It is not about just the environment that we would have to worry about.  Wastes not properly disposed can cause huge health risks to people or communities surrounding the area where the wastes were disposed.  The United Nations Development Programme estimates that there are five million fatalities every year because of not properly disposing wastes.

Improper waste disposal could increase dangers of increasing vermin and pests.  They could spread in the community, a common disease called dengue brought by mosquito bites is very dangerous disease often times associated with stagnant water and piles of garden wastes.  People could also be vulnerable to leptospirosis or infection that you could get from vermin urine and feces.  Litters like broken glasses or scrap of metals can also cause tetanus.

Another danger about improper waste management, would be hazardous materials and poison which could affect the environment and the community.  Medical or health care wastes can have radioactive isotopes which could get into water and result into polluted bodies of water where your kids swim.  Aside from health care wastes, human wastes can also be very dangerous when disposed improperly, especially if they come from people who are suffering from certain diseases.  This could also contaminate sources of water.

Unkempt yards and streets could also give an impression about the people who live in the area.  It could affect the economy of the community, it is unlikely that entrepreneurs would like to invest in a community that does not invite security and safety.

Most people think that waste management is all about spending sizeable amount.  Actually, it does not have to be like that.  Not managing and dumping wastes irresponsibly tends to be more costly.  Think about the loss of income from not trying to save on equipment and appliances.

Disposing hazardous wastes is another major problem.  Hazardous wastes are actually very much present in our household.  According to U.S. EPA, there are about 1.8 million tons of household hazardous waste being disposed every year.  And most homeowners are not even conscious that they are storing hazardous chemicals in their cupboards.

Waste management could actually be summed up in three simple words: reduce, reuse and recycle.  In United Kingdom, the country’s recycling efforts was able to help reduce 10-15 million tonnes of CO2 emission every year.   Homeowners and other institutions could start by segregating trash, monitoring quantities and kinds of wastes being disposed, and making sure that they are being transported out of your site properly.

Waste management training could be given to employees, workers and staff. Having a waste management plan and people committed in carrying it out, will make the plan successful.

Solving waste management problems do not have to take you anywhere else, you could start solving trash problems at home.  Small contributions like this could go a long way.  About 25 percent of our wastes are yard trimmings or food scraps.  Although, a lot of people are learning to recycle and reuse plastic, metal, glass and other similar items, biodegradable stuff are nearly not recycled at all.

A great way to recycle food scrap is having a compost bin or by vermicomposting.   Vermicomposting is another way of composting.  Worms are used in the process to produce vermicompost, a rich soil which is a great way to fertilize a garden.  There are different kinds of worms used in vermicomposting, like the red worms, white worms, and earthworms.   These worms would produce vermicast which are worm castings or worm humus.  Worms used in vermicomposting can be available from vermicompost enthusiasts or from a supplier.

Worms can be eat a lot of your food scraps and wastes, like vegetables, fruits, coffee grounds, tea, and even eggshells.  However, avoid feeding them with bones, dairy products, spicy food, oily food and animal manure.  Beddings for vermicompost bins can also be made out of household materials like newspaper and cardboard.

Different type of containers could work, as long as they would protect the worms from too warm or cold weather conditions.  Worms are comfortable in temperatures ranging from 55 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit. Most commonly used bins are those made of wood or plastic.  A 12-inch deep compost bin can accommodate about a pound or 1,000 worms.   Odour does not have to be a problem.  A vermicompost bin which is done properly will not give out any smell.

There are many benefits associated with vermicompost.  The vermicast is 10 to 20 higher in nutrients compared with other organic material used to enrich soil.  It can also improve the soil’s water holding capacity.  Enriching the soil could enhance plant growth and the crops yielded.  If you have a vegetable patch, this would be a great way to reduce food waste and increase productivity from your patch using chemical-free fertilizers.

In the United States, there are states like Illinois, who are banning landscape waste in landfills.  Vermicomposting is a great way to address disposal of these kinds of waste. Aside from that, there are some who would use vermicomposting as another source of income.  They would sell vermicast, it is often times called “Black Gold” because of its high nutrient content.  Others would supply worms to fishermen or become a local supplier.

Using vermicomposting as a waste management method for food scraps and other biodegradable materials at home is surely a win-win solution.  You get to reduce waste and benefit from it, whether it is short term or in the long run.