How to classify garbage?

In today's world of increasing environmental awareness, waste sorting has become an indispensable part of our daily lives. Proper waste sorting not only reduces environmental pollution but also improves resource recycling rates and promotes sustainable development. Below is a detailed waste sorting guide to help you understand and practice waste sorting effectively.

1. Basic Principles of Waste Sorting

The basic principles of waste sorting generally include four main categories: recyclables, hazardous waste, wet waste (kitchen waste), and dry waste (other waste). There may be slight differences in different regions, but this framework is generally followed.

1. Recyclables: Refers to household waste suitable for recycling and resource utilization, such as waste paper, waste plastics, waste glass, waste metals, waste fabrics, etc.

2. Hazardous Waste: Refers to household waste that poses direct or potential harm to human health or the natural environment, such as waste batteries, waste fluorescent tubes, waste thermometers, waste blood pressure monitors, expired medicines and their packaging, waste paint cans, etc.

3. Wet Waste (Kitchen Waste): Refers to easily decomposable biomass household waste, including food scraps, leftover food, expired food, melon rinds and fruit cores, flowers and green plants, etc.

4. Dry Waste (Other Waste): Refers to other household waste excluding recyclables, hazardous waste, and wet waste, such as broken ceramic bowls and plates, used tissues, dust, cigarette butts, etc.

2. Detailed Classification Methods for Various Types of Waste

1. Recyclables Classification

   • Waste Paper: Newspapers, periodicals, books, various packaging papers, office paper, advertising paper, paper boxes, etc., but note that tissues and toilet paper are not recyclable due to their high water solubility.

   • Plastics: Various plastic bags, plastic foam, plastic packaging, disposable plastic lunch boxes and utensils, hard plastics, plastic toothbrushes, plastic cups, mineral water bottles, etc.

   • Glass: Glass bottles, broken glass pieces, mirrors, thermos flasks, etc.

   • Metals: Pull-tab cans, tin cans, toothpaste tubes, etc.

   • Fabrics: Discarded clothes, tablecloths, face towels, backpacks, shoes, etc.

2. Hazardous Waste Classification

   • Batteries: Rechargeable batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, lead-acid batteries, storage batteries, etc.

   • Fluorescent Tubes: Fluorescent lamps, energy-saving lamps, etc.

   • Thermometers: Mercury thermometers, blood pressure monitors, etc.

   • Medicines: Expired medicines and their packaging.

   • Paint Cans: Containers holding paint, coatings, pigments, etc.

3. Wet Waste Classification

   • Food Scraps: Vegetable roots, leaves, peels, fruit cores, etc.

   • Leftover Food: Food remaining after meals, food residues, etc.

   • Expired Food: Expired bread, biscuits, milk, etc.

   • Melon Rinds and Fruit Cores: Watermelon rinds, apple cores, etc.

   • Flowers and Green Plants: Wilted flowers, green plants, etc.

4. Dry Waste Classification

   • Broken Ceramics: Broken bowls, plates, ceramic vases, etc.

   • Used Tissues: Used toilet paper, tissues, etc.

   • Dust: Dust and sand generated from cleaning.

   • Cigarette Butts: Cigarette butts produced after smoking.

3. Precautions for Waste Sorting

1. Clean and Dry: Before disposing of recyclables, try to clean and dry them to avoid contamination.

2. Accurate Sorting: Dispose of waste strictly according to classification standards to avoid mixing.

3. Regular Cleaning: Regularly clean the waste sorting containers at home to maintain a tidy environment.

4. Stay Informed: Pay attention to changes in local waste sorting policies and adjust sorting methods in a timely manner.

4. The Significance of Waste Sorting

Waste sorting not only reduces pollution caused by landfill and incineration but also improves resource recycling rates and reduces resource waste. At the same time, waste sorting is an important way to cultivate public environmental awareness and promote sustainable social development.

In summary, waste sorting is a long-term task that requires our joint efforts. By understanding and practicing waste sorting, we can not only contribute to environmental protection but also leave a better home for future generations. Let us start now, begin with small things around us, and jointly promote the popularization and practice of waste sorting.