chapter 22 solid and hazardous waste. chapter overview questions what is solid waste and how much...

Chapter 22Chapter 22

Solid and Hazardous Solid and Hazardous WasteWaste

Chapter Overview QuestionsChapter Overview Questions

What is solid waste and how much do we What is solid waste and how much do we produce?produce?

How can we produce less solid waste?How can we produce less solid waste? What are the advantages and disadvantages What are the advantages and disadvantages

of reusing recycled materials?of reusing recycled materials? What are the advantages and disadvantages What are the advantages and disadvantages

of burning or burying solid waste?of burning or burying solid waste? What is hazardous waste and how can we What is hazardous waste and how can we

deal with it?deal with it?

Chapter Overview Questions (cont’d)Chapter Overview Questions (cont’d)

What can we do to reduce exposure to lead What can we do to reduce exposure to lead and mercury?and mercury?

How can we make the transition to a more How can we make the transition to a more sustainable low-waste society?sustainable low-waste society?

WASTING RESOURCESWASTING RESOURCES

Solid wasteSolid waste: any unwanted or : any unwanted or discarded material we produce that is discarded material we produce that is not a liquid or gas.not a liquid or gas. Municipal solid waste (MSW)Municipal solid waste (MSW): :

produce directly from homes.produce directly from homes. Industrial solid wasteIndustrial solid waste: produced : produced

indirectly by industries that supply indirectly by industries that supply people with goods and services.people with goods and services.


Solid wastes Solid wastes polluting a river in polluting a river in Jakarta, Indonesia. Jakarta, Indonesia. The man in the The man in the boat is looking for boat is looking for items to salvage or items to salvage or sell.sell.

Figure 22-3Figure 22-3

HAZARDOUS WASTEHAZARDOUS WASTE

Hazardous wasteHazardous waste: is any discarded : is any discarded solid or liquid material that is toxic, solid or liquid material that is toxic, ignitable, corrosive, or reactive enough ignitable, corrosive, or reactive enough to explode or release toxic fumes.to explode or release toxic fumes. The two largest classes of hazardous The two largest classes of hazardous

wastes are wastes are organic compounds organic compounds (e.g. (e.g. pesticides, PCBs, dioxins) and toxic pesticides, PCBs, dioxins) and toxic heavy metals heavy metals (e.g. lead, mercury, (e.g. lead, mercury, arsenic).arsenic).

Fig. 22-15, p. 534

What Harmful Chemicals Are in Your Home?

• Glues and cements

• Dry-cell batteries (mercury and cadmium)

• Rust inhibitor and rust remover

• Brake and transmission fluid

General

Cleaning

• Battery acid

• Wood preservatives• Stains, varnishes, and lacquers

Automotive

• Gasoline• Used motor oil

Paint

• Latex and oil-based paints• Paint thinners, solvents, and strippers

Gardening• Pesticides

• Weed killers• Ant and rodent killers

• Antifreeze

• Flea powders

• Disinfectants

• Septic tank cleaners• Spot removers

• Drain, toilet, and window cleaners

• Artist paints and inks

• Solvents

Test Your Knowledge About Test Your Knowledge About Hazardous Waste in Your HomeHazardous Waste in Your Home

Click on the picture above to follow the hyperlink. Click on the picture above to follow the hyperlink.


The United States produces about a The United States produces about a third of the world’s solid waste and third of the world’s solid waste and buries more than half of it in landfills.buries more than half of it in landfills. About 98.5% is industrial solid waste.About 98.5% is industrial solid waste. The remaining 1.5% is MSW.The remaining 1.5% is MSW.

• About 55% of U.S. MSW is dumped About 55% of U.S. MSW is dumped into landfills, 30% is recycled or into landfills, 30% is recycled or composted, and 15% is burned in composted, and 15% is burned in incinerators.incinerators.

Thinking About Solid WasteThinking About Solid Waste

Why do you think Americans produce Why do you think Americans produce twice as much municipal solid waste per twice as much municipal solid waste per person as do people in other industrial person as do people in other industrial countries? countries?

What role does lifestyle play in this What role does lifestyle play in this waste production? waste production?

List three ways to reduce the output of List three ways to reduce the output of solid municipal waste.solid municipal waste.

Electronic Waste: A Growing ProblemElectronic Waste: A Growing Problem

E-waste consists of E-waste consists of toxic and hazardous toxic and hazardous waste such as PVC, waste such as PVC, lead, mercury, and lead, mercury, and cadmium.cadmium.

Most ends up in Most ends up in landfills /incinerators.landfills /incinerators.

E-cycling businesses E-cycling businesses and cradle to grave and cradle to grave approach my help approach my help


2 Reasons to Reduce the amount of 2 Reasons to Reduce the amount of Solid Waste we ProduceSolid Waste we Produce

¾ ths of it is ¾ ths of it is Unnecessary Unnecessary

We could recycle We could recycle 90% of the MSW 90% of the MSW we producewe produce

Production of Production of products we often products we often use and discard use and discard creates huge creates huge amounts of air amounts of air pollution, green-pollution, green-house gases, water house gases, water pollution, and land pollution, and land degradationdegradation

Solid Wastes are only raw Solid Wastes are only raw materials we’re too stupid to materials we’re too stupid to

use. use. ARTHUR C.CLARKEARTHUR C.CLARKE

INTEGRATED WASTE INTEGRATED WASTE MANAGEMENTMANAGEMENT

We can deal with solid wastes through We can deal with solid wastes through Waste Management or Waste Reduction.Waste Management or Waste Reduction.


