Save Our Seas: The Dangers of Improper Waste Disposal

With awareness of our impact on the environment growing, it’s important to acknowledge how waste disposal directly affects our world. Littering recyclable products can seem insignificant, however, it can have a large impact on our environment. To learn more about the dangers of improper waste disposal, read on into this article from WM Thompson & Sons Ltd. 

Defining Improper Waste Disposal

When we use products bought from our local suppliers, often the item arrives in the form of plastic packaging. Pallets of food products, for example, are often wrapped in plastic, keeping the items from falling off of the pallet while it is in transit. Any packaging and unused products should be sorted and disposed of properly, whether recycled or sent to a landfill site. 

Often, consumers decide to waste all items together, wasting the recyclable nature of certain products. This can be deemed as an improper waste disposal method and is therefore dangerous for the environment.

Negative Impact on Wildlife

Found discarded in the environment, plastic products that have not been properly disposed of can have a damaging effect on the local environment. Often, animals are at risk of injury from littered objects, from getting trapped inside to suffering from cuts from sharp edges. Even local pets are at risk of becoming harmed by litter, making it vital that all recyclable and non-recyclable waste is properly disposed of. 

As litter and plastic find its way into the sea, it poses a risk to the native wildlife. These objects can continue travelling throughout the sea, becoming hazards for the creatures that swim there. Fish are quickly entangled and trapped in litter, while larger creatures like turtles try to consume the unsafe materials. Disused plastic can resemble the food found in a sea creature’s diet, leading to the consumption of hazardous products, causing illness and even death.

Aesthetically Unpleasant

When visiting a new place, we hope to see clean streets and litter-free environments. Unfortunately, with incessant littering, an environment can become far from aesthetically pleasing, deterring guests from wanting to revisit. Littering is a popular form of improper waste disposal that leads to the poor reputation of a place.

Improperly disposed of materials can also result in serious issues with blockages, creating an unsightly and unhygienic environment. Plastic-based products being flushed down the drain can result in large blockages known as fatbergs, causing overflowing drains and unpleasant smells. Baby wipes, for example, are a common culprit for blocked drains. To ensure this is an unlikely occurrence, it’s important for all materials to be disposed of properly and in an eco-friendly manner. 

Eco-Friendly Landfill in Scotland

At WM Thompson & Sons Ltd, we can provide you with the services you need to quickly yet sustainably dispose of your waste. Our eco-friendly landfill site conforms to the regulations of several important environmental protection agencies, helping our customers to feel assured that our disposal methods are sustainable. Visit our website to learn more about us and our responsibilities, or get in touch with us directly for further support.