How do we correctly collect waste for recycling?

Do you sometimes wonder when an item is really ready to be thrown away? And if you decided to throw it away, where exactly should you throw it away?

All the products and objects we use in our daily lives will sooner or later become waste.

recycling it is not a passing fad or a trend, but it is something that we all need to contribute to, so that a solution can be found, from individuals to companies, to enjoy a healthy and friendly environment. The impact that waste has on human health and the environment is very high, therefore it is very important to treat this topic with the utmost responsibility.

Analyze the types of waste generated!

The first step to proper recycling is knowing exactly what types of waste your organization produces and in what quantities. A clear analysis will show you this real collection needsas well as ways in which costs can be reduced.

Paper and cardboard

• Examples: invoices, documents, packing boxes, paper bags, flyers, magazines.

In most offices, this is one of the most common types of waste. They are collected separately, clean and dry, folded to take up less space.

Plastic and metal

• Examples: PET, water bottles, plastic cups, cling film, aluminum cans, cans.

Attention, containers must be emptied and rinsed to avoid odors and contamination of other recyclable materials!

Glass

It is collected separately by color only if the sanitation operator requests it; otherwise all together in the green container.

Domestic waste

They cannot be recycled and must be collected separately to avoid compromising recyclable materials.

Hazardous waste (if the activity requires it)

• Examples: used batteries, fluorescent light bulbs, motor oils, chemicals, printer toners.

It requires collection in special containers and delivery to authorized operators, according to regulations.

Bulky waste

These are not thrown away rubbish bins usual, but they are delivered on the days specifically established by sanitization or directly to the collection centers.

Why is this step important?

AND simple waste verification shows you clearly:

• What types of baskets and containers should you buy (and how many of each type).

• Which collection contracts to stipulate (some operators do not collect all types).

• Where you can reduce waste by optimizing internal processes.

Install recycling bins!

The next logical step after analyzing the types of waste generated is install waste containers for separate collectionWhy:

• you already have data on what types of waste do you produce and in what quantities;

• you can choose baskets and containers adapted to the volume and type of materials;

• containers can be positioned correctly where waste is generatednot just at the central collection point.

Here’s how to choose and install the right containers for your collection separated and efficient waste:

Standard colors for Romania

• Blue – Paper and cardboard

• Yellow – Plastic and metal

• Green – Glass

• Black/Grey – Domestic waste (residues)

• Red – Hazardous waste

• Many – Biodegradable waste

ANDTransparent sheets with examples help up to 50% more correct sorting compared to color-only containers.

The choice of waste containers based on the type of activity

• Offices:

• HoReCa (restaurants, bars, hotels):

  • Large bins in the production area of ​​plastic, metal and household items

  • Sealed Food Scrap Container (Brown)

  • Weather and pest resistant outdoor containers

• Industrial spaces:

  • Eurocontainers or bins of 240–1100 liters for large volumes

  • Bags must be heavy and tear-resistant, especially for metal or glass

Strategic positioning

Place the baskets as close as possible to the place where the waste is generatedfor example. plastic from the water dispenser, paper from the printer. Create central collection points at the end of the day/week for delivery to the operator. Don’t hide containers, easy access increases usage rate!

Avoid contamination of recyclable waste

• Wet waste (food scraps, liquids) must be collected separately before reaching the separate collection

• Wash or rinse plastic and metal containers, otherwise the recycling batch may be rejected

• The bottle must be stored empty and, if possible, without a cap

Many recyclers reject entire batches if more than 10% of the contents are contaminated, which can double a company’s sanitation costs.

Choice of material and design of the basket

• Durable plastic waste containers (HDPE). – lightweight, durable, corrosion resistant;

• Galvanized metal dustbins – recommended for industrial environments, resistant to temperatures and impacts;

• With pedal cover – for domestic or hazardous waste (reduces direct contact and odors);

• With wheels – for large containers, facilitates transport.

Comply with legal obligations regarding waste recycling!

In Romania, the legal obligations for waste collection and recycling by companies are regulated by numerous regulatory acts and their failure to comply can result in huge fines.

1. Law no. 211/2011 regarding the waste regime

   • The obligation to separate waste collection by type of material (paper, plastic, metal, glass, biodegradable)

   • Obligation to deliver waste to authorized operators

   • The obligation to communicate the quantities of waste produced and recovered

2. GEO no. 92/2021 regarding the waste regime

   • Provides recycling targets: at least 55% of the total mass of municipal waste must be recycled by 2025

   • Prohibits the mixing of hazardous waste with non-hazardous waste

   • It introduces the “pay for what you throw away” (PAYT) principle.

3. HG no. 856/2002 – Waste management records

   • Monthly preparation obligation a The waste register form

   • The obligation to keep documents for at least 3 years

   • Codification of waste according to the European Waste Catalog (COD CED)

4. Law no. 249/2015 concerning the management of packaging and packaging waste

   • The obligation for companies that place packaging on the market to achieve annual recycling objectives

   • The possibility of outsourcing obligations via OIREP (Organizations implementing extended producer responsibility)

5. GEO no. 196/2005 regarding the Environment Fund

FINES

• 5,000–15,000 lei – for failure to separate waste collection

• 20,000–40,000 lei – for not having delivered the waste to the authorized operator

• 20,000–40,000 lei – due to the lack of waste management records

• Additional fines from AFM for not meeting recycling targets (you pay the difference per kg not recycled)

Many companies believe that if they turn in their waste “to sanitation” they are covered. Actually, if they do not have the correct documents and recordsto the control of the Environmental Guard or the AFM, the fines arrive even if the waste has been collected.

Ensure correct temporary storage!

Temporary storage is the phase between the collection of waste within the company and its delivery to the authorized operator. If this step is not done correctly, you risk contamination of recyclables, unpleasant odors, attracting pests, and even fines in the event of an inspection.

Provision of temporary storage space

• Place separated from work and production areasideal in a technical room or dedicated annex.

• Good ventilation – natural or mechanical ventilation to reduce odors.

• Washable and easy to clean floorto prevent the penetration of liquids into the concrete or tiles.

• Protection against rain and sun for waste stored outside (tarpaulin, light roof).

In companies that store outdoors, the lack of protection from the elements makes the paper and cardboard unusable for recycling and the operator refuses to take it back.

Choice of bags and containers

• Saci Director must come from resistant plastic (minimum 60–80 microns) to avoid breakages during handling.

• usage standard colors for each type of waste (blue, yellow, green, black, brown, red).

• For sharp or heavy waste (glass, metal), use rigid containers instead of simple bags.

• Labels visible on each container with the name of the waste and the CED code (European Waste Catalogue) – requirement in case of controls.

For recyclable materials, transparent bags are recommended: the operator quickly sees if there is contamination and you can correct it immediately.

The periodic teaching procedure

• sets a clear frequency of disposal at the operator’s premises (daily, weekly, monthly), depending on the volume and type of waste.

• Do not mix waste collected separately before delivery, otherwise the entire quantity ends up in household waste and recycling is lost.

• Complete it The delivery-reception module for each transport (mandatory document under the control of the Environmental Guard).

Upon delivery, check that the operator seal and label containers correctly, otherwise, during transportation, recyclable materials may mix with others and become non-recyclable.

The result of correct temporary storage:

• keep recyclable materials clean and recoverable;

• reduce odors and the risk of rodent/insect infestations;

• you are ready for a stress-free check from the authorities.

If you want to get off to a good start and have a simple system to implement, choose waste containers and recycling containers Sanito.rosuitable for any type of space, from offices and restaurants to industrial warehouses.

Sursa photo: Shutterstock