Domestic waste, also known as household waste or residential waste, is any waste that is generated in the home from day-to-day activities. It can be comprised of non-hazardous waste and hazardous waste. Non-hazardous waste can include food scraps, paper, bottles, etc. which can be recycled or composted. Examples of hazardous waste include batteries and household cleaners. Domestic waste differs from commercial waste, which is generated by the activities of not-for-profit organizations and businesses.
Some examples of domestic waste include glass bottles, cardboard boxes, newspapers, nappies, and food waste. Major causes of domestic waste include food waste, unnecessary purchases, and packaging. Domestic waste can lead to environmental contamination and health problems.
Local authorities’ waste teams regularly collect the bulk of domestic waste, and additional household waste can be collected via one-off waste collections or skip hire. Larger or extra domestic waste can also be taken to a local recycling center for disposal. Once collected, household waste is typically sorted and processed for recycling or disposal.