8.3 - Soild Domestic Waste Flashcards
What is solid domestic waste
Solid domestic waste (SDW), also known as household waste, refers to the waste generated by households and small-scale commercial establishments
It consists of various materials discarded by individuals and families
What can vary the volume and composition of solid domestic waste
The volume and composition of solid domestic waste can vary over time due to several factors, including changing consumption patterns, technological advancements, and waste management practices
What is organic waste
includes food waste, garden waste, and other biodegradable materials
What is the general volume of organic waste
The volume of organic waste tends to be significant and can vary based on cultural practices, dietary habits, and seasonal factors
How does the composition of organic waste change over time
Over time, the composition of organic waste may change due to shifts in food preferences, increased consumption of processed foods, and advancements in waste management technologies that promote composting
What is paper and cardboard
These materials are commonly found in solid domestic waste and are derived from packaging, newspapers, magazines, and other paper-based products
What is the general volume of paper and cardboard waste
The volume of paper and cardboard waste may fluctuate depending on factors such as digitalisation trends (for example, the increasing trend for people to read the news on phones and tablets rather than by reading a physical newspaper), and efforts to promote recycling and reduce paper consumption
What are plastics
Plastics are a major component of solid domestic waste and can include packaging materials, containers, and various single-use items
What is the general volume and composition of plastic waste
The volume and composition of plastic waste have experienced a significant increase in recent decades due to the widespread use of plastics in various sectors
What can influence the composition and management of plastic waste
Changes in consumer behaviour, government regulations, and recycling initiatives can influence the composition and management of plastic waste
What can influence of volume of glass and metal waste
The volume of glass and metal waste can be influenced by factors like beverage consumption patterns, recycling rates, and the availability of alternative packaging materials
What can influence the composition of glass and metal waste
Changes in packaging preferences, recycling infrastructure, and resource conservation efforts can impact the composition and volume of glass and metal waste
What is e waste
With the rapid advancement of technology, electronic waste, or e-waste, has become a growing concern.
It includes discarded electronic devices such as computers, mobile phones, televisions, and appliances
What influences the volume of e waste
The volume and composition of e-waste can change over time due to the introduction of new devices, upgrades, and the speed at which older electronics become obsolete (i.e. they become out-of-date).
Increasing awareness of e-waste management and the implementation of regulations can influence the handling and disposal practices of electronic waste
What is non biodegradable pollution
Non-biodegradable pollution, including plastic, batteries, and e-waste, has become a significant environmental issue due to its persistence in the environment.
Unlike biodegradable materials, these pollutants do not naturally break down and can remain in the environment for extremely long periods of time
Why is plastic pollution becoming a concern and who is it posing risks to
Plastic pollution, especially single-use plastics, has reached alarming levels, with large quantities ending up in oceans, rivers, and landfills.
The abundance of plastic waste in the oceans poses risks to marine life, including birds, turtles fish and cetaceans, through ingestion or entanglement, leading to ecological imbalances and threats to biodiversity
How can batteries pose damage to the enviroment
Batteries, which contain heavy metals and toxic substances, pose a serious threat to the environment if not properly disposed of.
Improper disposal of batteries can result in leaching of harmful chemicals into soil and water, leading to contamination and potential health hazards for humans and wildlife
How can e waste pose a risk to us
Electronic waste, including discarded electronic devices, contains various toxic substances such as lead, mercury, and cadmium.
Inadequate management of e-waste can lead to the release of these hazardous materials into the environment, posing risks to human health and ecosystems
Why has non biodegradable pollution become a major problem
Non-biodegradable pollution has become a major environmental issue due to unsustainable consumption and production patterns, inadequate waste management infrastructure, and limited recycling efforts
What has lead to the accumulation of non biodegradable pollutants
The increasing demand for convenience and the rapid pace of technological advancements contribute to the accumulation of non-biodegradable pollutants
How can you address non biodegradable pollutants
- Reducing the production and consumption of single-use items
- Promoting eco-friendly alternatives
- Implementing proper waste management systems
- Encouraging recycling and responsible disposal practices
What are some waste management disposal methods
- landfill
- incineration
- recycling
- reusing
- composting
What is a landfill
Landfills involve burying waste in designated areas, often lined with protective barriers. They provide a centralised and controlled disposal method for a wide range of waste types
What are 4 advantages of landfill
- Provides centralised waste management
- Can accommodate a wide range of waste types
- Relatively low operational costs compared to other options
- Cam be engineered with liners and leachate collection systems to minimise enviromental impacts
What are 4 disadvantages of landfills
- Generates methane, a potent greenhouse gas house gas
- Requires suitable land availability and careful site selection
- Potential risk of groundwater and soil contamination
- Long term management and monitoring required after closure
What is incineration
Incineration involves the controlled burning of waste materials at high temperatures. It reduces the volume of waste and can sometimes be used generate energy through the combustion process
What are 4 advantages of incineration
- reduces the volume of waste and minimises space requirements
- potential to generate energy through combustion process
- reduces the reliance on landfills
- can handle various types of waste, including hazardous waste
What are 4 disadvantages of incineration
- releases air pollutants, including greenhouse gases and toxic emisiones
- requires careful management of air emmsions and ash disposal
- potential for the release of hazardous substances during incineration
- high operating costs
What is recycling
