WASTE NOT, WANT NOT! (WN) 2 INSTITUTE Environmental Issues of E-Waste
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WASTE NOT, WANT NOT! (WN) WASTE NOT, WANT NOT! (WN) 2 2 INSTITUTE INSTITUTE Environmental Issues of E- Environmental Issues of E- Waste Waste Train-the-Trainer Workshop Train-the-Trainer Workshop June 14 – 18 th , 2004 Center for Mathematics and Science Education University of Arkansas - Fayetteville Presented and Hosted by A U.S. Environmental Protection Agency funded institute sponsored by the University of Arkansas and the Center for Mathematics and Science Education Lynne Hehr rector, Center for Mathematics and Science Education University of Arkansas Stephan Pollard Doctoral Student, Environmental Dynamics Ph.D. Progr University of Arkansas
WASTE NOT, WANT NOT! (WN) 2 INSTITUTE Environmental Issues of E-Waste. Train-the-Trainer Workshop June 14 – 18 th , 2004 Center for Mathematics and Science Education University of Arkansas - Fayetteville Presented and Hosted by - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
A U.S. Environmental Protection Agency funded institute sponsored by the University of Arkansas and the Center for Mathematics and Science Education
Lynne HehrDirector, Center for Mathematics and Science Education
University of Arkansas
Stephan PollardDoctoral Student, Environmental Dynamics Ph.D. Program
University of Arkansas
MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTEMUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE(MSW)(MSW)
Problems OverviewProblems Overview
Presented as part of
WASTE NOT, WANT NOT (WN)2: Environmental Issues of Waste Disposal
Stephan PollardEnvironmental Dynamics Program
University of Arkansas
June 14, 2004, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas
Leachate – A Toxic Soup Heavy Metals
1. Lead
2. Cadmium
3. Mercury
4. Others
Organic Compounds
1. Petroleum hydrocarbons
2. Chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons
3. Ketones
4. Others
Organometallic Compounds
Methylmercury
Ex. -
Ex. -
Ex. -
Ex. -
Ex. -
Ex. -
Ex. -
Dissolved Solids (minerals)
Leachate Seepage in Johnson, AR (Not associated with Tontitown Landfill)
Pathway: Disappearing Stream
solvents such as acetone
batteries, plastics, nonfood packaging, electronics, other
solvents, degreasers, vinyl chloride, other
result of bacterial transformation of mercury
circuit boards, thermometers, flourescent bulbs, other
batteries, plastics, cans, used oil, lightbulbs, other
paint, thinner, primer, and remover, glue, gasoline
Source: July 10, 2002 ADEQ Hosted Public Meeting in Springdale, AR
Tontitown Class 1 Landfill exceeded permitted Action Leakage Rate
(i.e., secondary leachate collection system collected more than 21 gal/day/acre)
At one point there was an average rate of 25 gal/day/acre
• Record keeping deficiencies• Failure to respond appropriately to excessive Action Leakage Rate• General concern for potential threat to human health
April 26, 2002 – WMTL Class I landfill CLOSED!
