What does contamination refer to in waste management?

Contamination in waste management primarily refers to the commingling of unsuitable materials with recyclables. When recyclable materials are mixed with items that cannot be recycled—such as certain plastics, food waste, or hazardous materials—it impacts the entire recycling process. Contaminants can cause the recycling stream to be less effective, leading to increased processing costs and more waste ending up in landfills instead of being recycled.

This concept is vital in managing landfill operations because effective waste sorting at the source helps minimize contamination, which in turn improves the overall efficiency of recycling programs and reduces environmental impact. Understanding contamination helps managers implement better practices for waste collection and processing, ensuring the integrity of recyclable materials.