Chapter 16: Waste Generation and Disposal

waste

What are examples of inputs in human systems?

What are examples of outputs in human systems?

What caused consumption patterns in the United States to change?

planned obsolescence

municipal solid waste MSW

What factors vary waste generation?

waste stream

paper in solid waste stream

organic materials in the solid waste stream

plastic in solid waste stream

compostable goods

containers and packaging in solid waste stream

food and yard waste in the solid waste stream

non durable goods in the solid waste stream

durable goods in the solid waste stream

E-waste in the waste stream

How is e-waste dangerous to the environment?

reduce

source reduction

reuse

recycling

closed loop recycling

open loop recycling

What are the two problems of organic materials in landfills?

compost

What materials are compostable?

What is the process of composting?

What carbon to nitrogen ration best supports rapid decomposition?

How do large scale composting facilities operate?

leachate

sanitary landfills

What are the layers of sanitary landfills?

Why is rainfall and other water inputs minimized in sanitary landfills?

What types of waste should not go in a landfill?

Process of a landfill

How are landfill construction fees recovered?

Where should a sanitary landfill be located?

What problems are caused by landfills?

incineration

Process of mass burn MSW incinerator

ash

bottom ash

fly ash

waste to energy

What are the problems with incineration?

hazardous waste

What are some sources of hazardous waste?

Resource Conservation and Recovery Act RCRA

Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act CERCLA (Superfund Act)

Brownfields Program