Solid Wastes

The treatment method for solid wastes depends on its...

properties.

Properties of Solid Waste?

Degradability

Conditions that affect degradation (oxygen, pH, temperature, presence of bacteria)

Flammability

Release of radioactivity

Toxicity

Sources of solid wastes?

1) Mining & construction sites

2) Domestic & commercial municipal waste

3) Waste management problems

1) Mining & construction sites

- Mine overburden heaps - usually non toxic

- Mine spoil heaps - may contain toxic metals

- Demolition waste - may contain hazardous materials such as asbestos

2) Domestic & commercial municipal waste

- Packaging and containers

- Paper

- Domestic appliances

- Organic materials - food and garden waste

- Clothing and other textiles

3) Waste management problems

• Large quantities of waste are produced

• Every household across the country produces waste which makes collection labour intensive and expensive

• The mix of waste varies throughout the year, like more garden waste in summer

• Many different types of waste are mixed together

Waste production & Affluence

Affluency affects the amount of waste generated.

More affluent individuals purchase more consumer goods, trivia, disposable items, and they throw items away rather than repair them.

How do manufacturing & retail industries try to increase sales?

1) Built in obsolescence - items are designed to have a short lifespan. Consumer can then 'upgrade' to the latest models

2) Disposable products - disposable razors, ballpoint pens

3) Overpackaging - Items may be made more attractive with unnecessary packaging that is likely to be thrown away

Why does solid waste need to be disposed?

Solid waste can harm wildlife that becomes caught in it or swallow it.

Plastic wastes can degrade to become small particles that can choke marine organisms or release chemicals that may be endocrine disruptors.

Factors affecting Waste Disposal Methods?

• Population density (collections costs higher when there are fewer people)

• Mass of waste produced per capita

• Properties of waste (toxicity, flammability, etc)

• Land availability

• Availability of recycling tech

• Degree of environmental awareness (willingness of people to recycle, reuse, repair)

• Regulatory framework & legislation

• Waste processing costs for labour or machinery

Domestic Waste - Disposal Treatment Options

Landfill

Incineration

Recycling

Composting