1. Ch. 19.1: Solid Waste

2. A. The Generation of Waste
The U.S. generates more than 10 billion metric tons of solid waste per year
More than doubled since the 1960s

3. A. The Generation of Waste
We are currently running out of space to store this solid waste
1987, Islip, New York – 3,200 tons of waste were carried on a barge for 5 months

4. A. The Generation of Waste
Increasing population and decreasing available land
Average American produces 4.4 pounds of waste per day

5. B. Not All Wastes Are Equal
2 main types of solid waste:
Biodegradable
Ex. Newspaper, food, cotton fibers, paper bags, leather
Nonbiodegradable
Ex. Plastic, polyester, nylon

6. B. Not All Wastes Are Equal
Plastic Problems
Made from petroleum
May last for hundreds of years because microbes cannot break them down

7. C. Other Types of Solid Waste
Municipal solid waste
Waste coming from households and businesses
2% of total solid waste in the United States
Enough to fill a convoy of garbage trucks that would stretch around the Earth about 6 times

8. C. Other Types of Solid Waste
Rest of waste comes from:
Manufacturing – 56%
Mining – 33%
Agricultural – 9%

9. D. Solid Waste Management
Most is sent to landfills
Some is incinerated
About 30% is recycled

10. D. Solid Waste Management
Landfills
Waste is buried with a thin layer of soil placed on top, followed by another layer of waste and soil, and so on…

11. D. Solid Waste Management
Problems with landfills
Leachate – liquid that passes through the waste and into the soil underneath
May contain pesticides and other chemicals that can enter our water supply

12. D. Solid Waste Management
Problems with landfills
Methane – highly flammable gas that forms as waste decomposes
Could possibly be used as fuel?

13. D. Solid Waste Management
Safeguarding landfills
1976, Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
Requires new landfills to be lined with clay and plastic to collect leachate

14. D. Solid Waste Management
Incinerators
Alternative to landfills
Involves burning waste

15. D. Solid Waste Management
Problems with incinerators
Trash is not separated
Batteries, paint, etc. may be burned
Toxic chemicals can be released into the atmosphere (worse than leaking into the ground)