COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO DEPARTMENT OF GENERAL SERVICES

Frequently Asked Questions

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This page and website is a part of the Wastebits Locator, providing a comprehensive resource of contact information for waste handlers. It is not the official website of COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO DEPARTMENT OF GENERAL SERVICES.

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What are the three types of waste management?

There are three main types of waste management: reduction, reuse, and recycling.

Reduction involves reducing the amount of waste generated in the first place by rethinking how something is made or consumed. This could involve purchasing fewer items, avoiding single-use packaging, or opting for products with less packaging.

Reusing means taking something that has already been used and preparing it for reuse. This could include donating gently used items, repairing broken items instead of replacing them, or repurposing an item to be used differently.

Recycling involves breaking down materials into their components and reusing those elements to make new products. Commonly recycled materials include plastic, paper, and glass. For example, plastic containers can be melted down to create new containers or other items. Recycled materials are often used in the production of new products, helping to conserve energy and reduce pollution.

What are the four main types of waste?

There are four main types of waste: hazardous, solid, liquid, and gaseous.

Hazardous waste is any material that poses a potential threat to human health or the environment. Examples of hazardous waste include chemicals, medical waste, and electronic items such as computers and cell phones.

Solid waste is any material that is not liquid or gas. Examples of solid waste include food scraps, paper, cardboard, clothing, and furniture.

Liquid waste is any material that is in a liquid form. Examples of liquid waste include wastewater from sinks, toilets, and showers, as well as oil and chemicals used in industrial processes.

Gaseous waste is any material that is in the form of a gas. Examples of gaseous waste include carbon dioxide, methane, and other greenhouse gases.

What services do waste companies provide?

Waste companies provide various services to help individuals and businesses manage their waste. These services may include waste collection, recycling, composting, hazardous waste disposal, and other related services.

Waste collection involves collecting materials from residences or businesses that need to be disposed of safely. Recycling involves breaking down materials into their components and then reusing those elements to make new products.

Composting involves breaking down organic materials, such as food scraps and yard waste, into fertilizers used in gardening. Hazardous waste disposal is the process of safely disposing of items that contain hazardous materials, such as chemicals or medical waste.

Waste companies also offer educational services to help people learn about waste management and the importance of reducing, reusing, and recycling.

By utilizing the services provided by a waste company, individuals and businesses can reduce their environmental impact and help create a cleaner world.