4424RF
Urban waste treatment of recycling bins
The waste management industry encompasses different types of waste that involve processes and treatments depending on their origin (urban, hazardous, sanitary and industrial). In this monograph, we analyse the needs and risks of the urban waste sector.
In all the waste generated in the urban environment, one part is treated and processed, another part is disposed of in landfills. Urban waste is treated for recycling in the following stages:
Transport and logistics: collection
Some of the waste generated in the urban environment is classified by material in the specific containers. Normally, materials that can be recycled are separated on the one hand: plastic packaging, paper and cardboard, glass; on the other hand, organic waste and others. Selective waste collection is carried out on specific garbage collection trucks that transport waste to treatment plants.
The drivers of the collection trucks transport waste from the city to the treatment plants. On the other hand, colleagues in charge of collecting urban containers are exposed to weather conditions. Touch is needed with good grip, protection from humidity and heat/cold.
Gloves by phases
Collection
Overalls Collection
There are large, difficult-to-handle objects, such as building materials, appliances and furniture, that require special attention. Its high volume also means extra expense. The risks for operators are cuts and perforation, and a good grip is essential.
Reception, Storage and Classification
Waste arriving at treatment plants is housed in pits for subsequent handling. The classification of municipal waste from recyclable materials (specific material containers) is performed on conveyor belts, where operators manually separate scraps of glass, glass, paper and plastics that do not correspond to the family of waste to be treated. The risk of cuts, pricks, grease and dirt is high, as the handling is direct with the hands.
Pressing
The elements classified by their material are pressed and tied to be treated in the processing companies. In this phase, although mechanised, there is a risk of cuts and pricks, dirt, oils and liquids.
Gloves by phases
Treatment and inspection of pollution
Separate packages of waste that can be processed are inspected visually for material that does not correspond to their waste group. Fully coated high-cut gloves are required for this purpose.
The waste picker buys the pressed waste and comes to collect it
Gloves by phases
Treatment and inspection of pollution
Waste disposal
Gloves by phases
Landfill
About 40% of urban waste cannot be recycled, so it requires extra processes to treat it. Together with waste previously separated in the sorting phase, the rubbish is dumped in landfills. Organic waste produces methane. It is therefore sealed with giant tarpaulins to prevent its release into the atmosphere. The methane produced is sent to the biogas units. Workers who place the tarpaulins and maintain them are exposed to dirt, moisture and methanol, occasionally, so fully coated gloves are required.
Breakdown into branches
The remains of prunes, branches and plant matter do not go through the same waste process. They are piled up and left uncovered for decomposition until it becomes a compound fertilizer for agriculture. Protection against cuts and perforation and gloves with good grip and adherence are required for these tasks, so latex is very suitable.
