Waste emissions refer to the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions produced by the disposal, treatment, and breakdown of various types of waste generated by an organisation. These emissions fall under Scope 3 emissions (Category 5: Waste generated in operations) as they occur after materials and products have been used by a business.
Waste emissions arise from the disposal, treatment, and breakdown of the waste generated from business operations. Because of this, the type of waste and the method of disposal matter significantly, as they result in varying levels of emissions.
Waste emissions vary depending on the type of material discarded and how it is discarded. Organic waste, for example, is particularly concerning due to the way it releases methane in landfills, but becomes far less emissions intensive when composted.
Similarly, when plastic waste is incinerated, it releases carbon dioxide and other toxic chemicals into the atmosphere, contributing to air pollution and climate change. However, recycling can remedy these issues and provide more sustainable materials for future use.
Beyond just mitigating emissions, waste management decisions also have the potential to create positive environmental impacts. For instance, innovative technologies in recycling and waste-to-energy processes can turn waste into an asset, providing new streams of revenue or energy while reducing the reliance on virgin materials.
Every type of waste presents an opportunity not only to lessen its environmental harm but to actively contribute to sustainability efforts. In this way, waste management becomes not just a challenge to be solved but a strategic component of a forward-thinking environmental approach.
Measuring and managing waste emissions is critical for any organisation looking to reduce its overall carbon footprint. By understanding the emissions associated with different types of waste and disposal methods, businesses can implement better waste management strategies. This might involve increasing recycling efforts, composting organic waste, or reducing reliance on landfilling and incineration.
Reducing waste emissions can also lead to cost savings, especially when it comes to efficiency and waste disposal fees. Furthermore, strong waste management practices can improve an organisation’s sustainability profile, enhance regulatory compliance, and appeal to environmentally conscious customers and stakeholders.
FutureTracker provides comprehensive support for organisations in every aspect of measuring and managing their emissions, including waste emissions. Our emissions calculator and guidance library simplifies the process, making it easy for your organisation to identify sources of emissions, quantify their impact, and develop targeted strategies to reduce them effectively.
If you’d like to learn more about FutureTracker, get in touch with us at enquiries@futuretracker.com or learn more about our plans and pricing here.
