Chapter 21 Solid and Hazardous Waste

Core Case Study: E-waste—An Exploding Problem (1) Electronic waste, e-waste: fastest growing solid waste problem Most ends up in landfills and incinerators Composition includes High-quality plastics Valuable metals Toxic and hazardous pollutants

Core Case Study: E-waste—An Exploding Problem (3) What should be done? Recycle E-cycle Reuse Prevention approach: remove the toxic materials

Rapidly Growing E-Waste from Discarded Computers and Other Electronics Figure 21.1: Rapidly growing electronic waste (e-waste) from discarded computers and other electronic devices consumes resources and pollutes the air, water, and land with harmful compounds. Questions: Have you disposed of an electronic device lately? If so, how did you dispose of it? Fig. 21-1, p. 557

Question???? What Are Solid Waste and Hazardous Waste, and Why Are They Problems? Solid waste contributes to pollution and represents the unnecessary consumption of resources; hazardous waste contributes to pollution as well as to natural capital degradation, health problems, and premature deaths.

We Throw Away Huge Amounts of Useful Things and Hazardous Materials (1) Solid waste Industrial solid waste Mines, farms, industries Municipal solid waste (MSW) Trash Hazardous waste (toxic waste) Threatens human health of the environment Organic compounds Toxic heavy metals Radioactive waste

We Throw Away Huge Amounts of Useful Things and Hazardous Materials (2) 80–90% of hazardous wastes produced by developed countries U.S. is the largest producer Why reduce solid wastes? ¾ of the materials are an unnecessary waste of the earth's resources Huge amounts of air pollution, greenhouse gases, and water pollution

What Harmful Chemicals Are in Your Home? Cleaning Disinfectants Drain, toilet, and window cleaners Spot removers Septic tank cleaners Gardening Pesticides Weed killers Ant and rodent killers Flea powders Paint Products Paints, stains, varnishes, and lacquers Paint thinners, solvents, and strippers Wood preservatives Artist paints and inks Automotive Gasoline Used motor oil Antifreeze Battery acid Brake and transmission fluid General Dry-cell batteries (mercury and cadmium) Glues and cements Stepped Art Fig. 21-2, p. 559

Natural Capital Degradation: Solid Wastes Polluting a River in Indonesia Figure 21.3: Natural capital degradation. These solid wastes pollute a river in Jakarta, Indonesia, a city of more than 11 million people. The man in the boat is looking for items to salvage or sell. Fig. 21-3, p. 560

Hundreds of Millions of Discarded Tires in a Dump in Colorado Figure 21.5: Hundreds of millions of discarded tires have accumulated in this massive tire dump in Midway, Colorado (USA). Lehigh Technologies has developed a recycling method that uses liquid nitrogen to freeze the scrap tires, making them brittle. The rubber is then pulverized into a fine powder, which can be used in a variety of products such as paints, sealants, and coatings. A preventive approach to managing this waste would be to double the average lifetime of tires in order to reduce the number thrown away each year. Fig. 21-5, p. 561

How Should We Deal with Solid Waste? A sustainable approach to solid waste is first to reduce it, then to reuse or recycle it, and finally to safely dispose of what is left.

We Can Burn or Bury Solid Waste or Produce Less of It Waste Management Reduce harm, but not amounts Waste Reduction Use less and focus on reuse, recycle, compost Integrated waste management Uses a variety of strategies

Integrated Waste Management Figure 21.6: Integrated waste management: Wastes are reduced through reuse, recycling, and composting or managed by burying them in landfills or incinerating them. Most countries rely primarily on burial and incineration. Question: What happens to the solid waste you produce? Fig. 21-6, p. 562

To manufacturers for reuse or for recycling Hazardous waste management Raw materials Processing and manufacturing Products Solid and hazardous wastes generated during the manufacturing process Waste generated by households and businesses Figure 21.6: Integrated waste management: Wastes are reduced through reuse, recycling, and composting or managed by burying them in landfills or incinerating them. Most countries rely primarily on burial and incineration. Question: What happens to the solid waste you produce? Food/yard waste Hazardous waste Remaining mixed waste Plastic Glass Metal Paper To manufacturers for reuse or for recycling Hazardous waste management Compost Landfill Incinerator Fertilizer Fig. 21-6, p. 562

