75 to $625, depending on the amount

• Yard waste cleanup costs $200 to $600 on average

• Construction debris removal costs $100 to $1,000 depending on project size

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

DIY waste removal can also vary in cost and complexity depending on the method. If you have a relatively small amount of waste and a large enough vehicle, you can bag the waste and haul it to the appropriate disposal facility for the cost of a landfill fee. Depending on the type of waste you have, you may be able to recycle or donate it instead. 

This is much more time-consuming and inconvenient for large amounts of waste, for which the better solution is a dumpster rental. Dumpster rental costs between $200 and $800 per week in most places, and dumpsters can handle most types of waste, including yard waste and construction debris.

 If you don't have the time or ability to perform waste removal yourself, there are professional services who can haul junk. These services are also ideal if you have hazardous waste such as paint, chemicals, or electronics. Pros are trained in safe hazardous waste disposal.