Urban Waste

Question 1

Arguments For Landfill

Answer 1

• Cheap solution, easily managed
• Can be sealed, top soiled and landscaped for use after full
• Methane can be vented and used as a fuel
• Safe if well managed

Question 2

Arguments Against Landfill

Answer 2

• Attracts vermin and scavenging birds
• Heavy traffic to and from the site
• Produces methane which is a powerful greenhouse gas
• Pollution – visual, smell

Question 3

Arguments For Incineration

Answer 3

• Safe disposal for hazardous waste – such as medical waste
• Produces energy from burning MSW
• Less land is needed than for landfill

Question 4

Arguments Against Incineration

Answer 4

• Emissions can be harmful - particulates
• Emissions can contribute to global warming - CO2
• Not all MSW is combustible

Question 5

Arguments For Recycling

Answer 5

• Reduces landfill
• New products can be produced without using scarce natural resources
• Organic waste can be composted enriching soil

Question 6

Arguments Against Recycling

Answer 6

• Public sorting of materials prone to error and/or lack of engagement
• Public recycling points generate noise and litter
• High costs to store and dismantle hazardous waste such as batteries, fridges and electronic equipment

Question 7

Define Urban Waste

Answer 7

Urban waste is any material produced in an urban environment which is no longer required for its primary purpose

Question 8

Types of Waste Components

Answer 8

• Food and kitchen waste, green waste and newspapers
• Pesticides, herbicides and fungicides
• Construction and demolition waste
• Paper, card board, glass, bottles, tin cans, aluminium cans, aluminium foil, metals, plastics, clothes, fabrics, tyres and batteries
• Waste clothing, drinks cartons, plastic toys
• Electrical appliances, light bulbs, washing machines and other ‘white goods’. TVs, computers, mobile phones, alarm clocks, watches