Integrated Waste Management: Priorities for Dealing with Solid Waste Figure 21.7: Integrated waste management: The U.S. National Academy of Sciences suggests these priorities for dealing with solid waste. To date, these waste-reduction priorities have not been followed in the United States or in most other countries. Instead, most efforts are devoted to waste management through disposal (bury it, burn it, or send it somewhere else). Question: Why do you think most countries do not follow these priorities, even though they are based on reliable science? (Data from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. National Academy of Sciences) Fig. 21-7, p. 562

Primary Pollution and Waste Prevention First Priority Second Priority Last Priority Primary Pollution and Waste Prevention Secondary Pollution and Waste Prevention Waste Management Change industrial process to eliminate use of harmful chemicals Reuse Treat waste to reduce toxicity Repair Incinerate waste Use less of a harmful product Bury waste in landfills Recycle Reduce packaging and materials in products Compost Release waste into environment for dispersal or dilution Make products that last longer and are recyclable, reusable, or easy to repair Buy reusable and recyclable products Figure 21.7: Integrated waste management: The U.S. National Academy of Sciences suggests these priorities for dealing with solid waste. To date, these waste-reduction priorities have not been followed in the United States or in most other countries. Instead, most efforts are devoted to waste management through disposal (bury it, burn it, or send it somewhere else). Question: Why do you think most countries do not follow these priorities, even though they are based on reliable science? (Data from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. National Academy of Sciences) Fig. 21-7, p. 562

First Priority Second Priority Last Priority Primary Pollution and Waste Prevention Change industrial process to eliminate use of harmful chemicals Use less of a harmful product Reduce packaging and materials in products Make products that last longer and are recyclable, reusable, or easy to repair Second Priority Second Pollution and Waste Prevention Reuse Repair Recycle Compost Buy reusable and recyclable products Last Priority Waste Management Treat waste to reduce toxicity Incinerate waste Bury waste in landfills Release waste into environment for dispersal or dilution Stepped Art Fig. 21-7, p. 562

Science Focus: Garbology William Rathje: analyzes garbage in landfills Landfills and trash decomposition Much slower than previously thought

We Can Cut Solid Wastes by Reducing, Reusing, and Recycling (1) Waste reduction is based on Reduce Reuse Recycle

We Can Cut Solid Wastes by Reducing, Reusing, and Recycling (2) Six strategies: Redesign manufacturing processes and products to use less material and energy Develop products that are easy to repair, reuse, remanufacture, compost, or recycle Eliminate or reduce unnecessary packaging Use fee-per-bag waste collection systems Establish cradle-to grave responsibility Restructure urban transportation systems

What Can You Do? Solid Waste Figure 21.8: Individuals matter. You can save resources by reducing your output of solid waste and pollution. Questions: Which three of these actions do you think are the most important? Why? Which of these things do you do? Fig. 21-8, p. 563

21-3 Why Are Reusing and Recycling Materials So Important? Concept 21-3 Reusing items decreases the consumption of matter and energy resources, and reduces pollution and natural capital degradation; recycling does so to a lesser degree.

Reuse: Important Way to Reduce Solid Waste, Pollution, and Save Money Reuse: clean and use materials over and over Downside of reuse in developing countries Salvaging poor exposed to toxins Flea markets, yard sales, second-hand stores, eBay, Craigslist, freecycle.org Rechargeable batteries

Case Study: Use of Refillable Containers Reuse and recycle Refillable glass beverage bottles Refillable soft drink bottles made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic Bottle deposits create jobs and reduce litter and landfill amounts Paper, plastic, or reusable cloth bags Pros Cons

What Can You Do? Reuse Figure 21.9: Individuals matter. There are many ways to reuse the items we purchase. Question: Which of these suggestions have you tried and how did they work for you? Fig. 21-9, p. 565

There Are Two Types of Recycling (1) Primary, closed-loop recycling Materials recycled into same type: aluminum cans Secondary recycling Materials converted to other products: tires Types of wastes that can be recycled Preconsumer: internal waste Postconsumer: external waste

There Are Two Types of Recycling (2) Do items actually get recycled? What are the numbers?

We Can Mix or Separate Household Solid Wastes for Recycling (1) Materials-recovery facilities (MRFs) Can encourage increased trash production Source separation Pay-as-you-throw Fee-per-bag Which program is more cost effective? Which is friendlier to the environment?

