Dealing with waste is one of the present-day challenges that modern societies face. In the constant battle with tones and tones of waste, modern methods have to be developed in order to provide adequate solutions.

Waste disposal methods take many forms, some of which more popular than others. Which one is used depends on a variety of factors, such as technological advancement and present features in the location where waste removal takes place. Here are few of the top techniques used for waste disposal:

•           Filling a landfill - undoubtedly the most largely used method today. In essence, the method is all about burying waste in land, which is where the name comes from. Usually, a pretreatment is executed before actually burying the waste. This features eliminating the dangers and odours of the waste. The main drawback of the method is that it comes with a certain free land requirement. That is exactly why the method is becoming less and less popular, as available land is little, the method of waste clearance is being reconsidered on a global scale.

•            Incineration - burning the waste at high temperatures in specialized facilities is another method of waste disposal. As a result, solid waste is reduced to gas and residue, which is 20-30% less than the original volume. In that lies the main benefit of this method and the reason why it is largely preferred in countries that have no available space for landfills.

•            Recycling - converting products of waste into usable materials is the essence of recycling. It is a method, which helps preserve raw materials and energy and in that way provides great benefits. As a very positive side effect, recycling also helps prevent air and water pollution and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Recycling should be a top priority not only for waste collection companies, but also households.

•            Resource recovery - the process of extracting useful components and parts of discarded waste is known as resource recovery. The collected materials are then used either in the creation of new products, or are alternatively converted into heat, fuel or electricity.

•            Composting - composting is a bio-degradation process, which is applicable for waste of organic nature only. Think plants and kitchen waste that can easily become nutrients and food for your garden. The process is eco-friendly and preferred in organic gardens, as it provides a supply of nutrients at any time. A place to store the compost long enough so that microbes can decompose it is required.

•             Plasma gasification - this method is similar to incineration in that plasma torches operating at over 10 000 degrees F turn liquid and solid waste into synthesis gas. The molecular bonds of the waste collection going through this method of disposal are broken. The benefit is that through this method renewable energy can be created, all while destroying dangerous materials.

These are the most popular methods for waste disposal currently used worldwide. Each holds drawbacks and benefits, which should be considered before being implemented.