Resource Use

3 advantages of landfill

• cheap

• methane generated can be used for electricity

• accomodates all waste types

3 disadvantages of landfill

• attracts vermin

• pollutes surrounding environment through leachate and methane

• large area needed

3 advantages of incineration

• reduces volume of waste

• produces a sterile ash

• can be used to generate energy/electricity

3 disadvantages of incineration

• heavy metals may be in the ash

• noise/traffic pollution from transport of waste

• smelly

3 advantages of composting

• creates marketable commodity

• can be done at any scale

• provides natural soil conditioner/fertiliser

3 disadvantages of composting

• attracts vermin

• requires sorting of waste

• only applicable to organic material

3 advantages of recycling

• reduces need for manufacturing of goods

• reduces resource extraction

• reduces landfill/incineration

3 disadvantages of recycling

• not all waste can be recycled

• requires transportation/collection

• increased cost for specialised collection centres

definition of pollution

substances/energy produced by human activity that has a negative effect on organisms/environments