Bellwork: 03/15/2011 What is “e-waste” and why is it a problem?

Waste Management Chapter 30

Early Concepts of Waste Disposal During the first century of the Industrial Revolution waste was not a problem Cost was considerably less than now. Today we are facing a serious solid-waste disposal problem. Are we running out of space for landfills? Page 646

Problem The biggest problem is not that was are running out of space, but rather that existing sites are being filled and no one wants a new one near where they live. A secondary problem is that waste disposal costs are rising. From 5 to 10 dollars per metric ton costs have increased as much as 75 dollars, with an average of 40. Page 646

Modern Trends Industrial Ecology –The study of relationships among industrial systems and their links to natural systems Page 646

Integrated Waste Management Includes: –Reduce, reuse, recycle –Composting –Landfill –Incineration

Materials Management A visionary goal requiring more sustainable use of materials combined with resource conservation –Eliminate subsides for extraction of virgin materials –Establish “green building” incentives –Assess financial penalties –Provide financial incentives –Increase new jobs

Solid-Waste Management Composition On-Site Disposal Composting Incineration Open Dumps Sanitary Landfills

Are designed to concentrate and contain refuse without creating a hazard to public health or safety Considerations: –Leachate is produced –Site Selection: Environmental justice –Monitoring Pollution –Federal Legislation

Hazardous Waste Waste that is classified as definitely or potentially hazardous to the health of people Serious environmental problems Uncontrolled disposal sites could cause serious health problems Need to develop safe disposal methods

Love Canal

Hazardous Waste Legislation Resource Conservation and Recovery Act CERCLA Environmental Audit Secure Landfill Land Application Surface Impoundment Deep-Well Disposal

Alternatives to Hazardous Waste Source reduction, Recycling and resources recovery, Treatment, Incineration Advantages –Chemicals can be reused –Less toxic = less problems –Smaller volume of waste –Less stress of waste disposal sites

Ocean Dumping Types of Waste –Dredge spoils –Industrial wastes –Sewage sludge –Construction debris –Solid waste The most seriously affected areas are near shore

Pollution Prevention Identifying ways to prevent the generation of waste, rather than finding ways to dispose of it –Correct purchasing amounts –Better control of materials –Substituting non-toxic chemicals –Improving engineering