We Can Mix or Separate Household Solid Wastes for Recycling (2) Composting Individual Municipal Benefits San Francisco, 2009 Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Backyard Composter Drum: Bacteria Convert Kitchen Waste into Compost Figure 21.10: Bacteria convert plant wastes into rich compost in this backyard kitchen composter drum. When the compost is ready, the device can be wheeled out and emptied into vegetable and flower gardens. Fig. 21-10, p. 566

Case Study: Recycling Paper Production of paper versus recycled paper Energy use: world’s fifth largest consumer Water use Pollution Countries that lead recycling efforts Replacement of chlorine-based bleaching chemicals with H2O2 or O2

Case Study: Recycling Plastics Plastics: composed of resins created from oil and natural gas Most containers discarded: 4% recycled Litter: beaches, oceans Kills wildlife Gets into food chain and seafood

Discarded Solid Waste Litters Beaches Figure 21.11: Discarded solid waste litters beaches, poses a threat to beach users, and washes into the ocean and threatens marine animals. Fig. 21-11, p. 568

Individuals Matter: Mike Biddle’s Contribution to Recycling Plastics Mike Biddle and Trip Allen: MBA Polymers, Inc. Leaders in plastic recycling Plants in U.S. China Australia

Science Focus: Bioplastics (1) Plastics from soybeans: not a new concept Key to bioplastics: catalysts that speed reactions Sources Corn Soy Sugarcane

Science Focus: Bioplastics (2) Sources cont… Switchgrass Chicken feathers Some garbage CO2 from coal-burning plant emissions Benefits: lighter, stronger, cheaper, and biodegradable

Recycling Has Advantages and Disadvantages

Trade-Offs: Recycling Figure 21.12: Recycling solid waste has advantages and disadvantages (Concept 21-3). Questions: Which single advantage and which single disadvantage do you think are the most important? Why? Fig. 21-12, p. 569

Trade-Offs Recycling Advantages Disadvantages Reduces energy and mineral use and air and water pollution Can cost more than burying in areas with ample landfill space Reduces greenhouse gas emissions Reduces profits for landfill and incinerator owners Figure 21.12: Recycling solid waste has advantages and disadvantages (Concept 21-3). Questions: Which single advantage and which single disadvantage do you think are the most important? Why? Reduces solid waste Source separation inconvenient for some Can save landfill space Fig. 21-12, p. 569

We Can Encourage Reuse and Recycling (1) What hinders reuse and recycling? Market prices don’t include harmful costs associated with production, use, discarding Recycling industries get less favorable government treatment than large industries do Prices for recycled materials fluctuate

We Can Encourage Reuse and Recycling (2) Government Increase subsidies and tax breaks for using such products Decrease subsidies and tax breaks for making items from virgin resources Fee-per-bag collection New laws Citizen pressure

21-4 The Advantages and Disadvantages of Burning or Burying Solid Waste Concept 21-4 Technologies for burning and burying solid wastes are well developed, but burning contributes to air and water pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, and buried wastes eventually contribute to the pollution and degradation of land and water resources.

Burning Solid Waste Has Advantages and Disadvantages Waste-to-energy incinerators 600 globally Most in Great Britain Advantages Disadvantages

Solutions: A Waste-to-Energy Incinerator with Pollution Controls Figure 21.13: Solutions. A modern waste-to-energy incinerator with pollution controls burns mixed solid wastes and recovers some of the energy to produce steam to use for heating or producing electricity. Great Britain burns about 90% of its MSW in incinerators and Denmark burns about 54%, compared to 13% in the United States and 8% in Canada. To be economically feasible, incinerators must be fed huge volumes of trash every day. This encourages trash production and discourages reuse, recycling, and waste reduction. Questions: Would you invest in such a project? Why or why not? Fig. 21-13, p. 571

Electrostatic precipitator Electricity Smokestack Turbine Steam Crane Generator Furnace Wet scrubber Boiler Electrostatic precipitator Waste pit Water added Figure 21.13: Solutions. A modern waste-to-energy incinerator with pollution controls burns mixed solid wastes and recovers some of the energy to produce steam to use for heating or producing electricity. Great Britain burns about 90% of its MSW in incinerators and Denmark burns about 54%, compared to 13% in the United States and 8% in Canada. To be economically feasible, incinerators must be fed huge volumes of trash every day. This encourages trash production and discourages reuse, recycling, and waste reduction. Questions: Would you invest in such a project? Why or why not? Dirty water Bottom ash Conveyor Fly ash To waste treatment plant Ash for treatment, disposal in landfill, or use as landfill cover Fig. 21-13, p. 571

Trade-Offs: Waste-to-Energy Incineration Figure 21.14: Waste-to-energy incineration of solid waste has advantages and disadvantages (Concept 21-4). These trade-offs also apply to the incineration of hazardous waste. Since 1985, more than 280 new incinerator projects have been delayed or canceled in the United States because of high costs, concern over air pollution, and intense citizen opposition. Questions: Which single advantage and which single disadvantage do you think are the most important? Why? Fig. 21-14, p. 571