Waste Management Tontitown Landfill
Source: Pre-Site Report for Proposed Lateral Expansion of WM Tontitown Class I Landfill, July 14, 2003, ADEQ Memorandum; July 10, 2002 ADEQ Hosted Public Meeting in Springdale, AR
Arbor Acres Rd
Whe
eler
Rd
Litt
le
Wild
cat
Cre
ek
Class Class 11
Class 1 Landfill:
Solid, non-hazardous waste from households, businesses, and industry
Current: 66 acres
Proposed Expansion: 46 acres
ACTIVEMONITORINGE
E
E
E EEE
E Extent Well (17)EE EE
EE
E
E
E
E
M M MM
M
M
M
M
M
M
M Monitor Well (10)GG
GG
GG
GG
GG
GG
GGGG
GG
GG
GG
GG
GG
GGGG
GGLandfill Gas Probe (16)G
Class Class 44
Class 4 Landfill:
Inert, non-putrescible wastes that do not degrade, or degrade very slowly
Class Class 44
Vinyl Chloride
ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION
Cadmium
Landfill Gas
Stephan Pollard
CLASS 4 LANDFILL - Unlike a Class 1 landfill that is allowed to accept all types of solid, non-hazardous wastes from households, commercial businesses and industry, a Class 4 landfills can accept only limited types of wastes. A Class 4 landfill is not designed to the same strict standards as a Class 1 landfill and therefore a Class 4 landfill can accept only inert, non-putrescible (wastes that do not become putrid) wastes that do not degrade, or degrade very slowly. In addition, the waste placed in a Class 4 landfill must exhibit little or no potential for the release of contaminants into the ground or surface waters.HOUSEHOLD WASTE PROHIBITED - No household waste may be accepted for disposal in a Class 4 landfill. This includes all types of waste that would normally be placed in household garbage cans and plastic bags. All of this type of waste must be disposed of in a Class 1 landfill and procedures must be in place for the separation of Class 1 waste from Class 4 waste.COMMERCIAL WASTE PROHIBITED - No wastes from offices, lunchrooms restaurants retail stores or other establishments may be accepted at a Class 4 landfill. However, crates, pallets and other specific types of Class 4 wastes may be accepted for disposal without specific approval from the Department.INDUSTRIAL WASTE - Most types of wastes generated by industry as a result of manufacturing or industrial process are prohibited from disposal in a Class 4 landfill. The Department may provide written authorization for some industrial wastes to be disposed of in a Class 4 landfill if those wastes conform to the definition of Class 4 wastes.SOURCE SEPARATION OF WASTES - Where legitimate Class 4 wastes from commercial establishments and industries are accepted or approved for disposal at a Class 4 landfill, procedures shall be in place for the proper separation at the source of Class 4 wastes from other wastes that must be disposed of in a Class 1 or Class 3 landfill.REMOVAL OF UNAUTHORIZED WASTE FROM THE SITE - Since refusing to accept small amounts of unauthorized waste at a Class 4 landfill frequently results in open dumping, each Class 4 landfill must have on site a container, truck, or transfer station for the removal of unauthorized waste from the Class 4 landfill.ALLOWABLE TYPES OF WASTES FOR A CLASS 4 LANDFILL Construction and Demolition Wastes including wood, metal, brick, plaster, gypsum board, Portland and asphalt cement concrete, plaster and gypsum, roofing, glass, siding, rubber, vinyl, and carpet. Not included are paper and paper products and containers containing liquids and unused construction products; Tree Wastes including trunks, large limbs and stumps; Minor Amounts of Yard Waste including leaves and grass trimmings if approved by the Department as part of an overall waste management plan. Under state law, landfills must reduce the amount of yard waste going to the landfill by 75% before July 1, 1994 and by 95% before July 1, 1995; Furniture and Appliances provided the appliance compressor unit and freon has been removed by a EPA certified technician. Contact the Solid Waste Management Division for further information if needed; Inert Commercial and Manufacturing Materials such as wood, solid metal, rubber, solid plastic and other approved materials; Auto and Truck Bodies and Parts provided all liquid materials have been removed; Shredded or Cut Tires according to current tire regulations; Shipping Waste including pallets, crates, banding and other materials excluding cardboard and plastic wrapping; and Other Waste materials that conform to the definition of Class 4 wastes may be disposed of in a Class 4 landfill if written authorization is provided by the Department. UNALLOWABLE TYPES OF WASTES FOR A CLASS 4 LANDFILL Household Solid Waste including any type of waste normally placed in a household garbage can or garbage bag. This includes all bagged waste unless the contents of the bag and source of the waste has been verified; Ordinary Commercial Wastes generated by stores, offices, restaurants, retail and wholesale establishments, repair shops and other non manufacturing activities. Small Containers - Small household sized containers designed to hold liquids and aerosol cans, regardless of household, commercial or industrial sources are prohibited from disposal. Large containers that can readily be verified to be empty and contain no liquids may be allowed; Wind Blown Waste - Class 4 landfills are not required to provide a daily soil cover, therefore any waste that may be lifted and blown by the wind is prohibited from disposal. This includes paper, plastic bags and wrapping, and loose Styrofoam; Wastes that Produce Leachate - Wastes such as paper and paper products, agricultural wastes, and other wastes that degrade rapidly and will leach pollutants from a concentrated waste mass are prohibited from disposal at a class 4 landfill; Agricultural Waste - This waste when concentrated produces large quantities of leachate and should be disposed of through composting, land application or into a landfill unit designed to contain the waste; Hazardous Waste or waste that exhibit hazardous characteristics; Liquid or Semi-liquid waste of any type; Pesticide, Herbicide and Insecticide Containers must be empty, rinsed and disposed of in a Class 1 landfill; Creosote Treated Wood - This material must be certified as non-hazardous prior to disposal in a Class 1 landfill; Sludge from water and wastewater treatment and industrial processes; and Special Waste as defined by the Code may not be accepted unless the landfill is specifically designed to accept the materials and the landfill permit authorizes the disposal.
Stephan Pollard
Environmental contamination has been detected around the Tontitown Landfill. Vinyl Chloride and Cadmium contamination exceeding drinking water standards have been found in Monitoring Wells and Nature & Extent Wells (4 wells and 2 wells, respectively). Landfill gas has been detected by two Gas Probes. The groundwater contamination is believed to be associated with two historical landfill sites ("gully-fills") that preceded the current landfill operation (the historical landfills are identified by zig-zag lines within the boundaries of the current Class 1 Landfill site). Waste Management is developing, with ADEQ’s review and concurrence, a plan to correct the environmental contamination.
Stephan Pollard
Environmental contamination associated with the Tontitown Landfill has been monitored via an extensive series of Nature & Extent Wells (E), Groundwater Monitoring Wells (M), and Landfill Gas Probes (G) surrounding the active Class 1 and Class 4 landfills, and the closed Class 4 landfill. Nature & Extent Wells (E) are designed to study groundwater for a short period of time (usually about 90 days); results from Nature & Extent Wells indicate where to place additional long-term Monitoring Wells. Monitoring Wells (M) are designed to actively monitor the quality of groundwater for an extended period of time. Gas Probes (G) test for landfill gas, produced by the decomposition of waste, that might migrate through the soil from the landfill.
Stephan Pollard
Evidence indicates that landfill gas contributes to Vinyl Chloride groundwater contamination. With ADEQ’s approval, Waste Management has installed a series of landfill gas collection wells intended to remove landfill gas from the historical landfill sites in an effort to minimize environmental contamination. 15 gas collection wells have been installed in the historical landfill sites, and several “out-of-refuse” wells are being installed beyond the boundaries of the Class 1 landfill. Since the gas collection wells’ installation and operation in late 2001, the two previously-active Gas Probes are no longer registering landfill gas migration.The landfill gas collection system pumps landfill gas from the historical landfill sites and burns the landfill gas with supplemental natural gas in an open flare. Landfill gas consists primarily of Methane and Carbon Monoxide, with trace amounts of other organic compounds, including vinyl chloride. About 65% of the total landfill gas is believed to be collected by the system, and about 98% of the collected landfill gas is destroyed by the flare. The burning of landfill gases destroys the methane and produces carbon dioxide and water vapor. Before the landfill gas collection system was installed, virtually all of the landfill gas was being released directly into the atmosphere through the soil.
Stephan Pollard
What is vinyl chloride? Vinyl chloride is a colorless, flammable gas at normal temperatures with a mild, sweet odor. It is a manufactured substance that is used to make polyvinyl chloride (PVC). PVC is used to make a variety of plastic products, including pipes, wire and cable coatings, and the furniture and automobile upholstery.Vinyl chloride also results from the breakdown of other substances, such as trichloroethane, trichloroethylene, and tetrachloroethylene. Vinyl chloride is also known as chloroethene, chloroethylene, and ethylene monochloride. back to top ----------------------------------------------------------- What happens to vinyl chloride when it enters the environment? Liquid vinyl chloride evaporates easily into the air. Vinyl chloride, if it is near the surface of soil or water, can also evaporate. Vinyl chloride in the air can break down within a few days to other substances, some of which can be harmful. Small amounts of vinyl chloride can dissolve in water. Vinyl chloride formed from the breakdown of other chemicals can enter groundwater. Vinyl chloride is unlikely to build up in plants or animals. back to top ----------------------------------------------------------- How might I be exposed to vinyl chloride? Breathing vinyl chloride that has been released from plastics industries, hazardous waste sites, and landfills. Breathing vinyl chloride in air or during contact with your skin or eyes in the workplace. Drinking water from contaminated wells. back to top ----------------------------------------------------------- How can vinyl chloride affect my health? Breathing high levels of vinyl chloride can cause you to feel dizzy or sleepy. Breathing very high levels can cause you to pass out, and breathing extremely high levels can cause death.Most of the studies on long-term exposure (365 days or longer) to vinyl chloride are about workers that make or use vinyl chloride. They were exposed to much higher levels of vinyl chloride in the air than is the general population. People who breathe vinyl chloride for long periods of time can have changes to the structure of their livers.People who work with vinyl chloride have developed nerve damage and immune reactions. Other workers have developed problems with the blood flow in their hands; the tips of their fingers turn white and hurt when they are in cold temperatures. Sometimes, the bones in the tips of their fingers have broken