8. Solid waste

Solid and Hazardous Waste

• Solid waste is unwanted material, categorized into:

  • Municipal solid waste (MSW): waste from residential areas (paper, food waste, etc.). Densely populated countries tend to have more MSW.

  • Industrial solid waste: waste from mining and industries.

• Hazardous/Toxic waste: threatens human health (industrial solvents, car batteries, etc.).

Electronic Waste (E-waste)

• A growing problem with mixed toxic materials (cell phones, computers, TVs).

• E-waste generation is increasing, with developing countries becoming leading producers.

Dealing with Solid Waste

• Waste management: reduces environmental harm (burying, burning).

• Waste reduction: reduces waste generation through reusing and recycling.

• Integrated waste management: combines waste management and reduction.

Four R's of Waste Reduction

• Refuse: don't use it.

• Reduce: use less.

• Reuse: use it over and over.

• Recycle: convert used resources to useful items.

Decreasing consumption saves resources, reduces pollution, and saves money.

Composting

• Natural decomposition of organic material into compost for soil enrichment.

• Appropriate for yard and food waste.

• Advantages: fertilizers, reduced landfill pollution, cost savings.

• Mulch: organic material covering soil, providing plant nutrients.

Incineration (Energy Recovery)

• Burning garbage to create steam for heating or electricity.

• Also called waste-to-energy.

• Advantages: reduces trash volume, produces electricity.

• Disadvantages: expensive, produces hazardous waste.

Landfills

• Method to bury wastes in constructed sites.

  • 1. Sanitary landfills: compacted refuse covered with soil daily; may collect methane.

  • 2. Open dumps: garbage deposited and sometimes burned (rare in developed countries).

• Advantages: inexpensive, handle large waste amounts.

• Disadvantages: noise, dust, greenhouse gas release.

Dealing with Hazardous Waste

• Waste management: Three levels:

  • Produce less: change industrial processes.

  • Convert to less hazardous waste.

  • Safe storage.

• Focus on pollution prevention and waste reduction.

• Industries should find substitutes for hazardous materials and reuse/recycle.

Individual Actions for Hazardous Waste

• Avoid pesticides and toxic chemicals.

• Properly dispose of fluorescent lightbulbs.

• Use less harmful household cleaners.

Transitioning to Low Waste Economy

• Requires individual and business efforts to reduce, reuse, and recycle.

• Address community concerns about incinerators, landfills, and treatment plants.