This indicators bulletin provides an analysis of floriculture Indicators related to waste generation and consumption of materials. "The indicators give us an overview of a range of factors, enabling us to make better decisions."
By Monica Vera
1. Indicator: Consumption of materials
During the period in question (2018-2019) the most commonly used material was cardboard for packing boxes followed by greenhouse plastic. The least commonly used materials were paper and plastic packaging. Data collected during the period in question indicate that the sector used an average of 1193 kg of materials per hectare.
2. Indicator: Conventional waste
The most common conventional waste products, beyond the obvious plant waste which accounts for 93% of all waste produced, are greenhouse plastic and cardboard. Residues generation, including plastic packing products and paper, were relatively stable across the period in question. During the two-year period 2018-2019, the sector produced an average of 4,183.4 kg of residue per hectare.
3. Indicator: Hazardous waste
Fifty-three percent of all hazardous waste is due to pesticide containers and packaging, followed by personal protective equipment (PPE) pesticide application equipment. The least common hazardous waste products were batteries and oil containers. Data collected during the period in question indicate that the sector produced an average of 8.6 kg of hazardous waste per hectare.
4. Indicator: Recyclable waste
Cardboard, paper, and greenhouse plastic are the waste products with the highest percentage of re-use. Data collected during the period in question indicate that the sector recycled an average of 149.28 kg of recyclable waste per hectare.
For more information:
Florverde
www.florverde.org