Waste-to-Energy Incineration Trade-Offs Waste-to-Energy Incineration Advantages Disadvantages Reduces trash volume Expensive to build Produces a hazardous waste Produces energy Concentrates hazardous substances into ash for burial Figure 21.14: Waste-to-energy incineration of solid waste has advantages and disadvantages (Concept 21-4). These trade-offs also apply to the incineration of hazardous waste. Since 1985, more than 280 new incinerator projects have been delayed or canceled in the United States because of high costs, concern over air pollution, and intense citizen opposition. Questions: Which single advantage and which single disadvantage do you think are the most important? Why? Emits some CO2 and other air pollutants Sale of energy reduces cost Encourages waste production Fig. 21-14, p. 571

Burying Solid Waste Has Advantages and Disadvantages Open dumps Widely used in less-developed countries Rare in developed countries Sanitary landfills

Solutions: State-of-the-Art Sanitary Landfill Figure 21.15: Solutions. A state-of-the-art sanitary landfill is designed to eliminate or minimize environmental problems that plague older landfills. Since 1997, only modern sanitary landfills have been permitted in the United States. As a result, many small, older landfills have been closed and replaced with larger local or regional landfills. Question: Some experts say that these landfills will eventually develop leaks and could emit toxic liquids. How do you think this could happen? Fig. 21-15, p. 572

When landfill is full, layers of soil and clay seal in trash Topsoil Sand Electricity generator building Methane storage and compressor building Clay Leachate treatment system Garbage Probes to detect methane leaks Pipes collect explosive methane for use as fuel to generate electricity Methane gas recovery well Leachate storage tank Compacted solid waste Figure 21.15: Solutions. A state-of-the-art sanitary landfill is designed to eliminate or minimize environmental problems that plague older landfills. Since 1997, only modern sanitary landfills have been permitted in the United States. As a result, many small, older landfills have been closed and replaced with larger local or regional landfills. Question: Some experts say that these landfills will eventually develop leaks and could emit toxic liquids. How do you think this could happen? Garbage Groundwater monitoring well Leachate pipes Leachate pumped up to storage tank for safe disposal Sand Synthetic liner Leachate monitoring well Groundwater Sand Clay and plastic lining to prevent leaks; pipes collect leachate from bottom of landfill Clay Subsoil Fig. 21-15, p. 572

Trade-Offs: Sanitary Landfills Figure 21.16: Using sanitary landfills to dispose of solid waste has advantages and disadvantages (Concept 16-4). Questions: Which single advantage and which single disadvantage do you think are the most important? Why? Fig. 21-16, p. 572

Releases greenhouse gases (methane and CO2) unless they are collected Trade-Offs Sanitary Landfills Advantages Disadvantages Low operating costs Noise, traffic, and dust Releases greenhouse gases (methane and CO2) unless they are collected Can handle large amounts of waste Filled land can be used for other purposes Output approach that encourages waste production Figure 21.16: Using sanitary landfills to dispose of solid waste has advantages and disadvantages (Concept 16-4). Questions: Which single advantage and which single disadvantage do you think are the most important? Why? No shortage of landfill space in many areas Eventually leaks and can contaminate groundwater Fig. 21-16, p. 572

21-5 How Should We Deal with Hazardous Waste? Concept 21-5 A sustainable approach to hazardous waste is first to produce less of it, then to reuse or recycle it, then to convert it to less hazardous materials, and finally, to safely store what is left.

We Can Use Integrated Management of Hazardous Waste Integrated management of hazardous wastes Produce less Convert to less hazardous substances Rest in long-term safe storage Increased use for postconsumer hazardous waste

Integrated Hazardous Waste Management Figure 21.17: Integrated hazardous waste management: The U.S. National Academy of Sciences has suggested these priorities for dealing with hazardous waste (Concept 21-5). Question: Why do you think that most countries do not follow these priorities? (Data from U.S. National Academy of Sciences) Fig. 21-17, p. 573

Produce Less Hazardous Waste Convert to Less Hazardous or Nonhazardous Substances Put in Perpetual Storage Change industrial processes to reduce or eliminate hazardous waste production Natural decomposition Landfill Incineration Underground injection wells Thermal treatment Surface impoundments Recycle and reuse hazardous waste Chemical, physical, and biological treatment Underground salt formations Dilution in air or water Figure 21.17: Integrated hazardous waste management: The U.S. National Academy of Sciences has suggested these priorities for dealing with hazardous waste (Concept 21-5). Question: Why do you think that most countries do not follow these priorities? (Data from U.S. National Academy of Sciences) Fig. 21-17, p. 573

