a sustainable waste solution for the 21st century a sustainable waste solution for the 21st century...

A Sustainable Waste A Sustainable Waste Solution for the 21st Solution for the 21st

CenturyCenturyOshawa, January 10, Oshawa, January 10, 20082008

Dr Paul ConnettDr Paul ConnettProfessor Emeritus of Chemistry,Professor Emeritus of Chemistry,

St Lawrence University, Canton, NYSt Lawrence University, Canton, NY

paul@FluorideAlert.org

www.Fluoridewww.FluorideAlertAlert.org.org

End Water FluoridationEnd Water Fluoridation

The National Research Council review The National Research Council review (NRC, 2006), “Fluoride in Drinking (NRC, 2006), “Fluoride in Drinking Water,” 507 pages, 1000 references.Water,” 507 pages, 1000 references.

Scientific American article, “Second Scientific American article, “Second Thoughts on Fluoride,” January, 2008.Thoughts on Fluoride,” January, 2008.

The Professionals’ Statement calling for The Professionals’ Statement calling for an end to fluoridation worldwide, see an end to fluoridation worldwide, see www.FluorideAlert.org - a copy is in your - a copy is in your packet. Now signed by over 1280 packet. Now signed by over 1280 professionals from over 40 countries.professionals from over 40 countries.

Congratulations to Congratulations to Durham region for Durham region for winning the PUBLIC winning the PUBLIC WORKS PROJECT OF WORKS PROJECT OF THE YEAR 2006 THE YEAR 2006 (Environmental (Environmental category 2-10 million category 2-10 million $)$)

Diverting 44% of waste Diverting 44% of waste from landfill in 2006, from landfill in 2006, and more in 2007 and more in 2007 (some communities up (some communities up to 65% diversion). to 65% diversion). Achieving this Achieving this so cost so cost effectively, and so effectively, and so quicklyquickly, is a major , is a major achievementachievement

Congratulations to Congratulations to MarkhamMarkham

For reaching 70% diversion in two For reaching 70% diversion in two yearsyears

Markham is a world leaderMarkham is a world leader

Congratulations to Congratulations to Ward 1 PickeringWard 1 Pickering For reaching 73% diversion in a For reaching 73% diversion in a

pilot project pilot project Pickering could be a world leader, Pickering could be a world leader,

but…but…

But But York-Durham-York-Durham-AndersonAnderson region has region has shot itself in the foot shot itself in the foot by including an by including an incinerator in its plan, incinerator in its plan, which will cost over 10-which will cost over 10-100 times what you are 100 times what you are currently spending on currently spending on your diversion programyour diversion program

A fraction of this money A fraction of this money could be spent on a could be spent on a residual screening and residual screening and research facilityresearch facility built in built in front of a interim landfill front of a interim landfill and continue the move and continue the move towards sustainable waste towards sustainable waste management management (Zero Waste (Zero Waste 2020)2020) which you have so which you have so splendidly startedsplendidly started

Source Source SeparationSeparation

ReduceReduceReuseReuseRepairRepair

CompostCompostRecycleRecycle

Toxic wasteToxic wastecollectioncollection

Let’s compare:Let’s compare:

The Anderson optionThe Anderson option

Let’s compare:Let’s compare:Trash Trash

incineratorincineratorAshAsh

landfilllandfillSource Source SeparationSeparation

The Alternative optionThe Alternative option

landfilllandfill

ResidualResidualScreening &Screening &

ResearchResearchFacilityFacility

StabilizedStabilizedInterimInterimlandfilllandfill

The Alternative optionThe Alternative option

SECONDARYCHAMBER

TURBINE

BOILER

ELECTRICITY

BOTTOM ASH FLY ASH

TEMP< 200oC

SEMI-DRYSCRUBBER

FABRIC FILTER

WET SCRUBBER

DE-NOX

ACTIVATEDCHARCOAL

Ca(OH) 2 SUSPENSION

AMMONIAINJECTION

GRATES

For every 3-4 tons of trash you get about one ton of ashFor every 3-4 tons of trash you get about one ton of ash

90%90% 10%10%

Ash managementAsh management

In Germany & Switzerland fly ash put into In Germany & Switzerland fly ash put into nylon bags and placed in salt minesnylon bags and placed in salt mines

In Japan some incinerators vitrify the ashIn Japan some incinerators vitrify the ash In Denmark…In Denmark… They send all the ash to NorwayThey send all the ash to Norway In Ontario…In Ontario… they send the fly ash to Sarnia and the they send the fly ash to Sarnia and the

bottom ash to regular landfillsbottom ash to regular landfills So where is the landfill in Durham to receive So where is the landfill in Durham to receive

the bottom ash?the bottom ash?

The central The central contradiction of the contradiction of the Anderson planAnderson plan The two political drivers behind this plan:The two political drivers behind this plan: 1) Durham won’t build new landfills1) Durham won’t build new landfills 2) Durham won’t export its waste2) Durham won’t export its waste So what happens to the ash? - either you So what happens to the ash? - either you

are going to have to build an ash landfill are going to have to build an ash landfill or you are going to have to export the ashor you are going to have to export the ash

Either way you are violating one of the Either way you are violating one of the driving forces behind the Anderson plandriving forces behind the Anderson plan

The Incinerator will be an The Incinerator will be an Economic Disaster for the York-Economic Disaster for the York-Durham-Anderson RegionDurham-Anderson Region

Incinerators are hugely expensiveIncinerators are hugely expensive At least $250 million capital costsAt least $250 million capital costs Even more when you include interest Even more when you include interest

over 25 years pay back plus retrofit over 25 years pay back plus retrofit after 20 yearsafter 20 years

A few people will make a lot of money A few people will make a lot of money upfront, but taxpayers - however the upfront, but taxpayers - however the plant is financed - will be paying for plant is financed - will be paying for this plant for over 25 years in very this plant for over 25 years in very high tipping fees and the extra cost of high tipping fees and the extra cost of electricityelectricity

The Economic DisasterThe Economic Disaster The people who make money upfront on this plan:The people who make money upfront on this plan: 1) The middle men who have brokered the deal1) The middle men who have brokered the deal 2) The consultants who have designed and defended 2) The consultants who have designed and defended

the plan (and who will prepare environmental impact the plan (and who will prepare environmental impact assessments)assessments)

