Lecture 2 - WM around the world (chap 2.2-2.5)

Question 1

How many people (approx.) do not have access to waste collection services?

Answer 1

2 billion

Question 2

How many people (approx.) do not have access to sound waste management which result in uncontrolled dumping, littering and open burning?

Answer 2

3,5 billion

Question 3

Mention 4 types of municipal waste sources.

Answer 3

Residential
Commercial
Institutional
Municipal services

Question 4

What is the main fee type of waste management in low income, lower-middle income and upper-middle income classes?

Answer 4

Flat fee per household

Question 5

What is the main fee type of waste management in high income classes?

Answer 5

Fee per volume of waste

Question 6

How much waste plastic (in Mt) was relased into the marine environment from coastal populations in 2010?

Answer 6

Between 4.8 and 12.7 Mt of waste plastic was released into the marine environment from costal populations in 2010. A further 1.2 to 2.4 Mt of plastic is estimated to reach the oceans from inland sources via rivers.

Question 7

Define the informal sector regarding waste managment.

Answer 7

• Self-organized urban workforce, mainly in developing countries, that makes its living by collecting and selling the valuable materials recovered form waste (Bönietal., 2015)
• Individuals or enterprises who are involved in private sector recycling and waste management activities which are not sponsored, financed, recognized, supported, organized or acknowledged by the formal solid waste authorities, or which operate in violation of or in competition with formal authorities (Scheinbergetal., 2010)

Question 8

How is the attitude towards informal recyclers in the russia, china and brazil?

Answer 8

Different approaches:
• ”turn a blind eye” –Russia
• Eradicate–China
• Embrace–Brazil(cooperatives), Indonesia(wastebanks)
– Informal sector recyclers are urban miners that recover resources
– Informal sector recyclers spearhead awarness

Question 9

What are the positive aspects of the handling of waste by the informal sector?

Answer 9

• Not illegal: either sole or partly responsible for resource recovery
• More selective recovery of materials
• Low cost and smaller carbon footprint (per kg picked)
• Social & indirect economic benefits
• Diversion of recyclables = low SWM cost for municipality

Question 10

What are the negative aspects of the handling of waste by the informal sector?

Answer 10

• Cherry picking
• Health and Safety issues
• Limited knowledge = loss of material
• Improper processing = environmental impacts