Produce Less Hazardous Waste Change industrial processes to reduce or eliminate hazardous waste production Recycle and reuse hazardous waste Convert to Less Hazardous or Nonhazardous Substances Natural decomposition Incineration Thermal treatment Chemical, physical, and biological treatment Dilution in air or water Put in Perpetual Storage Landfill Underground injection wells Surface impoundments Underground salt formations Stepped Art Fig. 21-17, p. 573

Case Study: Recycling E-Waste 70% goes to China Hazardous working conditions Includes child workers Reduce toxic components in electronics Dell and HP take recycle their products Europe has high-tech smelters with strict standards

We Can Detoxify Hazardous Wastes Collect and then detoxify Physical methods Chemical methods Use nanomagnets Bioremediation Phytoremediation Incineration Using a plasma arc torch

Solutions: Phytoremediation Figure 21.18: Solutions. Phytoremediation involves using various types of plants that function as pollution sponges to clean up contaminants such as radioactive substances (left), organic compounds (center), and toxic metals (right) from soil and water. (Data from American Society of Plant Physiologists, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and Edenspace) Fig. 21-18, p. 575

Radioactive contaminants Organic contaminants Inorganic metal contaminants Poplar tree Indian mustard Brake fern Sunflower Willow tree Landfill Oil spill Figure 21.18: Solutions. Phytoremediation involves using various types of plants that function as pollution sponges to clean up contaminants such as radioactive substances (left), organic compounds (center), and toxic metals (right) from soil and water. (Data from American Society of Plant Physiologists, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and Edenspace) Polluted groundwater in Decontaminated water out Polluted leachate Soil Soil Groundwater Groundwater Rhizofiltration Roots of plants such as sunflowers with dangling roots on ponds or in greenhouses can absorb pollutants such as radioactive strontium-90 and cesium-137 and various organic chemicals. Phytostabilization Plants such as willow trees and poplars can absorb chemicals and keep them from reaching groundwater or nearby surface water. Phytodegredation Plants such as poplars can absorb toxic organic chemicals and break them down into less harmful compoinds which they store or release slowly into the air. Phytoextraction Roots of plants such as Indian mustard and brake ferns can absorb toxic metals such as lead, arsenic, and others and store them in their leaves. Plants can then be recycled or harvested and incinerated. Fig. 21-18, p. 575

Trade-Offs: Plasma Arc Figure 21.19: Using a plasma arc torch to detoxify hazardous wastes has advantages and disadvantages. Questions: Which single advantage and which single disadvantage do you think are the most important? Why? Fig. 21-19, p. 576

to move to different sites Can release particulates and chlorine gas Trade-Offs Plasma Arc Advantages Disadvantages Small High cost Produces CO2 and CO Mobile. Easy to move to different sites Can release particulates and chlorine gas Figure 21.19: Using a plasma arc torch to detoxify hazardous wastes has advantages and disadvantages. Questions: Which single advantage and which single disadvantage do you think are the most important? Why? Can vaporize and release toxic metals and radioactive elements Produces no toxic ash Fig. 21-19, p. 576

We Can Store Some Forms of Hazardous Waste (1) Burial on land or long-term storage Last resort only Deep-well disposal 64% of hazardous liquid wastes in the U.S.

Trade-Offs: Deep-Well Disposal Figure 21.20: Injecting liquid hazardous wastes into deep underground wells has advantages and disadvantages. Questions: Which single advantage and which single disadvantage do you think are the most important? Why? Fig. 21-20, p. 576

Safe if sites are chosen carefully Leaks from corrosion of well casing Trade-Offs Deep-Well Disposal Advantages Disadvantages Safe if sites are chosen carefully Leaks from corrosion of well casing Emits CO2 and other air pollutants Wastes can often be retrieved Figure 21.20: Injecting liquid hazardous wastes into deep underground wells has advantages and disadvantages. Questions: Which single advantage and which single disadvantage do you think are the most important? Why? Output approach that encourages waste production Low cost Fig. 21-20, p. 576

We Can Store Some Forms of Hazardous Waste (2) Surface impoundments Lined ponds or pits Secure hazardous landfills

