Delaware’s Pioneering Waste Prevention and Leading the Way to Sustainability

Waste Management in Delaware

The Delaware state government continues to maintain an aggressive approach in the implementation of strategies and programs for waste prevention. With green waste management companies such as Dumpster Rental Near Me Wilmington in particular, these organizations focus on minimizing the volume of generated wastes through established methods for reuse, recycling and environmentally managing all types of disposal.

For example, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) is a key player in waste prevention or management. Responsible for enforcing state and federal waste laws, including the Resource Conservation Recovery Act (RCRA).

Of particular note is the Universal Recycling Law, passed in 2010 by the Delaware government. The law is designed to promote recycling and prevent waste by making curbside recycling available to all Delaware residents, as well as having commercial businesses, schools and multi-family buildings provide on-site recycling. It also has led to a big increase in the recycling rate for Delaware and less material going into land-filling.

The Delaware Solid Waste Authority (DSWA) is a quasi-state agency with the DNREC and provides waste prevention, recycling, as well as other integrated solid waste management services. The DSWA offers a variety of programs and services including curbside recycling, drop-off recycling centers, household hazardous waste collection events, electronics goods (e-goods) recycling and more.

The DSWA manages the state’s only landfills, landfill gas management systems, transfer stations and composting facilities as part of an integrated solid waste management system. The intent is to make certain that it remains within control, keeping the health and well being of human welfare in good hands.

The DNREC and DSWA also both promote waste prevention and minimization through public education initiatives. They offer waste prevention resources and information (reduce, reuse and recycle) to help people understand their role in preventing unnecessary waste.

The Delaware government is also transitioning to a circular economy. These include incentivizing the reduction of waste and pollution by design, promoting longer-lasting products that can be easily recycled into new product lines and greater markets for secondary raw materials.

Junk Disposal in Delaware

As an example, Delaware’s Department of Natural Resources (DNREC) BUD program promotes the use of industrial byproducts that were previously disposed as waste. The program is designed to divert large volumes of waste from landfills and reuse valuable resources.

Also, since much of the waste sent to Delaware landfills is organic material, significant resources are being aimed at preventing food from becoming wasted. DNREC offers back yard composting resources, and encourages the recycling of food waste for animal feed or as a component in landfills.

The state of Delaware also recognizes business as a key player in waste prevention and supports businesses with its own Recycling Public Advisory Council (RPAC) which works to help businesses implement successful waste reduction programs. The council, which includes representatives from the recycling industry, environmental groups and local government sectors was formed to make recommendations on ways of enhancing recycling in Delaware.

Also the Delaware state government has placed stringent rules regarding hazardous waste disposal. The DNREC Hazardous Waste Management Section is responsible for regulating the collection, transportation and storage as well as treatment and disposal of hazardous waste to protect both public health, safety or environmental impacts from these hazards.

At last, the one which has really taken environmental issues seriously (in a change from its approach to asylum seekers) is that of electronic waste. The Household Electronic Goods Recycling Program will provide residents with opportunities to recycle electronic goods through a series of collections events and facilities.

In brief, the Delaware government works hard to limit waste and implements numerous strategies for reducing as much of it as possible–spanning from legislation at all levels into public education campaigns, recycling and composting programs such support businesses in doing so effectively while also working to help solidify a good existing foundation that prioritizes sustainable business practices towards an infrastructure replacement. The state makes a full sweep in the prevention of waste, including its source reduction process as well recycling and safety disposal — promoting environmental protection and sustainability.