Fig. 22-5, p. 523

Primary Pollutionand Waste Prevention

First Priority Second Priority Last Priority

• Release waste into environment for dispersal or dilution

• Bury waste in landfills

Waste Management

• Incinerate waste

• Buy reusable recyclable products

• Recycle

• Repair products

• Make products that last longer and are recyclable, reusable, or easy to repair

• Reduce packaging and materials in products

• Use less of a harmful product

Secondary Pollution and Waste Prevention

• Treat waste to reduce toxicity

• Purchase different products

• Reuse products• Change industrial process to eliminate use of harmful chemicals

• Compost

Solutions: Reducing Solid WasteSolutions: Reducing Solid Waste

RefuseRefuse: to buy items that we really don’t : to buy items that we really don’t need.need.

ReduceReduce: consume less and live a simpler : consume less and live a simpler and less stressful life by practicing simplicity.and less stressful life by practicing simplicity.

ReuseReuse: rely more on items that can be used : rely more on items that can be used over and over.over and over.

RepurposeRepurpose: use something for another : use something for another purpose instead of throwing it away.purpose instead of throwing it away.

RecycleRecycle: paper, glass, cans, plastics…and : paper, glass, cans, plastics…and buy items made from recycled materials.buy items made from recycled materials.

www.freecylce.orgwww.freecylce.org The Freecycle Network™ is made up of 4,864 The Freecycle Network™ is made up of 4,864

groups with 7,603,875 members around the world. groups with 7,603,875 members around the world. It's a grassroots and entirely nonprofit movement of It's a grassroots and entirely nonprofit movement of people who are giving (and getting) stuff for free in people who are giving (and getting) stuff for free in their own towns. It's all about reuse and keeping their own towns. It's all about reuse and keeping good stuff out of landfills. Each local group is good stuff out of landfills. Each local group is moderated by a local volunteer (them's good moderated by a local volunteer (them's good people). Membership is free. people). Membership is free.

Fig. 22-6, p. 524

• Follow the five Rs of resource use: Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose, and Recycle.

• Buy products in concentrated form whenever possible.

• Read newspapers and magazines online.

• Use e-mail in place of conventional paper mail.

• Refill and reuse a bottled water container with tap water.

• Do not use throwaway paper and plastic plates, cups and eating utensils, and other disposable items when reusable or refillable versions are available.

• Buy things that are reusable, recyclable, or compostable, and be sure to reuse, recycle, and compost them.

• Rent, borrow, or barter goods and services when you can.

• Ask yourself whether you really need a particular item.

What Can You Do?

Solid Waste

Case Study: Using Refillable Case Study: Using Refillable ContainersContainers

Refilling and reusing containers uses fewer Refilling and reusing containers uses fewer resources and less energy, produces less resources and less energy, produces less waste, saves money, and creates jobs.waste, saves money, and creates jobs. In Denmark and Canada’s Price Edward’s Island In Denmark and Canada’s Price Edward’s Island

there is a ban on all beverage containers that there is a ban on all beverage containers that cannot be reused.cannot be reused.

In Finland 95% of soft drink and alcoholic In Finland 95% of soft drink and alcoholic beverages are refillable (Germany 75%).beverages are refillable (Germany 75%).

REUSEREUSE

Reducing resource Reducing resource waste: energy waste: energy consumption for consumption for different types of different types of 350-ml (12-oz) 350-ml (12-oz) beverage beverage containers.containers.


Fig. 22-7, p. 525Energy (thousands of kilocalories)

Refillable drink bottle, used 10 times

Recycled glass drink bottle

Recycled aluminum can

Glass drink bottle, used once

Aluminum can, used once

Recycled steel can

Steel can, used once

How Would You Vote?How Would You Vote?

Do you support banning all beverage Do you support banning all beverage containers that cannot be reused as containers that cannot be reused as Denmark has done?Denmark has done? a. No. Reused containers may be unsanitary.a. No. Reused containers may be unsanitary. b. Yes. A ban will save energy, money, and b. Yes. A ban will save energy, money, and

resources and result in a cleaner environment.resources and result in a cleaner environment.

Solutions: Solutions: Other Ways to Reuse ThingsOther Ways to Reuse Things

We can use reusable shopping bags, food We can use reusable shopping bags, food containers, and shipping pallets, and borrow containers, and shipping pallets, and borrow tools from tool libraries.tools from tool libraries. Many countries in Europe and Asia charge Many countries in Europe and Asia charge

shoppers for plastic bags.shoppers for plastic bags.


Should consumers have to pay for plastic or Should consumers have to pay for plastic or paper bags at grocery and other stores?paper bags at grocery and other stores? a. No. Instead, give discounts to people who a. No. Instead, give discounts to people who

bring their own bags.bring their own bags. b. Yes. Making consumers buy their bags will b. Yes. Making consumers buy their bags will

reduce waste.reduce waste.

RECYCLINGRECYCLING

Primary (closed loop) recyclingPrimary (closed loop) recycling: materials : materials are turned into new products of the same are turned into new products of the same type.type.