Surface Impoundment in Niagara Falls, New York Figure 21.21: This surface impoundment for storing liquid hazardous wastes is located in Niagara Falls, New York (USA). Such sites can pollute the air and nearby ground water and surface water. Fig. 21-21, p. 577

Trade-Offs Surface Impoundments Figure 21.22: Storing liquid hazardous wastes in surface impoundments has advantages and disadvantages. Questions: Which single advantage and which single disadvantage do you think are the most important? Why? Fig. 21-22, p. 577

Trade-Offs Surface Impoundments Advantages Disadvantages Groundwater contamination from leaking liners (and overflow from flooding) Low cost Wastes can often be retrieved Air pollution from volatile organic compounds Figure 21.22: Storing liquid hazardous wastes in surface impoundments has advantages and disadvantages. Questions: Which single advantage and which single disadvantage do you think are the most important? Why? Can store wastes indefinitely with secure double liners Output approach that encourages waste production Fig. 21-22, p. 577

Solutions: Secure Hazardous Waste Landfill Figure 21.23: Solutions. This diagram shows how hazardous wastes can be isolated and stored in a secure hazardous waste landfill. Fig. 21-23, p. 577

Double leachate collection system Plastic double liner Reactive wastes Bulk waste Gas vent Topsoil Plastic cover Earth Sand Impervious clay cap Clay cap Impervious clay Water table Figure 21.23: Solutions. This diagram shows how hazardous wastes can be isolated and stored in a secure hazardous waste landfill. Earth Leak detection system Groundwater Double leachate collection system Plastic double liner Reactive wastes in drums Groundwater monitoring well Fig. 21-23, p. 577

What Can You Do? Hazardous Waste Figure 21.24: Individuals matter. You can reduce your output of hazardous wastes (Concept 21-5). Questions: Which two of these measures do you think are the most important? Why? Fig. 21-24, p. 578

Case Study: Hazardous Waste Regulation in the United States (1) 1976: Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) EPA sets standards and gives permits Cradle to grave Covers only 5% of hazardous wastes

Case Study: Hazardous Waste Regulation in the United States (2) 1980: Comprehensive Environmental, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) National Priorities List 2010: 1300 sites, 340 sites cleaned so far Pace of cleanup has slowed Superfund is broke Laws encouraging the cleanup of brownfields

Leaking Barrels of Toxic Waste at a Superfund Site in the United States Figure 21.25: These leaking barrels of toxic waste were found at a Superfund site in the United States that has since been cleaned up. Fig. 21-25, p. 578

21-6 How Can We Make the Transition to a More Sustainable Low-Waste Society? Concept 21-6 Shifting to a low-waste society requires individuals and businesses to reduce resource use and to reuse and recycle wastes at local, national, and global levels.

Grassroots Action Has Led to Better Solid and Hazardous Waste Management “Not in my backyard” Produce less waste “Not in anyone’s backyard” “Not on planet Earth”

Providing Environmental Justice for Everyone Is an Important Goal Everyone is entitled to protection from environmental hazards Which communities in the U.S. have the largest share of hazardous waste dumps? Environmental discrimination

International Treaties Have Reduced Hazardous Waste (1) Basel Convention 1992: in effect 1995 amendment: bans all transfers of hazardous wastes from industrialized countries to less-developed countries 2009: Ratified by 195 countries, but not the United States

International Treaties Have Reduced Hazardous Waste (2) 2000: Delegates from 122 countries completed a global treaty Control 12 persistent organic pollutants (POPs) “Dirty dozen” DDT, PCBs, dioxins Everyone on earth has POPs in blood 2000: Swedish Parliament law By 2020 ban all chemicals that are persistent and can accumulate in living tissue

We Can Make the Transition to Low-Waste Societies Norway, Austria, and the Netherlands Committed to reduce resource waste by 75% East Hampton, NY, U.S. Reduced solid waste by 85% Follow guidelines to prevent pollution and reduce waste

Case Study: Industrial Ecosystems: Copying Nature Biomimicry: using natural principles to solve human problems Nature: wastes of one organism are nutrients for another; apply to industry Ecoindustrial parks Two major steps of biomimicry Observe how natural systems respond Apply to human industrial systems

Three Big Ideas The order of priorities for dealing with solid waste should be to produce less of it, reuse and recycle as much of it as possible, and safely dispose of what is left. The order of priorities for dealing with hazardous waste should be to produce less of it, reuse or recycle it, convert it to less hazardous material, and safely store what is left.

Three Big Ideas We need to view solid wastes as wasted resources and hazardous wastes as materials that we should not be producing in the first place.