Wesleyville Questions & Answers

Waste types

Waste management is becoming an increasingly challenging problem as our economies and populations continue to grow, generating an ever increasing volume of waste while at the same time landfill capacity is becoming progressively more restricted. Permits and approval processes for new and expanding landfill sites are problematic due to their inherent environmental dangers and knowledgeable opposition from local residents. Ever increasing volumes of waste have leaders at all levels of government along with institutions and businesses looking for answers.

Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) – is the bagged garbage collected mainly from residential homes.

Industrial/Commercial/Institutional Waste (ICI) – is the waste that is collected from industrial or manufacturing facilities, large retail locations, shopping centers, restaurants, multi-family residences, schools, colleges, universities, clinics and hospitals, etc.

Bio-Mass (organic) Waste – is wet waste typically from green bin collections, restaurants, grocery, food processing, etc.

Hazardous Waste – is hazardous materials typically found in ICI streams; however, it can also be found frequently in MSW waste streams. These wastes include batteries, used motor oil, paints < thinners, chemicals as well as bio-hazardous & infectious waste (clinics, hospitals and agriculture).

All of these waste categories when placed in landfill contaminate the local environment, release Green House Gas (GHG) Emissions into the atmosphere which contribute to global warming and some have the potential to breed and transmit infectious diseases and pathogens.