Secondary recyclingSecondary recycling: materials are : materials are converted into different products.converted into different products. Used tires shredded and converted into Used tires shredded and converted into

rubberized road surface.rubberized road surface. Newspapers transformed into cellulose Newspapers transformed into cellulose

insulation.insulation.

RECYCLINGRECYCLING

There is a disagreement over whether to mix There is a disagreement over whether to mix urban wastes and send them to centralized urban wastes and send them to centralized resource recovery plants or to sort resource recovery plants or to sort recyclables for collection and sale to recyclables for collection and sale to manufacturers as raw materials.manufacturers as raw materials. To promote separation of wastes, 4,000 To promote separation of wastes, 4,000

communities in the U.S. have implemented communities in the U.S. have implemented pay-pay-as-you-throwas-you-throw or or fee-per-bagfee-per-bag waste collection waste collection systems.systems.


Should households and businesses be Should households and businesses be charged for the amount of mixed waste charged for the amount of mixed waste picked up but not charged for pickup of picked up but not charged for pickup of materials separated for recycling?materials separated for recycling? a. No. It would encourage illegal dumping and a. No. It would encourage illegal dumping and

burning of wastes.burning of wastes. b. Yes. Consumer source separation saves b. Yes. Consumer source separation saves

money and makes consumers more money and makes consumers more conscientious.conscientious.

RECYCLINGRECYCLING

Composting biodegradable organic waste Composting biodegradable organic waste mimics nature by recycling plant nutrients to mimics nature by recycling plant nutrients to the soil.the soil.

Recycling paper has a number of Recycling paper has a number of environmental (reduction in pollution and environmental (reduction in pollution and deforestation, less energy expenditure) and deforestation, less energy expenditure) and economic benefits and is easy to do.economic benefits and is easy to do.

RECYCLINGRECYCLING

Recycling many plastics is chemically and Recycling many plastics is chemically and economically difficult.economically difficult. Many plastics are hard to isolate from other Many plastics are hard to isolate from other

wastes.wastes. Recovering individual plastic resins does not Recovering individual plastic resins does not

yield much material.yield much material. The cost of virgin plastic resins in lower than The cost of virgin plastic resins in lower than

recycled resins due to low fossil fuel costs.recycled resins due to low fossil fuel costs. There are new technologies that are making There are new technologies that are making

plastics biodegradable.plastics biodegradable.


To conduct an instant in-class survey using a classroom response To conduct an instant in-class survey using a classroom response system, access “JoinIn Clicker Content” from the PowerLecture main system, access “JoinIn Clicker Content” from the PowerLecture main menu for Living in the Environment. menu for Living in the Environment.

Should we place much greater emphasis on Should we place much greater emphasis on recycling with the goal of recycling at least recycling with the goal of recycling at least 60% of the municipal solid waste that we 60% of the municipal solid waste that we produce?produce? a. No. Recycling programs should be market a. No. Recycling programs should be market

driven rather than setting unrealistically high driven rather than setting unrealistically high goals that will either fail or require support from goals that will either fail or require support from already overtaxed citizens.already overtaxed citizens.

b. Yes. High recycling rates will reduce pollution b. Yes. High recycling rates will reduce pollution and save energy. and save energy.

RECYCLINGRECYCLING

Reuse and recycling are hindered by prices Reuse and recycling are hindered by prices of goods that do not reflect their harmful of goods that do not reflect their harmful environmental impacts, too few government environmental impacts, too few government subsidies and tax breaks, and price subsidies and tax breaks, and price fluctuations.fluctuations.


Should governments pass laws requiring Should governments pass laws requiring manufacturers to take back and reuse or recycle all manufacturers to take back and reuse or recycle all packaging waste, appliances, electronic equipment, packaging waste, appliances, electronic equipment, and motor vehicles at the end of their useful lives?and motor vehicles at the end of their useful lives? a. No. These regulations would increase prices for a. No. These regulations would increase prices for

consumers.consumers. b. Yes. The regulations would promote the b. Yes. The regulations would promote the

manufacturing of more environmentally friendly manufacturing of more environmentally friendly products and further protect the environment. products and further protect the environment.

Fig. 22-9, p. 529

Important part of economy

Source separation is inconvenient for some people

Reduces profits from landfills and incinerators

Reduces air and water pollution

Saves energy

Reduces mineral demand

Reduces greenhouse gas emissions

Reduces solid waste production and disposal

Helps protect biodiversity

Can save money for items such as paper, metals, and some plastics

Does not save landfill space in areas with ample land

May lose money for items such as glass and most plastic

DisadvantagesAdvantages

Trade-Offs

Recycling

BURNING AND BURYING SOLID BURNING AND BURYING SOLID WASTEWASTE

Globally, MSW is burned in over 1,000 large Globally, MSW is burned in over 1,000 large waste-to-energy incineratorswaste-to-energy incinerators, which boil , which boil water to make steam for heating water, or water to make steam for heating water, or space, or for production of electricity.space, or for production of electricity. Japan and a few European countries incinerate Japan and a few European countries incinerate

most of their MSW.most of their MSW.

