APES Waste Unit

What is a sanitary landfill?

A place where waste is isolated until it is degraded, creating a barrier between waste and the soil/water.

What is a disadvantage of sanitary landfills?

There is often chemical leakage and leaching at landfill sites.

What is an incineration plant?

A site where waste is heated to generate steam used for power and energy.

What are the advantages of incineration plants?

They reduce waste amounts and create energy in the incineration process.

What are the disadvantages of incineration plants?

They release pollutants into the air and produce toxic ash that requires special disposal.

What are the pros of waste-to-energy incineration?

Creates relatively clean energy, avoids landfilling, and allows recovery of materials.

What are the cons of waste-to-energy incineration?

High CO2 emissions, potential destruction of recoverable materials, and promotion of less recycling.

What is integrated hazardous waste management?

A process that prioritizes human and environmental health while effectively managing waste.

What is the plasma arc method for waste management?

It burns waste at high temperatures to break it down without thermal incineration, producing fewer emissions.

What does detoxifying waste involve?

Making waste less toxic before it is sent back to landfills.

What is e-waste?

Electronics waste that includes metals like cadmium, lead, antimony, nickel, and mercury.

What are the hazards associated with e-waste?

Many associated metals are toxic and can act as neurotoxins that damage the brain.

What are the negative effects of dumping plastics into the ocean?

It causes higher acidification and harms marine life due to toxic chemicals.

How can individuals reduce waste production?

By using only what is necessary, avoiding excess packaging, donating items, and recycling.

What materials can be recycled?

Glass, plastic, cardboard, paper, and metals.

What are the pros of recycling?

Promotes eco-friendly practices, reduces landfill waste, creates jobs, and saves energy.

What are the cons of recycling?

High energy consumption, pollution from recycling processes, and higher costs compared to landfilling.

What is composting?

The decomposition of organic matter into nutrient-rich humus for soil.

What are the benefits of composting?

Decreases landfill waste, improves soil quality, and replaces chemical fertilizers.

What are the drawbacks of composting?

Costs, time commitment, and potential odors.

How can methane formation in landfills be limited?

By trapping and capturing methane using wells and vacuum systems for energy use.

What is the Clean Air Act?

A law enacted in 1963 to monitor and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

What is the Clean Water Act?

Legislation aimed at restoring and maintaining water quality across the country.

What is the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA)?

An act that ensures the safety of drinking water for the public.

What is the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act? (CERCLA)

Also known as the Superfund, this act banned certain hazardous waste sites and provided funding for clean-up.

What does the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) do?

It monitors waste disposal and creates methods for waste management.

What is the Delaney Clause?

A ban on harmful additives and chemicals in food, drugs, and cosmetics.