Unit 3 - Key Area 4 (Waste) Flashcards
An alternative economic model which attempts to keep resources in use for as long as possible, extract the maximum value from them whilst in use, then recover and regenerate products and materials at the end of each stage
Circular economy
When a product can be recycled indefinitely back into itself without any impact on its quality. Eg. Aluminium.
Closed-loop recycling
The conversion of non-recyclable waste materials into usable heat, electricity, or fuel.
Energy recovery
A date found on food packaging which shows when foods can be used until. It should be considered when trying to prevent waste
Use-by-date (food)
The burning of waste without energy recovery
Incineration
The burying of waste, usually in disused quarries or pits is a common method of waste disposal.
Landfill
Involves examining the total environmental impact of a product through every step of its life, from obtaining raw materials to disposal
Life cycle analysis
The traditional model of economic development is described where products are made, use and then disposed of
Linear economy
The process of becoming obsolete or outdated and no longer used
Obsolescence
Type of recycling where a loss of quality often occurs with each cycle. This limits the number of times something can be recycled. Eg. Plastic
Open loop recycling
Is purposefully implementing a strategy that ensures the current version of a given product will become out-of-date or useless within a certain time
Planned obsolescence
The constant replacing of technology with the latest trendy gadgets
Psychological obsolescence
Occurs when a new product has been created to replace an older version
Technological obsolescence
Getting rid of waste in landfill or by incineration
Waste disposal
A diagram showing all the different methods which can be used to tackle the issue of waste, with the most sustainable at the top and the least sustainable at the bottom
Waste hierarchy