down.The effects of drinking high levels of vinyl chloride are unknown. If you spill vinyl chloride on your skin, it will cause numbness, redness, and blisters.Animal studies have shown that long-term (365 days or longer) exposure to vinyl chloride can damage the sperm and testes. It has not been proven that vinyl chloride causes birth defects in humans, but animal studies have shown that breathing vinyl chloride can harm unborn offspring and may also cause increases in early miscarriages. back to top ----------------------------------------------------------- How likely is vinyl chloride to cause cancer? The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has determined that vinyl chloride is a known human carcinogen. Vinyl chloride exposure results in liver cancer in people. back to top ----------------------------------------------------------- Is there a medical test to show whether I've been exposed to vinyl chloride? The results of several tests can sometimes show if you've been exposed to vinyl chloride. If breath samples are taken just after exposure, vinyl chloride can be measured, but this is not helpful for measuring very low levels of the chemical.Better information is gotten by measuring a breakdown product of vinyl chloride, thiodiglycolic acid, in the urine shortly after exposure. However, this test will not give information on the level of exposure. Exposure to other chemicals can produce the same breakdown product in the urine.The binding of vinyl chloride to genetic material in your blood or tissue can tell whether you have been exposed to vinyl chloride, but this is not sensitive enough to determine the effects resulting from exposure. These tests are not available at most doctors' offices, but can be done at special laboratories that have the right equipment. back to top ----------------------------------------------------------- Has the federal government made recommendations to protect human health? The EPA requires that the amount of vinyl chloride in drinking water not exceed 0.002 milligrams of vinyl chloride per liter of water (0.002 mg/L). The EPA requires that spills or accidental releases into the environment of 1 pound or more of vinyl chloride be reported to the EPA.The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has set the maximum allowable level of vinyl chloride in workroom air during an 8-hour workday in a 40-hour workweek at 1 part vinyl chloride per million parts of air (1 ppm). back to top ----------------------------------------------------------- Glossary Carcinogen: A substance with the ability to cause cancer.Immune reaction: Sensitizing response of the body to a chemical.Milligram (mg): One thousandth of a gram.Miscarriage: Pregnancy loss.ppm: Parts per million. back to top ----------------------------------------------------------- References Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). 1997. Managing Hazardous Materials Incidents. Volume III – Medical Management Guidelines for Acute Chemical Exposures: Vinyl Chloride. Atlanta, GA: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service.Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). 1997. Toxicological Profile for vinyl chloride. Atlanta, GA: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service.
Stephan Pollard
Cadmium (Cadmio) CAS# 7440-43-9 ----------------------------------------------------------- This fact sheet answers the most frequently asked health questions about cadmium. For more information, you may call the ATSDR Information Center at 1-888-422-8737. This fact sheet is one in a series of summaries about hazardous substances and their health effects. This information is important because this substance may harm you. The effects of exposure to any hazardous substance depend on the dose, the duration, how you are exposed, personal traits and habits, and whether other chemicals are present. ----------------------------------------------------------- HIGHLIGHTS: Exposure to cadmium happens mostly in the workplace where cadmium products are made. The general population is exposed from breathing cigarette smoke or eating cadmium contaminated foods. Cadmium damages the lungs, can cause kidney disease, and may irritate the digestive tract. This substance has been found in at least 776 of the 1,467 National Priorities List sites identified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). What is cadmium? Cadmium is a natural element in the earth's crust. It is usually found as a mineral combined with other elements such as oxygen (cadmium oxide), chlorine (cadmium chloride), or sulfur (cadmium sulfate, cadmium sulfide).All soils and rocks, including coal and mineral fertilizers, contain some cadmium. Most cadmium used in the United States is extracted during the production of other metals like zinc, lead, and copper. Cadmium does not corrode easily and has many uses, including batteries, pigments, metal coatings, and plastics. ----------------------------------------------------------- What happens to cadmium when it enters the environment? Cadmium enters air from mining, industry, and burning coal and household wastes. Cadmium particles in air can travel long distances before falling to the ground or water. It enters water and soil from waste disposal