Fig. 22-11, p. 531

Reduces trash volume

Can compete with recycling for burnable materials such as newspaper

Output approach that encourages waste production

Older or poorly managed facilities can release large amounts of air pollution

Some air pollution

Difficult to site because of citizen opposition

Costs more than short-distance hauling to landfills

Expensive to build

Some facilities recover and sell metals

Modern controls reduce air pollution

Sale of energy reduces cost

Concentrates hazardous substances into ash for burial or use as landfill cover

Low water pollution

Less need for landfills

Trade-Offs

Incineration

Advantages Disadvantages


Do the advantages of incinerating solid waste Do the advantages of incinerating solid waste outweigh the disadvantages?outweigh the disadvantages? a. Yes. Incineration is a sanitary and effective a. Yes. Incineration is a sanitary and effective

method for eliminating infectious and organic method for eliminating infectious and organic wastes. wastes.

b. No. Incineration can generate toxic air b. No. Incineration can generate toxic air pollution and ashes. pollution and ashes.

Burying Solid WasteBurying Solid Waste

Most of the world’s MSW is buried in landfills Most of the world’s MSW is buried in landfills that eventually are expected to leak toxic that eventually are expected to leak toxic liquids into the soil and underlying aquifers.liquids into the soil and underlying aquifers. Open dumpsOpen dumps: are fields or holes in the ground : are fields or holes in the ground

where garbage is deposited and sometimes where garbage is deposited and sometimes covered with soil. Mostly used in developing covered with soil. Mostly used in developing countries.countries.

Sanitary landfillsSanitary landfills: solid wastes are spread out in : solid wastes are spread out in thin layers, compacted and covered daily with a thin layers, compacted and covered daily with a fresh layer of clay or plastic foam.fresh layer of clay or plastic foam.

Fig. 22-12, p. 532

Sand

When landfill is full,layers of soil and clayseal in trash

Methane storageand compressorbuilding

Leachatestoragetank

Leachatemonitoringwell

Groundwatermonitoringwell

Electricitygeneratorbuilding Leachate

treatment system

Methane gasrecovery well

Compactedsolid waste

Leachatepipes

Leachate pumpedup to storage tankfor safe disposal

GroundwaterClay and plastic liningto prevent leaks; pipescollect leachate frombottom of landfill

Topsoil

SandClaySubsoil

Probes todetectmethaneleaks

Garbage

Garbage

Syntheticliner

Sand

Clay

Pipes collect explosive methane as used as fuel to generate electricity

Fig. 22-13, p. 533

No open burning

Trade-Offs

Sanitary Landfills


Eventually leaks and can contaminate groundwater

Discourages recycling, reuse, and waste reduction

Slow decompositionof wastes

Groundwater contamination

Releases greenhouse gases (methane and CO2)unless they are collected

Air pollution from toxic gases and volatile organiccompounds

Dust

Noise and traffic

No shortage of landfill space in many areas

Filled land can be used for other purposes

Can handle large amounts of waste

Can be built quickly

Low operating costs

Low groundwaterpollution if sited properly

Little odor


Do the advantages of burying solid waste in Do the advantages of burying solid waste in sanitary landfills outweigh the sanitary landfills outweigh the disadvantages?disadvantages? a. No. Ultimately, landfills leak and pollute the a. No. Ultimately, landfills leak and pollute the

environment.environment. b. Yes. They have relatively low operating costs, b. Yes. They have relatively low operating costs,

can store large amounts of waste, and are can store large amounts of waste, and are designed to prevent pollution.designed to prevent pollution.

Case Study: What Should We Do with Case Study: What Should We Do with Used Tires?Used Tires?

We face a dilemma We face a dilemma in deciding what to in deciding what to so with hundreds so with hundreds of millions of of millions of discarded discarded tires.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mJoST2kVaXw

Hazardous Waste Regulations in the Hazardous Waste Regulations in the United StatesUnited States

Two major federal laws regulate the Two major federal laws regulate the management and disposal of hazardous management and disposal of hazardous waste in the U.S.:waste in the U.S.: Resource Conservation and Recovery Act Resource Conservation and Recovery Act

(RCRA)(RCRA)• Cradle-to-the-grave system to keep track waste.Cradle-to-the-grave system to keep track waste.

Comprehensive Environmental Response, Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA)Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA)• Commonly known as Superfund program.Commonly known as Superfund program.

Hazardous Waste Regulations in the Hazardous Waste Regulations in the United StatesUnited States

The Superfund law was designed to have The Superfund law was designed to have polluters pay for cleaning up abandoned polluters pay for cleaning up abandoned hazardous waste sites.hazardous waste sites. Only 70% of the cleanup costs have come from Only 70% of the cleanup costs have come from

the polluters, the rest comes from a trust fund the polluters, the rest comes from a trust fund financed until 1995 by taxes on chemical raw financed until 1995 by taxes on chemical raw materials and oil.materials and oil.


Should the U.S. Congress reinstate the polluter-Should the U.S. Congress reinstate the polluter-pays principle by using taxes from chemical, oil, pays principle by using taxes from chemical, oil, mining, and smelting companies to reestablish a mining, and smelting companies to reestablish a fund for cleaning up existing and new Superfund fund for cleaning up existing and new Superfund sites?sites? a. No. All taxpayers, not certain industries, should a. No. All taxpayers, not certain industries, should

pay for cleaning up sites polluted in the past.pay for cleaning up sites polluted in the past. b. Yes. Funding for Superfund is needed and b. Yes. Funding for Superfund is needed and

waste-generating industries rather than ordinary waste-generating industries rather than ordinary citizens should fund it. citizens should fund it.