Recycling focuses on converting waste materials into reusable materials. It conserves natural resources, reduces energy consumption, and minimises greenhouse gas emissions associated with the production of new materials
What are the 5 advantages of recycling
- conserve natural resources and reduces the need for raw materials
- reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills or incinerators
- saves energy and reduces greenhouse gas emissions
- prevents pollution caused by extracting and processing raw materials
- creates job opportunities in the recycling industry
What are 5 disadvantages of recycling
- requires energy and resource for collection sorting, and processing
- limited availability and accessibility of recycling facilities
- contamination of recyclables can hinder the recycling process
- some materials are difficult or costly to recycle
- market demand and proces and recycled materials can fluctuate
What is reusing
Reusing involves using products or materials multiple times instead of discarding or recycling them. It extends the lifespan of products, reduces waste generation, and decreases resource consumption
What are the advantages of reusing
- reduces the need for new products and resource extraction
- saves energy and resources required for manufacturing
- minimise waste generation and landfill usage
- can be cost effective, saving money for individual businesses
- promotes a circular economy and sustainable consumption a
What are the disadvantages of reusing
- limited availability of reusable items in certain areas
- requires proper cleaning and maintenance of reusable items
- may not be suitable for all types of products or materials
- limited market for used or second hand items in some cases
- requires a change in consumer behaviour and mindset
What is composting
Composting involves the decomposition of organic waste materials into nutrient-rich soil. Successful composting relies on the proper balance of organic materials, moisture, and aeration to facilitate the decomposition process. It diverts organic waste from landfills, reduces methane emissions, and produces high-quality compost for use in agriculture and landscaping
What are the advantages of composting
- diverts organic waste from landfills, reducing methane emissions
- produces nutrient rich compost for soil enrichment
- reduces the need for chemical fertilisers
- helps retain soil moisture and reduce erosion
- promotes healthier plant growth and biodiversity
What are the disadvantages of composting
- requires space and proper management for composting process
- takes time for organic waste to decompose and turn into compost
- some materials may not be suitable for composting
- potentials for odour and pest issues if not properly managed
- requires knowledge and education to ensure proper composting practices
Summarise what suitable waste management strats can do
These waste disposal options offer a range of strategies for managing waste materials effectively. The choice of method depends on various factors, including the type of waste, available infrastructure, environmental considerations, and societal preferences. Implementing a combination of these options can contribute to sustainable waste management and resource conservation
What are the three levels of pollution management
- Changing human activity
- Regulating and reducing the release of pollutants
- Cleaning up the pollutants and restoring the ecosystem after pollution has occurred
What is solid domestic waste
Solid domestic waste management is a crucial aspect of environmental sustainability, involving various strategies influenced by cultural, economic, technological, and political factors. These strategies aim to minimise the environmental impact of waste and promote resource conservation
What are 2 ways of altering human activity
- reduction of consumption
- composting of food waste
How can you reduce consumption
Encouraging individuals to adopt sustainable consumption patterns by promoting awareness campaigns, providing information about the environmental consequences of overconsumption, and fostering a culture of mindful and responsible purchasing habits
How can you encourage composing of food waste
Promoting the practice of composting organic waste, such as kitchen scraps and garden trimmings, to divert it from landfills
This approach not only reduces the volume of waste but also produces nutrient-rich compost that can be used to enrich soil fertility in gardens, farms, and urban green spaces
How can you control the release of pollutants
- legislations and policies
- recycling and resume programs
What are legislations and policies
Governments play a crucial role in waste management by enacting laws and regulations that incentivise recycling and reuse initiatives, impose taxes or fees on solid domestic waste collection, and discourage the use of disposable items. These measures create a framework for responsible waste management practices and encourage individuals and businesses to adopt more sustainable behaviours
What are recycling and reuse programs
Implementing comprehensive systems that promote the separation, collection, and processing of recyclable materials. This includes establishing recycling facilities, providing accessible recycling bins in public spaces and households, and educating the public about the importance of recycling. Emphasising the benefits of reusing items, such as through secondhand markets or community swap events, can also help reduce waste and conserve resources
How can you remove pollutants from the enviroment and restore the ecosystem
- landfil recelamtion
- waste to energy
- clean up and restoration
What is landfil reclamation
Rehabilitating old landfills by covering them with engineered soil covers, installing gas collection systems to capture and utilise methane emissions, and exploring innovative methods to reclaim landfills for alternative uses. This can include transforming former landfill sites into parks, recreational areas, or renewable energy facilities, reducing the environmental impact and maximising the value of previously used land
What are waste to energy programs
Converting solid domestic waste into energy through incineration
This approach helps reduce the volume of waste that would otherwise go to landfills, whilst also generating electricity or heat
What is clean up and restoration
Collaborative efforts among organisations, governments, and volunteers to remove plastic waste from oceanic areas, such as the Great Pacific garbage patch
These initiatives involve the use of specialised vessels, drones, and nets to collect floating debris, preventing further pollution and mitigating the devastating impact on marine ecosystems
What does implementing waste management strats require
Implementing these waste management strategies requires a combined approach that involves individuals, communities, governments, and industries working together. By adopting sustainable practices, embracing technological advancements, and fostering a collective sense of responsibility, it is possible to decrease waste generation, promote recycling and reuse, and restore and protect the environment for future generations