3) The financiers who will draw up the loan agreements3) The financiers who will draw up the loan agreements 4) The lawyers etc who will draw up the contract4) The lawyers etc who will draw up the contract 5) The PR companies who promote the plan5) The PR companies who promote the plan 6) The contractors and sub-contractors who build the 6) The contractors and sub-contractors who build the

plantplant 7) The companies who supply the steel, concrete etc7) The companies who supply the steel, concrete etc For these people the incinerator is a For these people the incinerator is a

gravy traingravy train

The Economic DisasterThe Economic Disaster For the taxpayer this is a nightmareFor the taxpayer this is a nightmare For this huge investment very few For this huge investment very few

permanent jobs are createdpermanent jobs are created There is no stimulation of sustainable There is no stimulation of sustainable

businesses in the regionbusinesses in the region The only thing incinerators The only thing incinerators

successfully burn is taxpayers’ successfully burn is taxpayers’ money!money!

Incineration is a poor Incineration is a poor investment in the investment in the futurefuture

• Most of the money spent on incinerators Most of the money spent on incinerators goes into complicated machinery and leaves goes into complicated machinery and leaves the community, the community, whereaswhereas

• The money spent on the alternatives goes The money spent on the alternatives goes into jobs and stays in the community.into jobs and stays in the community.

• After 25 years or more the region will be no After 25 years or more the region will be no closer to sustainability . Incineration is not closer to sustainability . Incineration is not sustainable; the alternative strategy is.sustainable; the alternative strategy is.

Incineration is a poor Incineration is a poor investment in the investment in the futurefuture

With the Anderson option, in 25 years, the With the Anderson option, in 25 years, the region willregion will

Waste huge quantities of finite material Waste huge quantities of finite material resourcesresources

Waste huge amounts of energyWaste huge amounts of energy Waste a terrific opportunity to reduce the global Waste a terrific opportunity to reduce the global

warming impacts of primary processing and warming impacts of primary processing and manufacturemanufacture

Waste the opportunity to pressure industry to Waste the opportunity to pressure industry to stop making items we cannot reuse, recycle or stop making items we cannot reuse, recycle or compostcompost

AndAnd you will be left with a mountain of ash - 1 ton of you will be left with a mountain of ash - 1 ton of

ash for every 3-4 tons burnedash for every 3-4 tons burned

OUTLINEOUTLINE

1. Waste Management & the Big 1. Waste Management & the Big PicturePicture

2. More arguments against 2. More arguments against incineration incineration

3. The Zero Waste 2020 strategy3. The Zero Waste 2020 strategy 4. The Key Step Forward4. The Key Step Forward 5. Zero Waste Initiatives Around 5. Zero Waste Initiatives Around

the Worldthe World

1.1. Waste Management Waste Management & &

the Big Picturethe Big Picture

We are living on this planet as We are living on this planet as if we had another one to go toif we had another one to go to

Fast foodFast foodFast planet!Fast planet!

We cannot run a throwaway We cannot run a throwaway society on a finite planetsociety on a finite planet

We are robbing our own children and We are robbing our own children and grandchildrengrandchildren

This is colonialism in time!This is colonialism in time!

Landfills Landfills BURYBURY the evidence the evidence

IncineratorsIncinerators BURNBURN the evidencethe evidence

We need to face the real We need to face the real problem…problem…

Our task is to fight the Our task is to fight the throwaway ethic & throwaway ethic & over-consumptionover-consumption

Not only is Not only is over-consumptionover-consumption

giving us a local waste giving us a local waste crisis crisis

but also…but also…

… … a Global crisis a Global crisis

The Global Crisis:The Global Crisis:

Since the Industrial Since the Industrial Revolution Revolution we have we have imposed imposed a linear societya linear society on a planet that on a planet that functions in circlesfunctions in circles

A LINEAR SOCIETYA LINEAR SOCIETY

Extraction Extraction

Extraction Extraction ProductionProduction

Extraction Extraction ProductionProductionConsumptionConsumption

Extraction Extraction ProductionProductionConsumptionConsumption WasteWaste

Advertising/TVAdvertising/TV

Over-advertisingOver-advertisingproducesproducesOver-consumptionOver-consumption

By the time a high schoolstudent leaves school, he or she

will have watched over350,000 TV commercials.

Paul Hawken The Ecology of Commerce.

MythMyth versus versus RealityReality

THE MYTH:THE MYTH: The more you consume the The more you consume the

happier you becomehappier you become THE REALITY:THE REALITY: The more you consume the fatter The more you consume the fatter

you become!you become!

From Ape to...From Ape to...

Modern man!Modern man!

““The world has enough The world has enough for everyone’s for everyone’s needneedbut not for everyone’s but not for everyone’s greedgreed””

Mahatma GandhiMahatma Gandhi

Extraction ofExtraction ofVirginVirgin

MaterialsMaterials

Production ofProduction ofManufacturedManufactured

itemsitemsConsumptionConsumption WasteWaste

Solid wasteSolid waste

Air pollutionAir pollution

Water pollutionWater pollution

Carbon dioxideCarbon dioxide

ENERGYENERGY

MaterialsMaterials

itemsitemsConsumptionConsumption WasteWaste

ENERGYENERGY

MaterialsMaterials

itemsitemsConsumptionConsumption

DiscardedDiscardedMaterialsMaterials

ENERGYENERGY ENERGYENERGY

MaterialsMaterials

INCINERATION & LANDFILLSINCINERATION & LANDFILLS

MaterialsMaterials

RECYCLING OF MATERIALSRECYCLING OF MATERIALS

MaterialsMaterials

REUSE OF OBJECTSREUSE OF OBJECTS

MaterialsMaterials

COMPOSTINGCOMPOSTING

Incineration is a waste of Incineration is a waste of energy!energy!

