How Our Garbage Damages the Environment

When we throw something away, we often don't think about the repercussions of our choices.  In fact, we forget about it seconds later.  Many people don't think of the dangers that this type of waste can cause.  This is a sad truth that can be avoided.  When you recycle, you can help eliminate these dangers.  Our recycling center in Orlando can prevent many reusable goods from adding to the garbage that piles up in our landfills.  There are a few surprising impacts waste removal has on the environment.

Soil Contamination

Whenever waste is sent to the landfill, it can leak out toxins that eventually get into the soil.  This can contaminate the soil around the area of the landfill, which can affect surrounding habitats.  Plant and animal life may suffer from this exposure to toxic materials and chemicals.  Often times, once the soil has been contaminated, it requires costly restoration of the land.

Air Pollution

Another negative impact of waste removal on the environment is the creation of air pollution.  Trash often carries an odor with it, which suggests that it is giving off chemical gasses to the air around it.  Air pollution is common around landfills and also near incinerators.  These facilities also release methane into the air, which is one of the main contributors to the greenhouse effect.  This is causing a rise in the temperatures of the earth's atmosphere, which can have potentially life-threatening effects over time.  This also then contributes to acid rain, which has many negative effects on the water cycle.  It causes the destruction of many habitats and wildlife homes.

Water Contamination

Not only does waste removal contribute to air pollution, but it also contributes to water pollution.  Whenever dangerous chemicals and toxins build up around waste removal plants, it will run off into nearby water.  It will also seep into the soil and affect the quality of the surface water.  This can negatively affect aquatic life that lives in nearby streams, rivers, and lakes.  It can also create issues for those who rely on well water or groundwater to survive.  

These are just a few of the alarming impacts waste removal has on the environment.  Whether you are disposing of a can of garbage, a dumpster of garbage, or a container of hazardous waste, it has to go somewhere.  We have to remember that just because we throw something away, doesn't mean it disappears.  Typically, it goes somewhere that doesn't help the earth.  By recycling, you can prevent these negative impacts and help to save the environment from contamination and pollution.  Our recycling center in Orlando aims to educate others on how they can increase recycling efforts in their home and community.  Contact us today to get started saving the environment.