Chapter 21 Flashcards
electronic waste
consists of discarded television sets, cell phones, computers, and other electronic devices.
solid waste
any unwanted or discarded material we produce that is not a liquid or gas
industrial solid waste
produced by mines, farms, and industries that supply people with goods and services
municipal solid waste
consists of the combined solid waste produced by homes and workplaces other than factories.
hazardous waste
any discarded material or substance that threatens human health or the environment because it is poisonous, dangerously chemically reactive, corrosive, or flammable
waste management
in which we attempt to control wastes in ways that reduce their environmental harm without seriously trying to reduce the amount of waste produced
waste reduction
produce less waste and pollution, and the wastes we do produce are considered to be potential resources that we can reuse, recycle, or compost
integrated waste management
a variety of coordinated strategies for both waste disposal and waste reduction and pollution prevention than on waste disposal
the four R’s
refuse, reduce, reuse, recycle
composting
using bacteria to decompose yard trimmings, vegetable food scraps, and other biodegradable organic wastes into materials than can increase soil fertility
primary (closed loop) recycling
materials that are recycled into new products of the same type
secondary recycling
waste materials are converted into different products
sanitary landfills
a landfill where solid wastes are spread out in thin layers, compacted, and covered daily with a fresh layer of clay or plastic foam
open dump
a field or large pit where garbage is deposited and sometimes burned
environmental justice
an ideal whereby every person is entitled to protection from environmental hazards regardless of race, gender, age, national origin, income, social class, or any political factor