Despite the deceptive name “Energy Despite the deceptive name “Energy from Waste” from Waste”

Incinerators waste Incinerators waste 3-4 times more 3-4 times more energyenergy than can be saved by a than can be saved by a combination of reuse, recycling and combination of reuse, recycling and composting composting

Contact: Dr. Jeffrey Morris, Contact: Dr. Jeffrey Morris,

jeff.morris@zerowaste.comjeff.morris@zerowaste.com

Energy Comparison: Energy Comparison: RecyclingRecycling versus versus incinerationincineration (ICF consulting, 2005)(ICF consulting, 2005)

materialmaterial Energy Energy savings from savings from recyclingrecycling

GJ/tonneGJ/tonne

Energy Energy output from output from incinerationincineration

GJ/tonneGJ/tonne

Energy Energy savings savings recycling recycling

versus versus incinerationincineration

NewsprintNewsprint 6.336.33 2.622.62 2.42.4

Fine Fine paperpaper

15.8715.87 2.232.23 7.17.1

CardboarCardboardd

8.568.56 2.312.31 3.73.7

Other paperOther paper 9.499.49 2.252.25 4.24.2

HDPEHDPE 64.2764.27 6.306.30 10.210.2

PETPET 85.1685.16 3.223.22 26.426.4Other Other plasticplastic

52.0952.09 4.764.76 10.910.9

Waste Management Options and Climate Change. AEA 2002

““Overall, Overall, source segregationsource segregation of of MSW, followed by MSW, followed by recyclingrecycling (for (for paper, metals, textiles and paper, metals, textiles and plastics) and plastics) and composting/ADcomposting/AD (for (for putrescible wastes) putrescible wastes) gives the gives the lowest net flux of greenhouse lowest net flux of greenhouse gasesgases compared to other forms of compared to other forms of treatment of bulk MSW”treatment of bulk MSW”

Kg Greenhouse gas/tonne Kg Greenhouse gas/tonne Municipal WasteMunicipal Waste

Riciclaggio e compostaggioRiciclaggio e compostaggio -461-461

Trattamento Meccanico-Trattamento Meccanico-Biologico e stoccaggioBiologico e stoccaggio -366-366

TermovalorizzazioneTermovalorizzazione -10-10

Waste Management Options and Climate Change. AEA 2002

Slide from Attilio TornavaccaSlide from Attilio Tornavacca

2. More arguments 2. More arguments against incinerationagainst incineration

Incineration is Incineration is extremely unpopularextremely unpopular

In the US over 300 In the US over 300 incinerator proposals incinerator proposals defeated since 1985defeated since 1985

US has not permitted a US has not permitted a new trash incinerator since new trash incinerator since 1995.1995.

A modern incinerator A modern incinerator makes handling makes handling discarded materials a discarded materials a very complicated, very complicated, expensive and expensive and dangerous proceduredangerous procedure

Think of an incinerator Think of an incinerator as three boxesas three boxes

1.1.The The FurnaceFurnace which which Converts 100’s ofConverts 100’s ofTons of trash intoTons of trash into

Trillions of tinyTrillions of tinyparticlesparticles

and gases.and gases.

2.2. The The Air PollutionAir Pollution control devicescontrol devices

Which attempt to Which attempt to capture the tiny capture the tiny

particles and some particles and some of the gasesof the gases

which attempt to which attempt to capture the tiny capture the tiny

3.3. A A depository depository forfor the tiny particlesthe tiny particles

captured captured (the fly ash) (the fly ash)

andand the bottom ashthe bottom ash

which attempt to which attempt to capture the tiny capture the tiny

3.3. A A depository depository forfor the tiny particlesthe tiny particles

captured captured (the fly ash) (the fly ash)

andand the bottom ashthe bottom ash

For every three - four tons of trashFor every three - four tons of trash you get one ton of toxic ash!you get one ton of toxic ash!

Incinerators put many highly toxic Incinerators put many highly toxic and persistent substances into and persistent substances into

the airthe air

AIR EMISSIONS

CO2 + H2O

ACID GASES:HCI, HF, SO2

TOXIC METALS:Pb, Cd, Hg, As, Cr etc

NEW COMPOUNDSNEW COMPOUNDS::PCB’sPCB’sPCDDs (DIOXINS)PCDDs (DIOXINS)PCDFs (FURANS)PCDFs (FURANS)ETCETC

NANONANOPARTICLESPARTICLES

Size of Size of Particle Particle

regulatedregulatedin incineratorin incinerator

emissionsemissionsNANOPARTICLESNANOPARTICLES

Comment of Lesbia F. Smith, Comment of Lesbia F. Smith, MDMD (Environmental & Occupational (Environmental & Occupational

Health Plus)Health Plus)

Referring to the Cormier et al. 2006 Referring to the Cormier et al. 2006 paper, she wrote:paper, she wrote:

““It should be noted that these It should be noted that these ultrafine and nanoparticles are ultrafine and nanoparticles are emissions of concern from emissions of concern from hazardous waste incineration, as hazardous waste incineration, as opposed to municipal EFW facilities”opposed to municipal EFW facilities”

(Communication with Dr.Robert Kyle)(Communication with Dr.Robert Kyle)

Chlorinated hydrocarbons

Brominated/chlorinated

dioxins and furans

Polycyclic aromatichydrocarbons

Catalytic oxidizers

Incineration andIncineration and nanoparticles nanoparticles The nanoparticles produced by The nanoparticles produced by

incinerators are more dangerous incinerators are more dangerous than those from other combustion than those from other combustion sources. sources.

They contain:They contain: Neurotoxic metalsNeurotoxic metals Free radicalsFree radicals Dioxins and furansDioxins and furans

Incineration andIncineration and nanoparticles nanoparticles

Nanoparticles are not Nanoparticles are not efficiently captured by air efficiently captured by air pollution control devicespollution control devices

Travel long distancesTravel long distances Remain suspended for long Remain suspended for long

periods of time (especially periods of time (especially during air inversions over during air inversions over cities)cities)

Penetrate deep into the lungsPenetrate deep into the lungs

We already know that We already know that air particulate matter air particulate matter causes many health causes many health problemsproblems

RESPIRATORY PROBLEMS RESPIRATORY PROBLEMS related to air particulaterelated to air particulate

• Allergies

• Asthma

• Acute and chronic bronchitis

• Emphysemia

• lung Cancer

PM 2,5

Slide from Dr. Ferninando LargiSlide from Dr. Ferninando Largi

Long-Term Exposure to Air Pollution and Long-Term Exposure to Air Pollution and Incidence of Cardiovascular Events in Incidence of Cardiovascular Events in WomenWomen

This study examinedThis study examined 65,893 postmenopausal women 65,893 postmenopausal women from 36 U.S. metropolitan areas from 1994 to 1998from 36 U.S. metropolitan areas from 1994 to 1998

The authors found: The authors found: “High levels of particulate “High levels of particulate pollution increases the risk of dying from heart pollution increases the risk of dying from heart disease or stroke, having a heart attack or stroke, disease or stroke, having a heart attack or stroke, or requiring a bypass.”or requiring a bypass.”

