Urban Waste & Disposal

Question 1

What are the impacts of waste?

Answer 1

Air & Water pollution

Question 2

Outline wastes impact on air pollution

Answer 2

5% global greenhouse gas emissions
Methane landfill = 12% methane emissions

Question 3

Outline the change in waste every generation

Answer 3

7% waste increase every year

Question 4

What is the prediction for urban residents daily waste generation (per person) in 2025

Answer 4

4.3bn urban residents generating 1.42kg of MSW per person per day

Question 5

What country was the largest waste generator in 2004?

Answer 5

China - Municipal waste growing fastest

Question 6

What’s the threat of waste in LICs?

Answer 6

LIC = more waste
Can’t remove it properly

Question 7

Outline the amount of UK e-waste exported to the Chengdu Province. Why is it harmful?

Answer 7

80% - has mercury which can poison soils, water or wildlife

Question 8

Outline the impact of an increasing waste generation to a city

Answer 8

Cost of collecting/treating waste is high
Urban authorities spend 20-50% of budget on solid waste management

Question 9

Outline the leachate collection system

Answer 9

Trash put in trap - leachate collected and put in leachate treatment system
Avoids poisoning of soil & H2O table

Question 10

Outline the B’ham bin strikes

Answer 10

Pest Control calls increased 30% & 4th emergency control in Birmingham

Question 11

Outline the World Bank report on waste in 2012

Answer 11

30-60% of MSW in LICs is uncollected.
Cairo - 40% of daily waste is collected

Question 12

Outline 5 facts about Tyseley Incinerator, Birmingham

Answer 12

1. 350,000 tonnes of rubbish annually
2. Operates 24 hours a day 365 days
3. 41,000 houses powered
4. 23.5 tonnes burnt every hour
5. Incineration ash recycled -> aggregate for road building

Question 13

When and where was Semakau Landfill island built?

Answer 13

1999 - Singapore

Question 14

Outline how Semakau Landfill was made and what it’s purpose was

Answer 14

Building a dyke (rock cutting between rock layers) in a shallow sea
Offshore landfill - impermeable membrane stops leakage into sea -> cell filled to grounds level and an earth layer is put on top for grass/trees to take root

Question 15

Outline the pros and cons of landfill

Answer 15

Pros:
Proper cited facilities + necessary controls
Different waste accepted

Cons:
Unsightly
CH4 from decaying matter
Leaching ground H2O

Question 16

Outline the pros and cons of Incineration

Answer 16

Pros:
Reduce waste volume by 90%
Produce power
Reduce toxic waste

Cons:
Capacity limitation
Angry locals
Air pollution & ash disposal
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