Solid Waste Pollution (p1) Flashcards
(21 cards)
What is solid waste?
Anything that isn’t needed and is solid.
Solid waste includes various types of materials discarded from different sources.
List the sources of solid wastes.
- Mining
- Domestic
- Agricultural
- Industrial
Each source contributes differently to the types and quantities of solid waste produced.
What properties of solid wastes influence disposal choices?
- Degradability
- Radioactivity
- Flammability
- Toxicity
The properties determine how solid wastes can be managed and disposed of safely.
What is mining waste?
Bulky wastes produced from mining and construction, mainly non-hazardous but can include hazardous materials.
Examples include mine overburden, spoil heaps, and demolition waste.
What are the main categories of municipal waste?
- Packaging & containers
- Printed paper
- Organic materials (food and garden waste)
- Clothing & textiles
- Broken or discarded domestic appliances
These categories reflect the typical composition of domestic waste.
What challenges are associated with dealing with domestic waste?
- Large quantities produced
- Labour-intensive and expensive collection
- Seasonal composition variations
- Mixed types of waste
These challenges complicate waste management efforts.
What are the sources of industrial waste?
Most industries produce solid wastes with varying quantities and properties.
The disposal problems depend on the specific characteristics of the waste.
What is agricultural waste primarily composed of?
- Crop waste
- Manure
These wastes can lead to pollution risks such as eutrophication.
How does affluence relate to waste production?
- Built-in obsolescence in products
- Increased purchases of disposable products
- More packaging materials
- Higher consumption of convenience foods
Affluence leads to increased production of non-biodegradable waste.
What factors determine the choice of waste disposal?
- Population density
- Waste properties (toxicity, flammability)
- Availability of land
- Recycling technology
- Environmental awareness
- Regulatory framework
- Household income
- Processing costs
These factors influence how and where waste is disposed.
What are the benefits of recycling?
- Conserves raw materials
- Protects natural habitats
- Reduces emissions (e.g., methane)
- Saves energy compared to new product manufacturing
Recycling has significant environmental benefits.
What are the advantages of landfill?
- Cheap disposal
- Generates electricity from methane
- Requires little treatment
Landfill is a common waste disposal method due to its cost-effectiveness.
What are the disadvantages of landfill?
- Loss of potential resources
- Large land use
- Methane and CO2 emissions
- Toxic leachate risks
- Habitat loss
- Transport congestion
These disadvantages highlight the environmental impacts of landfills.
What features should a good landfill site have?
- Separation of waste types
- Plastic lining to prevent leachate
- Regular leachate collection
- Perimeter fencing
- Soil covering to prevent pests
- Methane collection systems
- Impermeable caps
These features help mitigate environmental risks associated with landfills.
What are the advantages of incineration?
- Reduces final waste volume
- Generates heat energy
- Requires no sorting
Incineration can be an efficient waste disposal method when managed properly.
What are the disadvantages of incineration?
- High costs for wet waste
- Toxic dioxin release if temperatures are low
- Loss of recyclable material value
- Increased atmospheric pollution
Proper management is essential to minimize the disadvantages of incineration.
What are spoil heaps?
Large quantities of non-toxic solids from mining and quarrying that may produce leachate fluids.
Spoil heaps can pose environmental risks if not managed correctly.
What is encapsulation in waste management?
A method for permanently storing hazardous wastes to prevent leaks.
An example includes vitrification of radioactive materials.
What is the main component of biodegradable waste?
Organic matter.
This includes food scraps, garden waste, and other natural materials.
What are the risks associated with landfill sites?
- Leachate contamination
- Methane explosions
- Pest infestations
These risks necessitate careful management of landfill operations.
What is the European Landfill Directive?
A regulation aimed at reducing the negative effects of landfilling on the environment.
This directive sets standards for landfill operations in Europe.