N Engl J Med 2007;356:447-58.N Engl J Med 2007;356:447-58.

Comment of Lesbia F. Smith, Comment of Lesbia F. Smith, MDMD (Environmental & Occupational (Environmental & Occupational

Health Plus)Health Plus)

Ultrafine particulatesUltrafine particulates Being actively studiedBeing actively studied May have similar effects in May have similar effects in

humans as do PM 10 and PM 2.5humans as do PM 10 and PM 2.5 Are not regulated or being Are not regulated or being

actively measured in the actively measured in the environmentenvironment

Nanoparticles are not Nanoparticles are not new, butnew, but Nanopathology isNanopathology is This is the study of the exquisitely This is the study of the exquisitely

dangerous biological properties of dangerous biological properties of these particlesthese particles

BLOODBLOOD

Nano particles are Nano particles are so small theyso small they

can easily crosscan easily cross the lung membranethe lung membrane

Nano PathologyNano Pathology

Once nanoparticles Once nanoparticles have entered the have entered the bloodstream they bloodstream they can easily cross the can easily cross the membranes of membranes of every tissue in the every tissue in the body.body.

Nano PathologyNano Pathology

They can even cross the blood They can even cross the blood brain barrierbrain barrier

Aggregati di PiomboAggregati di Piombo, , BarioBario, , CromoCromo, , FerroFerro e e SilicioSilicio in in CervelloCervello..

www.stefanomontanari.net

NanopathologyNanopathology

The body is equipped with anti-oxidants like The body is equipped with anti-oxidants like vitamin C, E etc and glutathione to mop up vitamin C, E etc and glutathione to mop up the free radicals generated in the body each the free radicals generated in the body each day from the use of molecular oxygenday from the use of molecular oxygen

But an excess of external free radicals could But an excess of external free radicals could overwhelm this natural defense systemoverwhelm this natural defense system

Free radicals Free radicals can cause:can cause: oxidative stressoxidative stress - leading to - leading to inflammationinflammation - leading to - leading to many degenerative diseasesmany degenerative diseases

Attack by Free radicalsAttack by Free radicals

Aus: “Free Radicals Randox Ltd.

December 2005

Dioxins and Dioxins and IncinerationIncineration

Dioxins - major concernsDioxins - major concerns• Dioxins accumulate in animal fat.Dioxins accumulate in animal fat.• One literOne liter of cows’ milk gives the same of cows’ milk gives the same

dose of dioxin as breathing air next to the dose of dioxin as breathing air next to the cows for cows for EIGHT MONTHSEIGHT MONTHS (Connett and (Connett and Webster, 1987). Webster, 1987).

• Dioxins steadily accumulate in human Dioxins steadily accumulate in human body fat.body fat. The man cannot get rid of them The man cannot get rid of them BUT A woman can…BUT A woman can…

• ……by having a baby!by having a baby!• Thus the Thus the highest dosehighest dose of dioxin goes to of dioxin goes to

the the fetus fetus and then to the and then to the new born infant new born infant via breastfeeding…via breastfeeding…

Dioxins: the highest Dioxins: the highest dose goes to the fetusdose goes to the fetus

In nine monthsIn nine months much of the much of the dioxin which dioxin which has has accumulated in accumulated in the mother’s fat the mother’s fat for 20-30 yearsfor 20-30 years goes to the goes to the fetusfetus

Dioxins can disrupt fetal Dioxins can disrupt fetal and infant developmentand infant development

Dioxins act like fat soluble Dioxins act like fat soluble hormoneshormones

Disrupt at least 6 different Disrupt at least 6 different hormonal systems: hormonal systems:

malemale and and femalefemale sex hormonessex hormones;; thyroid hormonesthyroid hormones;; insulin; gastrin and gluocorticoid.insulin; gastrin and gluocorticoid.

Developmental Effects of Developmental Effects of DioxinsDioxins

Linda S. BirnbaumLinda S. Birnbaum Health Effects Research Health Effects Research

Laboratory, US EPALaboratory, US EPA

Environmental Health PerspectivesEnvironmental Health Perspectives,,

103103: 89-94, 1995: 89-94, 1995

Our Stolen FutureOur Stolen FutureHow Man-made Chemicals are How Man-made Chemicals are Threatening our Fertility, Threatening our Fertility,

Intelligence and SurvivalIntelligence and Survival

Theo ColbornTheo Colborn

John Peterson MyersJohn Peterson Myers

Dianne DumanoskiDianne Dumanoski

19941994

The most worrying The most worrying environmental environmental pollutants are those pollutants are those which cause a subtle which cause a subtle shift in the whole shift in the whole populationpopulation

IQ and populationIQ and population

Number of KidsWith a

Specific IQ

Very BrightMentallyhandicapped

Specific IQ

95 100

Specific IQ

95 100

Specific IQ

OUT OF OUR BABIES!OUT OF OUR BABIES!

WE WANT DIOXINWE WANT DIOXIN

Institute of Medicine, Institute of Medicine, 20032003

Dioxins and Dioxin-like Compounds Dioxins and Dioxin-like Compounds in the Food Supplyin the Food Supply

Strategies to Decrease ExposureStrategies to Decrease Exposure

July 1, 2003July 1, 2003

Institute of Medicine, Institute of Medicine, 20032003 ““Fetuses and breastfeeding infants Fetuses and breastfeeding infants

may be at particular risk from may be at particular risk from exposure to dioxin like compounds exposure to dioxin like compounds (DLCs) due to their potential to cause (DLCs) due to their potential to cause adverse adverse neurodevelopmentalneurodevelopmental, , neurobehavioralneurobehavioral, and , and immune immune systemsystem effects effects in developing in developing systems…”systems…”

Institute of Medicine, Institute of Medicine, 20032003 “…“…The committee recommends that The committee recommends that

the government place a the government place a high public high public health priorityhealth priority on reducing DLC on reducing DLC intakes by girls and young women intakes by girls and young women in in the years well before pregnancy is the years well before pregnancy is likely to occur.”likely to occur.”

““(by) (by) Substituting low-fat or skim Substituting low-fat or skim milk, for whole milk, milk, for whole milk, (and)…(and)… foods foods lower in animal fat…”lower in animal fat…”

WE WANT DIOXINWE WANT DIOXIN

OUT OF OUR FOOD!OUT OF OUR FOOD!

Do not build Do not build incinerators within 50 incinerators within 50 km of food production km of food production - particularly grazing - particularly grazing animalsanimals

Incinerator stacks Incinerator stacks disperse the disperse the dioxinsdioxins

Grazing animals and fish Grazing animals and fish reconcentrate themreconcentrate them

Incinerator stacks Incinerator stacks disperse disperse mercurymercury

Fish reconcentrate mercuryFish reconcentrate mercury

YOU NEED THREE THINGS TO PROTECT THE PUBLIC FROM TOXIC EMISSIONS.

STRONG REGULATIONS

ADEQUATEMONITORING

STRONG REGULATIONS

ADEQUATEMONITORING

TOUGHENFORCEMENT

STRONG REGULATIONS

ADEQUATEMONITORING

TOUGHENFORCEMENT

IF ANY LINK IS WEAK THE PUBLIC IS NOT PROTECTED

“Even if we made incineration safe we would never make it sensible.

“Even if we made incineration safe we would never make it sensible.It simply does not make sense tospend so much money destroying resources we should be sharing with the future.” (PC)

The modern incinerator is The modern incinerator is attempting to perfect a bad attempting to perfect a bad ideaidea

Our task in the 21st Century is Our task in the 21st Century is not to find better ways to destroy not to find better ways to destroy discarded materialsdiscarded materials

But to stop making packaging and But to stop making packaging and products that have to be products that have to be destroyed!destroyed!

DIFFERENT TIMES DEMAND DIFFERENT TIMES DEMAND DIFFERENT QUESTIONSDIFFERENT QUESTIONS

2020thth CENTURY CENTURY

WASTE WASTE MANAGEMENTMANAGEMENT

“ “ How do we get rid How do we get rid of our waste of our waste

efficiently with efficiently with minimum damage to minimum damage to our health and the our health and the

environment ?”environment ?”

2121stst CENTURY CENTURY

RESOURCE RESOURCE MANAGEMENTMANAGEMENT

“ “ How do we handle our How do we handle our discarded resources in discarded resources in

ways which do not ways which do not deprive future deprive future

generations of some, if generations of some, if not all, of their value ?”not all, of their value ?”

DIFFERENT TIMES DEMAND DIFFERENT TIMES DEMAND DIFFERENT QUESTIONSDIFFERENT QUESTIONS

2020thth CENTURY CENTURY

WASTE WASTE MANAGEMENTMANAGEMENT

“ “ How do we get rid How do we get rid of our waste of our waste

efficiently with efficiently with minimum damage to minimum damage to our health and the our health and the

environment ?”environment ?”

2121stst CENTURY CENTURY

RESOURCE RESOURCE MANAGEMENTMANAGEMENT

“ “ How do we handle our How do we handle our discarded resources in discarded resources in

ways which do not ways which do not deprive future deprive future

generations of some, if generations of some, if not all, of their value ?”not all, of their value ?”

The key issueThe key issuewas SAFETYwas SAFETY

The key issue isThe key issue isSUSTAINABILIYSUSTAINABILIY

Incineration is not Incineration is not sustainablesustainable

Waste is not Waste is not a a technical problem technical problem butbut

a problem ofa problem of

organization, organization,

education education andand

industrial designindustrial design

3. 3. The Sustainable The Sustainable

Alternative: Alternative: the ZERO WASTE 2020 the ZERO WASTE 2020

strategystrategy

We have to copy We have to copy naturenature Nature makes no waste! Nature makes no waste! Waste is a human inventionWaste is a human invention A sustainable society must be a A sustainable society must be a

zero waste societyzero waste society Zero Waste is an idealistic goal, Zero Waste is an idealistic goal, but but Zero Waste 2020Zero Waste 2020 puts this puts this

goal into a realistic time framegoal into a realistic time frame

ZERO WAST E

YES to aSUSTAINABLE

SOCIETY

ZERO WASTE 2020

NO to INCINERATORS

NO to LANDFILLS

NO to aTHROWAWAY

SOCIETY

ZERO WAST E

YES to aSUSTAINABLE

SOCIETY

RIFIUTI ZERO 2020

NO to INCINERATORS

NO to LANDFILLS

NO to aTHROWAWAY

SOCIETY

ZERO WASTE ZERO WASTE IS A IS A NEWNEW

DIRECTIONDIRECTION

NO to INCINERATORS

NO to LANDFILLS

THE THE BACK ENDBACK END

OF OF WASTEWASTE

MANAGEMENTMANAGEMENT

NO to INCINERATORS

NO to LANDFILLS

THE THE FRONT ENDFRONT END

OF OF RESOURCERESOURCE

THE THE BACK ENDBACK END

OF OF WASTEWASTE

To achieve Zero Waste To achieve Zero Waste

We need three things:

1) INDUSTRIAL RESPONSIBILITY (at the front end)

2) COMMUNITY RESPONSIBILITY (at the back end)

3) GOOD LEADERSHIP (to link the two together)

Industrial Industrial ResponsibilityResponsibility

1. 1. Design for sustainabilityDesign for sustainability 2. 2. Clean productionClean production 3. 3. Extended Producer Extended Producer

ResponsibilityResponsibility

Extended Producer Extended Producer Responsibilty - Responsibilty - packagingpackaging

• The Ontario (Canada) Beer industry has been using refillable glass bottles for 50 years

• 98% recovered

• Each bottle reused 18 times

• It saves the company money

• 2000 jobs in collection and cleaning

• No cost to municipality

Extended Producer Extended Producer Responsibilty - Responsibilty - productsproducts

XEROX CORPORATION EUROPEXEROX CORPORATION EUROPE

Recovers copying machines from 16 Recovers copying machines from 16 different countriesdifferent countries

Takes them to huge warehouses in the Takes them to huge warehouses in the Netherlands, where the machines are Netherlands, where the machines are stripped down for parts and materialsstripped down for parts and materials

95% of materials recovered for reuse or 95% of materials recovered for reuse or recycling!recycling!

This is saving Xerox This is saving Xerox $76 millions a year$76 millions a year!!!!

Solid waste is the Solid waste is the visible face of visible face of inefficiency!inefficiency!

For more examples of For more examples of Industrial Industrial ResponsibilityResponsibility Contact Gary Liss at Contact Gary Liss at

gary@garyliss.com For more information on EPR For more information on EPR

initiatives contact Bill Sheehan atinitiatives contact Bill Sheehan at Bill@productpolicy.orgBill@productpolicy.org

COMMUNITY COMMUNITY RESPONSIBILITYRESPONSIBILITY

Community responsibility begins Community responsibility begins with with Source SeparationSource Separation

One container for compostables One container for compostables (i.e.the organic fraction)(i.e.the organic fraction)

One (or more) containers for the One (or more) containers for the recyclablesrecyclables

One container for the residualsOne container for the residuals

““The Fantastic 3”The Fantastic 3”

The San Francisco systemThe San Francisco system

CompostingCompostingFacilityFacility

Composting Facility for Composting Facility for San FranciscoSan Francisco

Composting is Composting is critically importantcritically important 1) It is the organic fraction which 1) It is the organic fraction which

makes garbage STINK makes garbage STINK 2) It is the organic fraction which 2) It is the organic fraction which

makes landfills so problematic makes landfills so problematic (methane, odor, leachate)(methane, odor, leachate)

3) We need the organics back into the 3) We need the organics back into the soilsoil

4) Composting sequesters much of the 4) Composting sequesters much of the organic carbon and reduces global organic carbon and reduces global warming in several wayswarming in several ways

MaterialsMaterialsRecoveryRecovery

FacilityFacility

at Pier 96

MATERIALS RECOVERY FACIILITYMATERIALS RECOVERY FACIILITY

The CityThe CityThe Rural AreasThe Rural Areas

MaterialsMaterialsRecoveryRecoveryFacilityFacility

FacilityFacility

We have to minimize We have to minimize what goes into what goes into container 3 - the container 3 - the residualsresiduals

FacilityFacility

Reuse & RepairReuse & Repair

FacilityFacility

& Deconstruction& Deconstruction

Burlington, VermontBurlington, Vermont

Recycle North (27 employees, gross income Recycle North (27 employees, gross income over $700,000) offers an excellent model of over $700,000) offers an excellent model of reuse, repair, reuse, repair, job trainingjob training and deconstruction and deconstruction - - see videosee video..

www.recyclenorth.org See also Urban Ore, BerkeleySee also Urban Ore, Berkeley Revolve, Canberra, AustraliaRevolve, Canberra, Australia Waste Wise, Georgetown, OntarioWaste Wise, Georgetown, Ontario EcoCycle, Boulder, ColoradoEcoCycle, Boulder, Colorado Eureka Recycling, St. Paul, MNEureka Recycling, St. Paul, MN

FacilityFacility

CommunityCommunityInitiatives to Initiatives to

ReduceReducewastewaste

ItalyItaly

A supermarket chain near A supermarket chain near Florence is providing dispensers Florence is providing dispensers which allow customers to refill which allow customers to refill shampooshampoo and and detergentdetergent bottles… bottles…

OthersOthers wine, water wine, water andand milk milk

Alcune iniziative italiane per la Alcune iniziative italiane per la riduzioneriduzione

•Un pizzico di Un pizzico di creatività a creatività a monte può far monte può far risparmiare risparmiare milioni a vallemilioni a valle

IrelandIreland

Has a 15 cent tax on plastic Has a 15 cent tax on plastic shopping bags - reduced use by shopping bags - reduced use by over 90% in one yearover 90% in one year

80 towns in Australia have 80 towns in Australia have banned plastic shopping bags banned plastic shopping bags completelycompletely

FacilityFacility

ResidualsResiduals??

The residual fraction is the key The residual fraction is the key difference between waste difference between waste disposal and Zero Waste 2020disposal and Zero Waste 2020

Incineration Incineration andand landfills landfills attempt to attempt to make the residuals disappearmake the residuals disappear

Zero Waste 2020Zero Waste 2020 needs to make the needs to make the residuals VERY VISIBLE, because…residuals VERY VISIBLE, because…

Residual Fraction Residual Fraction = bad industrial = bad industrial design and poor purchasing decisionsdesign and poor purchasing decisions

FacilityFacility ResidualsResiduals==

Our CurrentOur CurrentFailuresFailures

4. The Key Step Forward4. The Key Step Forward

Residuals must not go Residuals must not go directly to a landfilldirectly to a landfill But to a screening (separating) But to a screening (separating)

facility in front of the landfillfacility in front of the landfill

MORE TOXICS

RESIDUAL SCREENING FACILITY

MORE RECYCLABLES

DIRTYDIRTYORGANIC ORGANIC FRACTIONFRACTION

INTERIM LANDFILL

BIOLOGICAL STABILIZATION

MORE TOXICS

MORE RECYCLABLES

INTERIM LANDFILL

Built in front of landfillBuilt in front of landfill

MORE TOXICS

MORE RECYCLABLES

INTERIM LANDFILL

Operating inOperating in Nova ScotiaNova ScotiaBuilt in front of landfillBuilt in front of landfill

We need an important We need an important

additionaddition

MORE TOXICS

MORE RECYCLABLES

INTERIM LANDFILL

Operating inOperating in Nova ScotiaNova ScotiaBuilt in front of landfillBuilt in front of landfill

MORE TOXICS

NON-TOXIC, NON-BIODEGRADABLE FRACTION

RESIDUAL SCREENING & RESEARCH& RESEARCH FACILITY

MORE RECYCLABLES

INTERIM LANDFILL

RESEARCH RESEARCH CENTERCENTER

NON-RECYCABLE MATERIALS

RESIDUAL SCREENING & RESEARCH FACILITY

Local Local UniversityUniversity

Or Or Technical CollegeTechnical College

RESEARCH RESEARCH CENTERCENTER

RESEARCH CENTERRESEARCH CENTER

Improve capture rate of reusables, Improve capture rate of reusables, recyclables and clean compostables (Captain recyclables and clean compostables (Captain Garbage - make it fun!)Garbage - make it fun!)

Recommend waste avoidance strategies for Recommend waste avoidance strategies for local businesseslocal businesses

Develop some local uses for some materials Develop some local uses for some materials Recommend better industrial designs to Recommend better industrial designs to

industry on packaging and productsindustry on packaging and products Develop alternatives to some of the toxics in Develop alternatives to some of the toxics in

products (batteries, paint, solvents etc) products (batteries, paint, solvents etc)

Residuals - Capannori Porta a Residuals - Capannori Porta a PortaPorta

1.1. Tessili e cuoloTessili e cuolo 16.52 16.52 %%

2.2. PannoliniPannolini 13.95 13.95 %%

3.3. Materiale organico da cucinaMateriale organico da cucina 10.56 10.56 %%

4.4. Altra plastica: non imballoAltra plastica: non imballo 9.98 9.98 %%

5.5. Imballaggi cellulosici Imballaggi cellulosici poliaccopiatipoliaccopiati

8.05 8.05 %%

6.6. Imballaggi poliaccopiati in Imballaggi poliaccopiati in plasticaplastica

7.45 7.45 %%

7.7. Imballaggi flessibili in plasticaImballaggi flessibili in plastica 6.81 6.81 %%

8.8. Materiale organico da Materiale organico da giardinogiardino

4.64 4.64 %%

9. 9. Imballaggi rigidi in plastica Imballaggi rigidi in plastica (non (non bottiglie)bottiglie)

3.23 3.23 %%

Giornali (quotidiani e riviste)Giornali (quotidiani e riviste) 2.54 2.54 %%

The Residual The Residual Screening & Screening & ResearchResearch FacilityFacility Is the key link between Is the key link between

Community ResponsibilityCommunity Responsibility and and Industrial ResponsibilityIndustrial Responsibility

We need a network of local We need a network of local research centers linked to state, research centers linked to state, regional and federal research regional and federal research institutes working on a institutes working on a SUSTAINABLE FUTURESUSTAINABLE FUTURE

FacilityFacilityResidual Residual ScreeningScreening

&& ReseachFacilityFacility

Household toxicsHousehold toxics

WITH INCINERATIONWITH INCINERATION

WE CONVERT WE CONVERT 3 TONS OF TRASH3 TONS OF TRASH

intointo: :

1 ton of ASH1 ton of ASH

That nobody wants!That nobody wants!

WITH THE ZERO WITH THE ZERO WASTE 2020 WASTE 2020 STRATEGYSTRATEGY

WE CONVERT WE CONVERT 3 TONS OF TRASH3 TONS OF TRASH

intointo: :

1 ton of compostables1 ton of compostables

1 ton of recyclables1 ton of recyclables

andand

1 ton of EDUCATION!1 ton of EDUCATION!

The Message to The Message to Industry:Industry:

• If we can’t If we can’t reuse itreuse it, , recycle itrecycle it or or compost itcompost it,,

• Industry shouldn’t be making it and Industry shouldn’t be making it and

• we shouldn’t be buying it!!!we shouldn’t be buying it!!!

GOOD LEADERSHIPGOOD LEADERSHIP

We need leaders with

Big vision

imagination

and …

WHO ARE NOT BORING!

Boring experts think Boring experts think with the wrong end with the wrong end of their bodies !of their bodies !

A BACK END THINKER…

1. A CUP2. A BUCKET3. A FOOT PUMP4. AN ELECTRIC PUMP

A FRONT END THINKER…

5. Progress towards 5. Progress towards Zero Waste around the Zero Waste around the worldworldwww.zwia.orgwww.GRRN.orgwww.CRRA.orgwww.CRRA.org

New ZealandNew Zealand

Over 50% of communities Over 50% of communities have declared a Zero have declared a Zero Waste strategyWaste strategy

Prince Edward Island, Prince Edward Island, CanadaCanada Whole island has door to door Whole island has door to door

collection of recyclables and collection of recyclables and compostablescompostables

Nova Scotia Nova Scotia

50% diversion in 5 years 50% diversion in 5 years (Halifax ~ (Halifax ~ 60%)60%)

10001000 jobs created collecting and jobs created collecting and treating discarded materialstreating discarded materials

Another Another 20002000 jobs created in the jobs created in the industries handling the collected industries handling the collected materialmaterial

Nearly all the separated materials are Nearly all the separated materials are re-used in Nova Scotia’s own re-used in Nova Scotia’s own industries.industries.

Canberra, AustraliaCanberra, Australia

Passed law “No Waste by 2010”Passed law “No Waste by 2010” Currently over 70% diversionCurrently over 70% diversion Setting up a “Resource Recovery Setting up a “Resource Recovery

Park” to locate all the industries Park” to locate all the industries which can make products out of which can make products out of separated materialsseparated materials

OntarioOntario

The city of Markham (north of The city of Markham (north of Toronto) has diverted 70% from Toronto) has diverted 70% from landfill in 2 years.landfill in 2 years.

Contact: Councillor Erin ShapiroContact: Councillor Erin Shapiro eshapero@markam.ca www.Markham.cawww.Markham.ca

San FranciscoSan Francisco Population = 850,000Population = 850,000 Very little space Very little space 50% waste diverted by 200050% waste diverted by 2000 63% waste diverted by 200463% waste diverted by 2004 75% waste diverted by 2010 75% waste diverted by 2010

(goal)(goal) 100% (or very close!) by 2020 100% (or very close!) by 2020

– Zero Waste– Zero Waste

ItalyItaly

Italy has pioneered new “door to Italy has pioneered new “door to door” collection systems to door” collection systems to maximize the collection of clean maximize the collection of clean organic materialorganic material

Important work done by Enzo Important work done by Enzo Favorino from the Agricultural Favorino from the Agricultural School in the Parco Monza, near School in the Parco Monza, near Milan.Milan.

ItalyItaly

Over 1000 communities in Italy Over 1000 communities in Italy are achieving over 50% diversion are achieving over 50% diversion using “door to door” collection using “door to door” collection systemssystems

Comunità in Lazio che hanno Comunità in Lazio che hanno riciclato più del 50% dei rifiuti riciclato più del 50% dei rifiuti attraverso il sistema di raccolta attraverso il sistema di raccolta porta-a-portaporta-a-porta in un solo anno! in un solo anno!

ComuneComune PopulazionePopulazione % rifiuto % rifiuto

differenziatodifferenziato

Sonnino Sonnino

7,1547,154 54%54%

SermonetaSermoneta 7,0007,000 64%64%

LenolaLenola 4,2004,200 65%65%

MonterosiMonterosi 3,0293,029 54%54%

BassianoBassiano 1,6701,670 50%50%

CastelforteCastelforte 4,7004,700 52%52%

ItalyItaly

4 communities near 4 communities near SalernoSalerno have have achieved 70% diversionachieved 70% diversion

ItalyItaly

Novara Novara - (near Turin, population = - (near Turin, population = 100,000) achieved 70% diversion 100,000) achieved 70% diversion in just 18 months!in just 18 months!

ItalyItaly

The Treviso region - 22 The Treviso region - 22 communities averaging 76% communities averaging 76% diversiondiversion

RISULTATI QUANTITATIVIRISULTATI QUANTITATIVIAUMENTO % RACCOLTA DIFFERENZIATAAUMENTO % RACCOLTA DIFFERENZIATA

27,18%33,64%

65,64% 70,42% 73,82% 75,63%

CONSORZIO ANNO 2000(14 COMUNI)

RISULTATI QUANTITATIVIRISULTATI QUANTITATIVIAUMENTO % RACCOLTA AUMENTO % RACCOLTA

DIFFERENZIATADIFFERENZIATA42

10,00%

20,00%

30,00%

40,00%

50,00%

60,00%

70,00%

80,00%

90,00%

Villorb

ANNO 2000

ANNO 2005

4 communities over 80% diversion4 communities over 80% diversion

DIFFERENZIATA COSTA DI PIU?DIFFERENZIATA COSTA DI PIU?ANDAMENTO DEI COSTI DI GESTIONE OPERATIVA

CON E SENZA RACCOLTA DIFFERENZIATA

€ 91,64

€ 67,68

€ 73,92

€ 60,58

€ 65,69

€ 30,00

€ 40,00

€ 50,00

€ 60,00

€ 70,00

€ 80,00

€ 90,00

€ 100,00

1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005

Costi di gestione senza raccolta differenziata

Costi di gestione con raccolta differenziata

La gestione dei rifiutiLa gestione dei rifiuti

nei Comuni del Consorzio nei Comuni del Consorzio PriulaPriula

Paolo ContòPaolo ContòConsorzio Intercomunale Priula - Villorba (TVConsorzio Intercomunale Priula - Villorba (TV))

consorzio@priula.itconsorzio@priula.it

On Feb 24, 2007 On Feb 24, 2007 Capannori (near Capannori (near Lucca) became the Lucca) became the first town in Italy to first town in Italy to declare a Zero Waste declare a Zero Waste 2020 strategy2020 strategy Rossano Ercolini Rossano Ercolini Ambientefuturo@interfree.it

338-28-66-215338-28-66-215

The waste problemThe waste problem

Is too important to be left to Is too important to be left to “waste experts”“waste experts”

We need all sectors involved if we We need all sectors involved if we are to move towards a are to move towards a sustainable societysustainable society

As far as sustainability is As far as sustainability is concerned the waste problem is a concerned the waste problem is a fabulous place to startfabulous place to start

Zero Waste 2020

Education

SustainableEconomic

Development

Sustainableagriculture

Communitydevelopment

SustainableEnergy

Industrial Design &

Labor Unions

Architecture

ConclusionsConclusions We do not need mega-landfills or We do not need mega-landfills or

incinerators!incinerators! There is a better alternative which There is a better alternative which

is is BeBetter for our healthtter for our health,, Better for the economyBetter for the economy,, Better for our children, andBetter for our children, and Better for the planet!Better for the planet!

But there remains a But there remains a major obstacle:major obstacle:

THE BAD LAWTHE BAD LAW

Level of corruption

Level of Pollution

Level of Public participation

THE GOOD LAW

A people united,A people united,Will never be defeated!Will never be defeated!

THREE FINAL THREE FINAL MESSAGESMESSAGES TO CITIZENS:TO CITIZENS: don’t let high paid don’t let high paid

consultants take either your common consultants take either your common sense sense or your democracyor your democracy away from you away from you

TO POLITICIANS:TO POLITICIANS: put your faith back in put your faith back in people - we will not let you down!people - we will not let you down!

TO ACTIVISTS:TO ACTIVISTS: be gentle with yourselves. be gentle with yourselves. To avoid burn out you need to To avoid burn out you need to

HAVE FUN!HAVE FUN!

My My RRaaiinnbbooww Colored Colored RaceRacePete SeegerPete Seeger One blue sky above usOne blue sky above us One ocean lapping on our shoreOne ocean lapping on our shore One earth so green and roundOne earth so green and round Who could ask for moreWho could ask for more And because I love youAnd because I love you I’ll give it one more tryI’ll give it one more try My My RRaaiinnbboow colored racew colored race It’s too soon to dieIt’s too soon to die

The Battle Hymn of The Battle Hymn of GarbageGarbage

(Chorus)(Chorus)

We don’t want incinerationWe don’t want incineration

We know there’s a better We know there’s a better way!way!

While we recognize our While we recognize our landfillslandfills

All are swelling with the wasteAll are swelling with the waste

This doesn’t justifyThis doesn’t justify

A bad decision made in haste!A bad decision made in haste!

Let us put our heads together Let us put our heads together

So the problem may be facedSo the problem may be faced

And we must do it now!And we must do it now!

(Chorus)(Chorus)

Mine eyes have seen the Mine eyes have seen the garbagegarbage

That’s a smoldering on the That’s a smoldering on the grategrate

We must stop incinerationWe must stop incineration

Before it is too lateBefore it is too late

Unless we wish the dangersUnless we wish the dangers

We had better separateWe had better separate

And we must do it now!And we must do it now!

(Chorus)(Chorus)

GodGodrecycles,recycles,The devilThe devil

burnsburns

a sustainable waste solution for the 21st century a sustainable waste solution for the 21st century...

ash landfill

ash fly ash temp

ash management

ton of ash

anderson option slide

anderson plan slide

alternative option slide

world leader slide

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