DEALING WITH HAZARDOUS DEALING WITH HAZARDOUS WASTEWASTE

We can produce less hazardous waste and We can produce less hazardous waste and recycle, reuse, detoxify, burn, and bury what recycle, reuse, detoxify, burn, and bury what we continue to produce.we continue to produce.


Fig. 22-16, p. 536

Ocean andatmosphericassimilation

Produce Less Waste

Recycle and

reuse

Convert to Less Hazardous or Nonhazardous Substances

Manipulateprocesses

to eliminateor reduce

production

Landtreatment

Landfill

IncinerationThermal

treatment

Put in Perpetual Storage

Undergroundinjection

Wastepiles

Surfaceimpoundments

Saltformations

Arid regionunsaturated

zone

Chemical,physical, and

biologicaltreatment

Conversion to Less Hazardous Conversion to Less Hazardous SubstancesSubstances

Physical MethodsPhysical Methods: using charcoal or resins : using charcoal or resins to separate out harmful chemicals.to separate out harmful chemicals.

Chemical MethodsChemical Methods: using chemical : using chemical reactions that can convert hazardous reactions that can convert hazardous chemicals to less harmful or harmless chemicals to less harmful or harmless chemicals.chemicals.


Biological MethodsBiological Methods: : BioremediationBioremediation: bacteria or enzymes help : bacteria or enzymes help

destroy toxic and hazardous waste or convert destroy toxic and hazardous waste or convert them to more benign substances.them to more benign substances.

PhytoremediationPhytoremediation: involves using natural or : involves using natural or genetically engineered plants to absorb, filter and genetically engineered plants to absorb, filter and remove contaminants from polluted soil and remove contaminants from polluted soil and water.water.

PhytostabilizationPlants such as willow trees and poplars can absorb chemicals and keep them from reaching groundwater or nearby surface water.

RhizofiltrationRoots of plants such as sunflowers with dangling roots on ponds or in green-houses can absorb pollutants such as radioactive strontium-90 and cesium-137 and various organic chemicals.

PhytoextractionRoots of plants such as Indian mustard and brake ferns can absorb toxic metals such as lead, arsenic, and others and store them in their leaves. Plants can then be recycled or harvested and incinerated.

PhytodegradationPlants such as poplarscan absorb toxic organic chemicals and break them down into less harmful compounds which they store or release slowly into the air.

Inorganicmetal contaminants

Organiccontaminants

Radioactivecontaminants

Brake fernPoplar treeIndian mustardWillow treeSunflower

Oilspill

Landfill

GroundwaterSoil

PollutedleachateDecontaminated

water out

Pollutedgroundwater in

GroundwaterSoil

Fig. 22-18, p. 538

Inexpensive

Low energy use

Easy to establish

Trade-Offs

Phytoremediation


Some plants can become toxic to animals

Some toxic organic chemicals may evaporate from plant leaves

Produces little air pollution compared to incineration

Can reduce material dumped into landfills

Slow (can take several growing seasons)

Effective only at depth plant roots can reach


Do the advantages of using phytoremediation to Do the advantages of using phytoremediation to detoxify hazardous waste outweigh the detoxify hazardous waste outweigh the disadvantages?disadvantages? a. No. The process is often too slow and cannot a. No. The process is often too slow and cannot

remove contaminants below the root zones of the remove contaminants below the root zones of the remediating plants.remediating plants.

b. Yes. Plants can be effective in removing organics, b. Yes. Plants can be effective in removing organics, radionuclides, and inorganic contaminants from soil radionuclides, and inorganic contaminants from soil and water.and water.


IncinerationIncineration: heating many types of : heating many types of hazardous waste to high temperatures – up hazardous waste to high temperatures – up to 2000 to 2000 °C°C – in an incinerator can break them – in an incinerator can break them down and convert them to less harmful or down and convert them to less harmful or harmless chemicals.harmless chemicals.


Plasma TorchPlasma Torch: passing electrical current : passing electrical current through gas to generate an electric arc and through gas to generate an electric arc and very high temperatures can create plasma.very high temperatures can create plasma. The plasma process can be carried out in a torch The plasma process can be carried out in a torch

which can decompose liquid or solid hazardous which can decompose liquid or solid hazardous organic material.organic material.

Fig. 22-19, p. 538

Advantages

Trade-Offs

Plasma Arc

Small High cost

Produces no toxic ash

Can vaporize and release toxic metals and radioactive elements

Can release particulates and chlorine gas

Mobile. Easy to move to different sites

Produces CO2 and CO

Disadvantages


Do the advantages of using a plasma torch to Do the advantages of using a plasma torch to detoxify hazardous waste outweigh the detoxify hazardous waste outweigh the disadvantages?disadvantages? a. No. Plasma torches are expensive and the a. No. Plasma torches are expensive and the

combustion byproducts may be harmful to the combustion byproducts may be harmful to the environment and humans.environment and humans.

b. Yes. Plasma torches are convenient for b. Yes. Plasma torches are convenient for disposing of hazardous wastes. disposing of hazardous wastes.

Long-Term Storage of Hazardous Long-Term Storage of Hazardous WasteWaste

Hazardous waste can be disposed of on or Hazardous waste can be disposed of on or underneath the earth’s surface, but without underneath the earth’s surface, but without proper design and care this can pollute the proper design and care this can pollute the air and water.air and water. Deep-well disposalDeep-well disposal: liquid hazardous wastes : liquid hazardous wastes

are pumped under pressure into dry porous rock are pumped under pressure into dry porous rock far beneath aquifers.far beneath aquifers.

Surface impoundmentsSurface impoundments: excavated depressions : excavated depressions such as ponds, pits, or lagoons into which liners such as ponds, pits, or lagoons into which liners are placed and liquid hazardous wastes are are placed and liquid hazardous wastes are stored.stored.

Fig. 22-20, p. 539

Safe method ifsites are chosencarefully

Trade-Offs

Deep Underground Wells


Encourageswaste production

Existing fracturesor earthquakescan allow wastesto escape intogroundwater

Leaks fromcorrosion of wellcasing

Leaks or spills atsurface

Low cost

Easy to do

Wastes can beretrieved ifproblemsdevelop


Do the advantages of deep-well disposal of Do the advantages of deep-well disposal of hazardous waste outweigh the hazardous waste outweigh the disadvantages?disadvantages? a. No. The systems may leak and contaminate a. No. The systems may leak and contaminate

valuable soils, sediments, and groundwaters.valuable soils, sediments, and groundwaters. b. Yes. Deep injection wells can be designed to b. Yes. Deep injection wells can be designed to

permanently remove hazardous wastes from permanently remove hazardous wastes from surface and near-surface environments.surface and near-surface environments.

Fig. 22-21, p. 539

Low construction costs

Can store wastes indefinitely with secure double liners

Groundwatercontaminationfrom leaking liners(or no lining)

Trade-Offs

Surface Impoundments

Advantages

Promotes wasteproduction

Disruption andleakage fromearthquakes

Overflow fromflooding

Air pollution fromvolatile organiccompounds

Wastes can be retrieved if necessary

Can be built quickly

Low operating costs

Disadvantages


Do the advantages of storing hazardous Do the advantages of storing hazardous wastes in surface impoundments outweigh wastes in surface impoundments outweigh the disadvantages? the disadvantages? a. No. The environment should not be openly a. No. The environment should not be openly

exposed to liquid hazardous wastes.exposed to liquid hazardous wastes. b. Yes. Surface impoundments are inexpensive b. Yes. Surface impoundments are inexpensive

solutions for at least the temporary storage of solutions for at least the temporary storage of liquid wastes. liquid wastes.

Long-Term Storage of Hazardous Long-Term Storage of Hazardous WasteWaste

Long-Term Retrievable StorageLong-Term Retrievable Storage: Some : Some highly toxic materials cannot be detoxified or highly toxic materials cannot be detoxified or destroyed. Metal drums are used to stored destroyed. Metal drums are used to stored them in areas that can be inspected and them in areas that can be inspected and retrieved.retrieved.

Secure LandfillsSecure Landfills: Sometimes hazardous : Sometimes hazardous waste are put into drums and buried in waste are put into drums and buried in carefully designed and monitored sites.carefully designed and monitored sites.

Secure Hazardous Waste LandfillSecure Hazardous Waste Landfill

In the U.S. there In the U.S. there are only 23 are only 23 commercial commercial hazardous waste hazardous waste landfills.landfills.


Fig. 22-22, p. 540

Bulkwaste

Gasvent

Topsoil

EarthPlastic cover

Claycap

Double leachatecollection system

Plasticdoubleliner

Imperviousclay cap

Leakdetectionsystem

Reactivewastesin drums

Groundwatermonitoringwell

Groundwater

Watertable

Earth

Imperviousclay

Sand

Fig. 22-23, p. 540

What Can You Do?

• Use pesticides in the smallest amount possible.

• Use less harmful substances instead of commercial chemicals for most household cleaners. For

example use liquid ammonia to clean appliances and windows; vinegar to polish metals, clean surfaces, and remove stains and mildew; baking soda to clean household utensils, deodorize, and remove stains; borax to

remove stains and mildew.• Do not dispose of pesticides, paints, solvents, oil,

antifreeze, or other products containing hazardous chemicals by flushing them down the toilet, pouring them down the drain, burying them, throwing them into the garbage, or dumping them down storm drains.

Hazardous Waste

ACHIEVING A LOW-WASTE ACHIEVING A LOW-WASTE SOCIETYSOCIETY

In the U.S., citizens have kept large numbers In the U.S., citizens have kept large numbers of incinerators, landfills, and hazardous of incinerators, landfills, and hazardous waste treatment plants from being built in waste treatment plants from being built in their local areas.their local areas.

Environmental justice means that everyone is Environmental justice means that everyone is entitled to protection from environmental entitled to protection from environmental hazards without discrimination.hazards without discrimination.

Global Outlook: International Action to Global Outlook: International Action to Reduce Hazardous WasteReduce Hazardous Waste

An international treaty calls for phasing out An international treaty calls for phasing out the use of harmful persistent organic the use of harmful persistent organic pollutants (POPs).pollutants (POPs). POPs are insoluble in water and soluble in fat.POPs are insoluble in water and soluble in fat. Nearly every person on earth has detectable Nearly every person on earth has detectable

levels of POPs in their blood.levels of POPs in their blood. The U.S has not ratified this treaty.The U.S has not ratified this treaty.

Making the Transition to a Low-Waste Making the Transition to a Low-Waste Society: A New VisionSociety: A New Vision

Everything is connected.Everything is connected. There is no “away” for the wastes we There is no “away” for the wastes we

produce.produce. Dilution is not always the solution to pollution.Dilution is not always the solution to pollution. The best and cheapest way to deal with The best and cheapest way to deal with

wastes are reduction and pollution wastes are reduction and pollution prevention.prevention.

Chapter 21 Review Chapter 21 Review QuestionsQuestions

1. Recycling aluminum (Al) cans saves 95% of 1. Recycling aluminum (Al) cans saves 95% of the energy needed to produce new aluminum the energy needed to produce new aluminum

cans from raw materials. How many Al cans can cans from raw materials. How many Al cans can be made out of recycled Al with the same be made out of recycled Al with the same

amount of energy that it takes to make one Al amount of energy that it takes to make one Al can out of new material?can out of new material?

A. 1A. 1

B. 2B. 2

C. 5C. 5

D.D.1010

E.E.2020

E. 20E. 20

If recycled cans save 95% then If recycled cans save 95% then they only require 5%. If it takes they only require 5%. If it takes

100% to make the non-recycled 100% to make the non-recycled can, you can make 20 at 5% to can, you can make 20 at 5% to

equal 100%.equal 100%.

2. E-waste (electronic waste) is often labeled as 2. E-waste (electronic waste) is often labeled as recyclable material and sent to undeveloped recyclable material and sent to undeveloped

countries where workers recover a small amount of countries where workers recover a small amount of valuable metals from the waste. The remainder is valuable metals from the waste. The remainder is

then burned or dumped in landfills where it then burned or dumped in landfills where it releases toxic pollutants such as dioxins. This is releases toxic pollutants such as dioxins. This is frequently used as a means of bypassing the frequently used as a means of bypassing the

A.A. Clean Air ActClean Air Act

B.B. Kyoto ProtocolKyoto Protocol

C.C. International Basel ConventionInternational Basel Convention

D.D. Resource Conservation and Resource Conservation and Recovery ActRecovery Act

E.E. Non-Proliferation TreatyNon-Proliferation Treaty

““Transferring hazardous waste from developed Transferring hazardous waste from developed to developing countries is banned by the to developing countries is banned by the

International Basel Convention. E-waste is not International Basel Convention. E-waste is not classified as hazardous so it can be exported classified as hazardous so it can be exported

legally.legally.

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C. International Basel Convention

3. One method to remove contaminants such as 3. One method to remove contaminants such as Cesium-137 from surface soil would be Cesium-137 from surface soil would be

A.A. To use phytoremediation that allows a plant’s To use phytoremediation that allows a plant’s roots to absorb toxins by rhizofiltrationroots to absorb toxins by rhizofiltration

B.B. To use a plasma arc torch to incinerate the To use a plasma arc torch to incinerate the toxins in situtoxins in situ

C.C. To create a surface impoundment with a linerTo create a surface impoundment with a liner

D.D. To spray the surface with a genetically To spray the surface with a genetically engineered bacteria that breaks down cesiumengineered bacteria that breaks down cesium

E.E. To burn and replace the soilTo burn and replace the soil

Cesium – 137 is a radioactive chemical Cesium – 137 is a radioactive chemical that can be absorbed by the roots of that can be absorbed by the roots of

plants. Rhizofiltration is an inexpensive plants. Rhizofiltration is an inexpensive but slow way to remove it from the but slow way to remove it from the

surface soil. surface soil.

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Figure 21-18

A. To use phytoremediation that allows a plant’s roots to absorb toxins by rhizofiltration

4. One of the primary concerns of the 12 POPs 4. One of the primary concerns of the 12 POPs (persistent organic pollutants) such as dioxins (persistent organic pollutants) such as dioxins

or PCBs is that they or PCBs is that they A.A. Are soluble in water and cause large-scale Are soluble in water and cause large-scale

problemsproblems

B.B. Can be concentrated in the fatty tissues of Can be concentrated in the fatty tissues of organismsorganisms

C.C. Are rarely found but very toxicAre rarely found but very toxic

D.D. Quickly break down into other, more harmful Quickly break down into other, more harmful pollutantspollutants

E.E. Are only found in plants and disrupt Are only found in plants and disrupt photosynthesisphotosynthesis

Persistent organic pollutants are widely used Persistent organic pollutants are widely used toxic chemicals that are insoluble in water and toxic chemicals that are insoluble in water and soluble in fat. They can be concentrated in the soluble in fat. They can be concentrated in the

fatty tissues of organisms that feed at the higher fatty tissues of organisms that feed at the higher trophic levels. They can also be transported trophic levels. They can also be transported

long distances by wind and water. long distances by wind and water.

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B. Can be concentrated in the fatty tissues of organisms

5. The majority of solid waste generated in the 5. The majority of solid waste generated in the United States is in what form? United States is in what form?

