Human activities produce inorganic waste, which includes waste not derived from living organisms, such as metals, plastics and other synthetic materials. These wastes have a widespread environmental impact, as they are not biodegradable or take long periods (in some cases hundreds or thousands of years) to decompose.
In this article we will break down the most important types of inorganic waste, their classification and detailed characteristics so that you can better understand how they affect the environment and the importance of managing them properly.
What is inorganic waste?
The inorganic waste Waste is material that does not come from biological processes, usually created through industrial activities or human consumption. This waste is composed of non-biodegradable or very slow-degrading materials. Common examples include plastics, metals, glass and chemicals.
They are problematic because they remain in the environment for long periods, polluting soil, water and air. Although some of this waste is recyclable, such as metals and glass, the rest, such as certain plastics and electronic waste, pose serious challenges for management and recycling.
Furthermore, proper treatment is essential to prevent accumulation in landfills and release into nature.
Main characteristics of inorganic waste
These wastes have a series of characteristics that distinguish them from organic waste:
- Non biodegradable: Most inorganic waste is unable to reintegrate into natural cycles, or does so at an extremely slow rate. For example, while paper can degrade in a relatively short time, some plastics can take between 100 and 1000 years to completely degrade.
- Artificial or industrial materials: Most inorganic waste does not have a natural origin and is the result of industrial processes or human manufacturing. A good example is plastics, which, despite being composed of natural elements, have undergone complex chemical processes to be used in a multitude of products.
- Permanence and accumulation: Due to their resistance to degradation, inorganic waste can accumulate in the environment, causing soil, water and air pollution. Microplastics in the oceans and toxic gas emissions during the incineration of inorganic waste are clear examples of this danger.
Classification and examples of inorganic waste
Inorganic waste can be classified in different ways, depending on its state, origin or composition:
Due to his physical condition
Depending on their physical structure, inorganic waste can be divided into:
- Solid: Including plastics, glass, metals, paper, cardboard and electronic products such as televisions or computers.
- Liquids: They incorporate liquid industrial waste, used oils, chemical effluents from factories, solvents used in industrial processes and other non-organic liquid waste.
- soft drinks: Mainly gases generated during incineration or combustion processes, such as nitrogen oxides or gases with toxic content that come from industrial processes.
By its source of origin
Another important classification of inorganic waste is according to where it comes from:
- Urban waste:This waste, generated in cities, is mainly composed of plastics, glass, metals and other materials of daily consumption in homes, offices and businesses.
- Industrial waste: These include scrap metal, heavy metals, chemical waste and toxic gases, among others. These wastes require specialized management and treatment to minimize their environmental impact.
- Agricultural and livestock waste: They are generated in agricultural and livestock activities, mainly pesticides, fertilizers and chemical product packaging.
- Hospital waste: Syringes, scalpels and disposable medical equipment, many of which may also be classified as hazardous waste.
- Mining wasteThey include heavy metals, such as mercury and lead, which are highly polluting.
Common examples of inorganic waste
In our daily lives we generate a huge amount of inorganic waste. Some of the most common examples include:
- Plastics: Bottles, bags, containers and packaging are some of the most common materials. Plastics occupy a major place in the waste generated and are problematic due to their long degradation.
- Glass:Glass bottles, jars and other products are widely recyclable, but when not processed properly they can harm the environment due to their slow decomposition process.
- Batteries and batteries: These wastes are not only inorganic, but are also dangerous due to the heavy metals they contain, which requires specialized management to avoid soil and water contamination.
- metals: Cans, appliances and other metal products that can be recycled or reused in new industrial processes.
- Tires:Due to their composition of rubber and other industrial materials, tires are extremely difficult to break down and are often accumulated in landfills or burned, generating toxic emissions.
Degradation time of inorganic waste
One of the most worrying aspects of inorganic waste is the time it takes to biodegrade, which contributes to its massive accumulation in the environment.
- Paper: 3 months (depending on whether it is treated or not).
- Cardboard: 1 year.
- Cigarette butts: 2 years.
- aluminum cans: up to 10 years.
- Plastics: Between 150 and 1000 years, depending on its type.
- Glass bottles: Between 1000 and 4000 years old.
The generation and accumulation of this waste is worrying due to the long decomposition times, which generates a negative impact on the environment. In this sense, the correct classification, recycling and disposal of inorganic waste is essential to reduce its environmental footprint.
It is essential that individuals, businesses and governments work together to improve inorganic waste management systems and prevent its accumulation in the environment.