I. Solid Wastes

• Prior to 1900, most waste disposal involved burying waste in ground

• Perception of garbage dumps as breeding grounds for disease incinerators

• Burning garbage common until more stringent emissions standards in 1970’s

• Incineration replaced by newer landfills• Recently: Modern incinerators w/emissions controls

A. Landfills• Decreasing in number

• 7924 in 1988 vs. 1908 in 2009• Becoming larger

• Total capacity didn’t change between 1988 & 2002• Becoming increasingly full (?)• Possible sources of toxic chemicals leaching into

ground water (older landfills especially)• Increasingly difficult to find new sites (NIMBY)

Source: EPA

Source: EPA

Science, Aug 10 2012

Science, Aug 10 2012

Source: EPA

I. Solid Wastes

B. Alternatives1. Source reduction

EPA

I. Solid Wastes

B. Alternatives1. Source reduction

• Pro: • Reduced waste stream• Increased production efficiency ($$)• Energy conservation• Reduced GHG emissions

• Con: • Retooling of some infrastructure• Changing of consumer behavior

I. Solid Wastes

B. Alternatives2. Recycling

• Reuse sometimes included• Reprocessing of materials• Why recycle?