Recycling of organic matter: Why is it so important?

Organic material

40% of the waste that are generated in our homes are organic. Food waste, garden waste or cooking paper that segregated to make it possible to recycle can generate a great energy and environmental benefit. Do you know the benefits of recycling organic matter?

It has not been until relatively recently that we have had the possibility to recycle organic waste. For this reason and despite the fact that around 70% of people are in favor of using the recycling system, there are still many doubts about it. Doubts that we are trying to clarify today.

The importance of recycling organic matter

Organic matter ceases to be a waste and becomes a resource after recycling, hence the importance of recycling it properly. And it is that the remains of food and pruning, along with other residues derived from the agricultural, livestock or wastewater treatment sectors can be used as energy or compost with proper treatment.

Collected organic matter can be used energetically after being subjected to a fermentation or biodegradation process in which certain microorganisms intervene, to produce biogas. A gas that is used to generate electricity in a clean way.

Recycling of organic matter

In addition, the product obtained from the treatment of this organic matter is used as compost and fertilizer in agriculture. It is this, in fact, the main use of the organic matter that we deposit in the brown containers, although not the only one. It is also possible to obtain bioplastics from organic matter. To do this, however, it is first necessary to extract the usable part of this organic matter (sugars, fiber, etc.), which will feed the microorganisms that in turn will generate the bioplastic.

Beyond its practical uses, the recycling of organic matter reduces CO2 emissions into the atmosphere. Almost 4% of the total CO2 equivalent emissions come from organic matter, mostly through the use of landfills for disposal.

What happens when we don't recycle it properly?

When the recycling of organic matter is not carried out properly and is introduced into the gray container, this loses its properties for agricultural use. Why? Because despite being treated in an eco-park, its amount of organic matter would be small and it could also be contaminated with metals or toxins that we put in the garbage bag.

Indirectly, it therefore entails a economic loss. On the one hand, its agricultural potential is lost. On the other hand, it increases the cost of the treatment it must be subjected to, since we must add efforts to separate the organic matter from the rest of the gray container.

Leftovers that we can throw into the brown container

Recent studies claim that only 61% of the population knows what types of waste can be thrown into the brown bin. And what is more important, which ones not to throw into the brown container. If you still have doubts, then we try to clarify them.

Organic container

  • In the brown container you can deposit:  Food scraps, both cooked and raw (fruit skins, shellfish shells, etc.); small plant debris (flowers, cut grass ...); waste paper (tissues, kitchen paper, etc.); and wood products such as sawdust or ice cream sticks.
  • You can not deposit: Used oil (for which you have a specific container), personal hygiene products, animal droppings, cat litter, cigarette butts, gum, hair and the remains of the dustpan or vacuum cleaner.

Other ways to take advantage of organic waste

Do you have a garden? Do you grow an urban garden on the balcony? Do you like to see different plants grow on the terrace? Composting will help you nourish your plants while reduce the organic waste you generate In your home. They are all benefits!

Composting

Today a small space at home or on the balcony is enough to place a domestic compost bin. In them the organic matter will decompose to obtain compost or hummus with which to nourish the plants. Are you determined to create your own compost? We have some keys that can help you choose the suitable compost bin, take note!

Do you now recognize the importance of recycling organic matter? Do you usually take it to the brown container?


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