How to Separate Trash Correctly?

Nowadays, it is very important to raise awareness about taking care of the environment, as it is vital to protect water and green spaces. An excellent way to contribute is through waste separation, as this way, trash can be recycled and not end up contaminating the planet.Why is it important to separate trash?According to the Secretariat of the Environment of Mexico City (SEDEMA), waste separation is necessary today, as it will prevent your waste from mixing and becoming unrecyclable, generating bad odors, and contaminating the environment. Furthermore, the trash will end up in a landfill, where it will be buried and contaminate the environment for many years.On the other hand, if you decide to start separating trash correctly, you will not only avoid pollution, but also help recycle all types of materials. Here, we explain how you should separate organic, inorganic, and other waste at home; it’s very easy!You can also read: How to dispose of used cooking oilHow to separate trash correctly?Separating trash is an essential process to reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. In fact, in Mexico City, trash separation became mandatory for citizens in 2017. However, it doesn’t matter if it’s not mandatory in your city, as you will know that you are helping the planet.The first thing to remember is that we should separate waste into 5 categories:1. OrganicThis category refers to solids that are biodegradable, such as food scraps, fruit and vegetable peels, grass, dry leaves, flowers, branches, eggshells, coffee and tea grounds, bread, tortillas, used napkins, etc.2. Recyclable inorganicHere, we should include all types of waste that can be recycled and reused in the creation of new products: plastics, aluminum cans, glass, clothing, fabric, paper, cardboard, metal, wood, and tetra pack containers. Remember to rinse containers before placing them in the trash bag or bin.3. Non-recyclable inorganicThis type of waste refers to those that are very difficult to recycle, such as toilet paper, diapers, sanitary napkins, cotton swabs, band-aids, styrofoam, cigarette butts, pens, and metallic wrappers.You can also read: 6 ways to give more life to your plants with organic waste4. Sanitary wasteThis new category emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic, as it is important to protect the health of cleaning workers.You should place face masks, chewing gum, toothbrushes, gloves, and disposable tissues in a bag, seal it tightly, write “sanitary waste” with a black marker, and then spray the bag with a mixture of bleach and water.5. Special handling and bulky itemsRemember that this category includes waste such as televisions, computers, mobile phones, mattresses, furniture, refrigerators, and washing machines, among others.Now you know, separating trash correctly is very easy; it’s just a matter of using different containers and paying attention to the type of waste. Your effort does make a difference!You can also read: Simple tips for separating waste at home