Solid Waste is composed of garbage, refuse, sludge, and other discarded materials. The average American generates approximately 5 pounds of solid waste daily and the average Japanese generates approximately 2.5 pounds daily. If not properly managed and disposed solid waste can create health hazards and pollute the environment.
The role of the Solid Waste Manager is to ensure solid wastes generated at the installation level are identified, classified, collected, transported, stored, treated, and disposed of safely and in a manner protective of human health and the environment as provided for in Chapter 7 of the Japan Environmental Governing Standards. The Solid Waste Manager also assists in the development of waste minimization strategies to reduce the amount of solid waste disposed.
Things we can all do are:
REDUCE the amount of trash discarded.
1. Reduce the amount of unnecessary packaging.
2. Adopt practices that reduce waste toxicity.
REUSE containers and products.
3. Consider reusable products.
4. Maintain and repair durable products.
5. Reuse bags, containers, and other items.
6. Borrow, rent, or share items used infrequently.
7. Sell or donate goods instead of throwing them out.
RECYCLE materials and compost
8. Choose recyclable products and containers and recycle them.
9. Select products made from recycled materials.
10. Compost yard trimmings and some food scraps.
COMFLEACTINST 5090.8 provides further information or you can contact the Solid Waste Program Manager.