A.A. Toxic wasteToxic waste

B.B. Industrial solid wasteIndustrial solid waste

C.C. Municipal solid wasteMunicipal solid waste

D.D. Radioactive wasteRadioactive waste

E.E. Electronic wasteElectronic waste

““About 98.5% of all solid waste produced in the About 98.5% of all solid waste produced in the United States is industrial waste from mining United States is industrial waste from mining

(76%), agriculture (13%), and industry (9.5%).” (76%), agriculture (13%), and industry (9.5%).”

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B. Industrial solid waste

6. Which of the activities below is a form 6. Which of the activities below is a form of integrated waste reduction? of integrated waste reduction?

A.A. Burying MSW in a landfillBurying MSW in a landfill

B.B. Incinerating MSW to produce electricityIncinerating MSW to produce electricity

C.C. Shipping e-waste to China for disposalShipping e-waste to China for disposal

D.D. Separating out and composting yard wasteSeparating out and composting yard waste

E.E. Dumping non-toxic waste offshore in the Dumping non-toxic waste offshore in the oceansoceans

Integrated Waste Management uses a variety Integrated Waste Management uses a variety of strategies for both waste reduction and waste of strategies for both waste reduction and waste

management. management.

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Figure 21-6

B. Incinerating MSW to produce electricityor

D. Separating out and composting yard waste

7. Which of activities below is NOT an aspect of 7. Which of activities below is NOT an aspect of the popular phrase, “reduce, reuse, recycle”?the popular phrase, “reduce, reuse, recycle”?

A.A. E-mailing or texting in place of using E-mailing or texting in place of using conventional paper mailconventional paper mail

B.B. Reading newspapers or magazines on Reading newspapers or magazines on lineline

C.C. Buying products in bulk form whenever Buying products in bulk form whenever possiblepossible

D.D. Utilizing plastic in place of paper bagsUtilizing plastic in place of paper bags

E.E. Donating or selling used itemsDonating or selling used items

Both plastic and paper bags are harmful to the Both plastic and paper bags are harmful to the environment. Reusable cloth bags would be the environment. Reusable cloth bags would be the

best way to “reduce, reuse, recycle”.best way to “reduce, reuse, recycle”.

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D. Utilizing plastic in place of D. Utilizing plastic in place of paper bagspaper bags

8. One of the major disadvantages of recycling 8. One of the major disadvantages of recycling goods is that goods is that

A.A. It may cost more than burying trash in It may cost more than burying trash in areas with ample spaceareas with ample space

B.B. It increases profits for landfill operatorsIt increases profits for landfill operators

C.C. It helps to protect biodiversityIt helps to protect biodiversity

D.D. It is an important part of the economyIt is an important part of the economy

E.E. It saves energy and reduces mineral It saves energy and reduces mineral demanddemand

Check out the chart of advantages Check out the chart of advantages and disadvantages. and disadvantages.

A. It may cost more than burying A. It may cost more than burying trash in areas with ample spacetrash in areas with ample space

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Figure 21-12 21-12

9. When you are in an area that restricts the 9. When you are in an area that restricts the type of plastics that can be recycled, why type of plastics that can be recycled, why

should you remove plastic caps from bottles should you remove plastic caps from bottles when you go to recycle them?when you go to recycle them?

A.A. A small amount of other plastics can contaminate A small amount of other plastics can contaminate and make useless recycled plasticand make useless recycled plastic

B.B. It is impossible to remove plastic caps from It is impossible to remove plastic caps from bottles before recyclingbottles before recycling

C.C. Plastic bottle caps cost too much to dispose of Plastic bottle caps cost too much to dispose of after their removalafter their removal

D.D. The coloring of bottle caps makes them difficult to The coloring of bottle caps makes them difficult to recycle recycle

E.E. Bottles with their caps on cannot be recycled and Bottles with their caps on cannot be recycled and are thrown away. are thrown away.

““PET collected for recycling must not have other PET collected for recycling must not have other plastics mixed with it; a singe PVC bottle in a plastics mixed with it; a singe PVC bottle in a

truckload of PET can render it useless for truckload of PET can render it useless for recycling.” recycling.”

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A. A small amount of other A. A small amount of other plastics can contaminate and plastics can contaminate and make useless recycled plasticmake useless recycled plastic

10. Many environmental scientists advocate 10. Many environmental scientists advocate that the best and cheapest way to deal with that the best and cheapest way to deal with

solid waste is to solid waste is to

A.A. Truck the waste to landfills and bury itTruck the waste to landfills and bury it

B.B. Reduce the amount produced in the first Reduce the amount produced in the first placeplace

C.C. Incinerate the waste to generate electricityIncinerate the waste to generate electricity

D.D. Establish grass-roots organizations Establish grass-roots organizations advocating for fewer landfillsadvocating for fewer landfills

E.E. Pass more laws and treaties with tighter Pass more laws and treaties with tighter controls on emissions of pollutants. controls on emissions of pollutants.

First priority - Waste PreventionFirst priority - Waste Prevention“To date, these waste reduction priorities “To date, these waste reduction priorities

have not been followed in the United have not been followed in the United States or in most other countries.” States or in most other countries.”

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Figure 21-6 21-6

B. Reduce the amount produced B. Reduce the amount produced in the first placein the first place

chapter 22 solid and hazardous waste. chapter overview questions what is solid waste and how much...

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