8.3 Solid Domestic Waste Flashcards
What are some examples of Solid Domestic Waste?
- paper
- cardboard
- plastic
- glass
Generally, if population density is low, what is the level of waste generation?
Low population density = low waste generation
–> normally population density is linked with volume of waste
What is “non-biodegradable” waste?
Type of waste that can NOT be broken down into its base compounds by micro-organisms, air, moisture or soil in a reasonable amount of time.
What is a case study that can be used to show the severity of SDW?
The Great Pacific Garbage Patch
How does the Great Pacific Garbage Patch affect us?
Species ingest the plastic which makes them think they are full whilst they are not (they starve). As it does not biodegrade it gets stuck in their system. We consume some of these fish and therefore we also consume micro plastics.
What are the 4 waste disposal options?
- Landfill
- Incineration
- Composting
- Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
What are “landfill sites”?
This is the most widely used method of disposing of waste in the UK. They were often a literal hole in ground where everything was dumped. Nowadays landfill sites are constructed much more carefully. Such as clay and synthetic liners to stop leachate from leaking out of the site, and the clay cap preventing rainwater from seeping into the landfill.
What is released through “landfill sites”?
- Leachate:
- Is a liquid mixture containing water, organic matter and any number of different chemicals that have been leaked or dissolved from the rubbish
- Causes severe pollution if it leaks into streams or rivers - Landfill Gas:
- This is a mixture of methane and other gases released from decomposing waste, mainly because of the activities of anaerobic bacteria. Methane can be explosive (when mixed with air) and it is also a powerful greenhouse gas.
What are the disadvantages of “landfill sites”?
- Release of greenhouse gases
- If liners get damaged water sources could be contaminated
- Sometimes hard to find area to make these sites
- Attracts pests
- Not really sustainable in the long run
What is “Incineration”?
Incineration means getting rid of waste by burning it in a controlled way. This greatly reduces the volume of waste, as it is disposed as ash (which only amounts up to around 5% of the original waste)
This can even be used as a way of producing energy. Some incinerators even provide hot water for heating nearby buildings.
What are the disadvantages of “Incineration”?
- Pollutants are given off (dioxins)
- Very hard to get permission to build an incinerator
- People don’t want them near their communities
- There are still some leftover (ash), not completely gone)
- Visually intrusive
What is “Re-use and Recycling”?
Re-use:
- Re-use means using an object more than once, rather than using it and then throwing it away.
Recycling:
- Recycling means using a product as a raw material to make new products. This has become an accepted part of everyday life.
EG. glass is often recycled
BOTH OF THESE reduce greenhouse gas emissions
What are the disadvantages of “Re-Use and Recycling”?
- Attracts pests
- Not everyone can recycle (compost –> need a garden)
- Have to get used to it
What are 4 factors affecting the strategies of waste management used?
- Cultural
- Economic
- Technological
- Political
How is “Culture” a factor affecting the strategies of waste management used?
- Some countries have a culture of reduce, re-use, recycle
- LEDCs have informal recycling (people making a living off of wastage recycling)
