Where Does Our Trash Go? And What About Our Daily Lives?
Hello everyone! We all produce "trash" every day at home and at school. Have you ever wondered where that trash goes and what happens to it after you throw it in the bin?
You might think, "It’s gone once I take it to the collection point!" but behind the scenes, there is a lot of work and ingenuity involved. Today, let’s have fun learning about how our waste is processed and the clever ways we can reduce it!
It might seem a bit complicated at first, but don't worry. If we take it one step at a time, you'll definitely understand it.
1. Where is the trash taken?
Trash from your home is picked up by a garbage truck (compactor truck). But not everything goes to the same place. Its destination depends on the type of trash.
Sorting Your Trash (Separation)
In most towns, trash is separated into categories like these:
・Burnable waste: Food scraps, paper waste, etc.
・Non-burnable waste: Plastic (depending on the town), glass, ceramics, etc.
・Recyclable waste: PET bottles, cans, glass bottles, newspapers, etc.
・Oversized waste: Large items like furniture or bicycles.
[Point] Why do we sort trash?
We sort trash to make it easier to "recycle" (use as resources again) and to ensure it is "processed safely." If you mix everything together, it could break the machines or even cause a fire.
2. Secrets of the Incineration Plant
"Burnable waste" is taken to an incineration plant. Here, the trash is burned to reduce its volume.
Steps to Burning
1. Waste Pit: A huge, pool-like area where gathered trash is stored.
2. Waste Crane: A giant crane mixes the trash around. This is done to make sure it burns evenly.
3. Incinerator: The trash is burned at high temperatures. It gets as hot as 800°C to 900°C or more!
Eco-Friendly Features
It’s not just about burning. Incineration plants use clever methods to be kind to the planet:
・Using heat: The heat generated from burning is used to create electricity or to warm the water in nearby heated swimming pools.
・Cleaning the smoke: To prevent toxic substances from being released, the smoke passes through filters before being released into the air.
[Did You Know?] What happens when trash turns to "ash"?
When trash is burned, it turns into "ash," which is about 1/20th of the original size. This helps the landfill sites last much longer.
3. What happens to the leftover trash? (Final Disposal Site)
The ash left over after burning and non-burnable waste are finally taken to a "final disposal site."
Landfilling
At the final disposal site, trash is buried in the ground. However, there is a big problem:
"There is a limited amount of space for landfills." If trash keeps increasing at this rate, it is said that these sites will be full in a few decades.
[Common Misconception]
Some people think "if you burn it, it disappears," but that is wrong. There will always be "ash" left over. That is exactly why it is so important to reduce trash from the beginning.
4. Let’s protect the Earth with the "3Rs"!
There is a magical set of words to help us reduce trash. It’s called the "3Rs".
1. Reduce: Cut down on the amount of trash you create.
(Example: Bring your own reusable bag when shopping, don't leave food on your plate)
2. Reuse: Use things repeatedly.
(Example: Giving clothes you’ve outgrown to a younger sibling, buying refill packs)
3. Recycle: Transform items into resources.
(Example: Sending PET bottles to be collected and made into new clothes or bottles)
[A Tip for Remembering!]
Order of priority is important!
The best option is "Reduce" (don't make trash), next is "Reuse" (use it again), and the last is "Recycle" (make it into something new). Since recycling also requires energy, being a hero by not creating trash in the first place is the best start!
Summary: What we can do
Processing trash takes a lot of money and human effort. It also takes up space on our planet.
・When you throw away trash, make sure to sort it properly.
・Try your best to reduce waste by taking good care of your belongings.
Why not start by finishing all the food on your plate today, or by using your pencils carefully until they are tiny? A small step can lead to keeping our Earth beautiful!
Key Keywords for this lesson:
・Incineration Plant: A facility that burns trash to reduce its volume.
・Final Disposal Site: A place where ash and other waste are buried.
・3Rs: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle.