Waste Segregation: Categories, Rules, and Best Practices

Smart segregation reduces landfill waste, improves recycling efficiency, and lowers disposal costs.

Why Waste Segregation Matters

• Minimizes environmental pollution
• Encourages recycling and resource recovery
• Reduces landfill dependency
• Lowers business and household waste disposal costs
• Complies with municipal waste regulations

Primary Waste Categories

Use 4-segment format or color-coded bins

1. Organic/Biodegradable Waste
   Includes: Food scraps, garden waste, paper towels, compostable packaging
2. Recyclable Waste
   Includes: Metals, glass bottles, cardboard, paper, plastics (PET/HDPE)
3. Non-Recyclable/Residual Waste
   Includes: Multi-layer packaging, heavily contaminated plastics, ceramics, diapers, sanitary waste
4. Hazardous Waste
   Includes: E-waste, batteries, chemicals, paints, medical waste, fluorescent bulbs

Hazardous Waste Disposal in Los Angeles

Color Coding (Suggested Global Reference)

• Green: Organic/Biodegradable
• Blue: Recyclable
• Black or Grey: Non-Recyclable
• Red/Yellow: Hazardous/Medical

Segregation Rules (Simple Do & Don’t List)

Do

• Empty and rinse recyclables
• Separate wet and dry waste
• Label hazardous items
• Use sealed bins for organics
• Follow city-specific disposal rules

Don’t

• Mix recyclables with food waste
• Throw batteries in household bins
• Compress contaminated packaging
• Mix medical waste with common trash

Best Practices for Homes & Businesses

Homes

• Keep 3–4 bin system (wet, dry, e-waste, hazardous)
• Compost organic kitchen waste
• Buy products with recyclable packaging

Businesses

• Train staff on segregation standards
• Maintain signage near disposal areas
• Schedule regular recyclable pickups
• Track waste volume to optimize disposal cost

Waste Segregation Flow (Simple Process Diagram)

Generate → Segregate → Store → Collect → Recycle/Dispose → Recover/Compost