Urban waste and its disposal Flashcards
What effects the composition of waste produced in urban areas?
- Attitude towards waste
- Economic developments
- Consumption patterns
- Lifestyles
What types of materials are likely to make up the waste in a developed city with a wealthy population?
- Plastic
- Paper
- Food waste
- Metals/aluminium
What are the impacts of increased waste generation?
- Environmental contamination
- Increased cost of collecting and treating waste
- Increased production of methane
- Some waste left uncollected
What is municipal solid waste and how are its levels changing?
Everyday domestic waste
Increasing due to population growth and increases in wealth
What materials are included in industrial waste?
Construction materials
Hazardous waste
What materials are included in commercial waste?
Paper
Plastic
Cardboard
E-waste
What’s the issue with hazardous waste?
It’s difficult to dispose of, especially for LICs
How is waste disposed of in HICs?
Landfill
Incineration
How is waste disposed of in LICs and what problems does this create?
Open dumping
Not regulated
Can create breeding grounds for insects and other animals; may pass on diseases
What are the advantages of recovery and recycling?
Reduced quantities of disposed waste
Cheaper for the economy
What are the disadvantages of recovery and recycling?
Energy required for the process of recycling and recovery
LICs improperly burn waste
Describe the process of incineration with energy recovery
Reduces the volume of waste by 90%
Safely burnt at high temperatures to produce electricity and heat
How does the UK control landfill?
Controls what materials are disposed of
Lines the pit to prevent chemicals and liquids from entering the water table
What are the advantages of landfill?
Different types of waste accepted
Facilities properly controlled
What are the disadvantages of landfill?
Potential leaching chemicals threaten groundwater supplies
Opposed by residents
