Chapter 10- Solid Waste Flashcards
What are the sources of solid wastes
1) mining and construction wastes = overburden, spoil heaps or demolition waste
2) domestic and commercial municipal waste = paper, packaging, garden waste, clothing
3) industrial was
What are the properties of solid wastes
1) degradation - how rapidly waste breaks down
2) flammability
3) release of radioactivity
4) toxicity
Why are more affluent individuals more likely to produce increased solid wastes
1) purchase more consumer goods
2) purchase disposable items
3) throw items away rather then repair them.
Outline how manufacturing and retail companies increase solid waste pollution
1) built in obsolescence = items are designed to have a short life span forcing the consumer to upgrade or spend more money
2) disposable products = items intended to have a limited usable life so they need to be replaced sooner such as disposable razors, ballpoint pens
3) over packaging = items may be made more attractive with unnecessary packaging that’s likely to be thrown away
What factors affect solid waste disposal methods
1) population density = collection costs are higher where there are fewer people
2) mass of waste produced per capita
3) land availability
4) degree of environmental awareness and willingness of people to recycle
5) waste processing costs for labour or machinery
What are the features of a good landfill site
1) separation of different wastes and recording of their composition and locations
2) polymer lining to prevent the escape of leachate fluids
3) collection and treatment of leachate fluids
4) deodorising sprays to control odours
5) dispersal of flammable materials rather than dumping large quantities in one place
What are some disadvantages of landfill sites
1) potential loss of resource value e.g, metals and glass
2) use large areas of land
3) toxic leachate may leak from poorly managed landfill sites
4) loss of habitats
5) release of greenhouse gases from anaerobic decay