and spills or leaks at hazardous waste sites. It binds strongly to soil particles. Some cadmium dissolves in water. It doesn't break down in the environment, but can change forms. Fish, plants, and animals take up cadmium from the environment. Cadmium stays in the body a very long time and can build up from many years of exposure to low levels. ----------------------------------------------------------- How might I be exposed to cadmium? Breathing contaminated workplace air (battery manufacturing, metal soldering or welding). Eating foods containing it; low levels in all foods (highest in shellfish, liver, and kidney meats). Breathing cadmium in cigarette smoke (doubles the average daily intake). Drinking contaminated water. Breathing contaminated air near the burning of fossil fuels or municipal waste. ----------------------------------------------------------- How can cadmium affect my health? Breathing high levels of cadmium severely damages the lungs and can cause death. Eating food or drinking water with very high levels severely irritates the stomach, leading to vomiting and diarrhea. Long-term exposure to lower levels of cadmium in air, food, or water leads to a buildup of cadmium in the kidneys and possible kidney disease. Other long-term effects are lung damage and fragile bones.Animals given cadmium in food or water had high blood pressure, iron-poor blood, liver disease, and nerve or brain damage.We don't know if humans get any of these diseases from eating or drinking cadmium. Skin contact with cadmium is not known to cause health effects in humans or animals. ----------------------------------------------------------- How likely is cadmium to cause cancer? The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has determined that cadmium and cadmium compounds may reasonably be anticipated to be carcinogens. ----------------------------------------------------------- How does cadmium affect children? The health effects in children are expected to be similar to those in adults (kidney, lung and intestinal damage).We don't know if cadmium causes birth defects in people. Cadmium does not readily go from a pregnant woman's body into the developing child, but some portion can cross the placenta. It can also be found in breast milk. The babies of animals exposed to high levels of cadmium during pregnancy had changes in behavior and learning ability. Cadmium may also affect birth weight and the skeleton in developing animals.Animal studies also indicate that more cadmium is absorbed into the body if the diet is low in calcium, protein, or iron, or is high in fat. A few studies show that younger animals absorb more cadmium and are more likely to lose bone and bone strength than adults. ----------------------------------------------------------- How can families reduce the risk of exposure to cadmium? In the home, store substances that contain cadmium safely, and keep nickel-cadmium batteries out of reach of young children. If you work with cadmium, use all safety precautions to avoid carrying cadmium-containing dust home from work on your clothing, skin, hair, or tools.A balanced diet can reduce the amount of cadmium taken into the body from food and drink. ----------------------------------------------------------- Is there a medical test to show whether I've been exposed to cadmium? Tests are available in some medical laboratories that measure cadmium in blood, urine, hair, or nails. Blood levels show recent exposure to cadmium, and urine levels show both recent and earlier exposure. The reliability of tests for cadmium levels in hair or nails is unknown. ----------------------------------------------------------- Has the federal government made recommendations to protect human health? The EPA has set a limit of 5 parts of cadmium per billion parts of drinking water (5 ppb). EPA doesn't allow cadmium in pesticides.The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) limits the amount of cadmium in food colors to 15 parts per million (15 ppm).The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) limits workplace air to 100 micrograms cadmium per cubic meter (100 µg/m³) as cadmium fumes and 200 µg cadmium/m³ as cadmium dust. ----------------------------------------------------------- References Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). 1999. Toxicological Profile for cadmium. Atlanta, GA: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service.
Stephan Pollard
LANDFILL GASMost of the waste generated in the U.S. is disposed of in landfills. A modern landfill begins as a hole dug in the ground; it is lined with compacted soil or a man-made liner. As time goes by, the hole is filled and as more waste is added, the landfill often becomes a hill. When it reaches the point where it can take no more waste, the landfill is closed. A properly closed landfill contains a “cap” that limits water and moisture from seeping into it. Inside a landfill, waste breaks down and produces gas. The main components of landfill gas are methane and carbon dioxide. Small amounts of other chemicals, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and sulfur-containing compounds, also may be present. Landfill gas can have a bad, rotting odor. How can I be exposed to landfill gas?Landfill gas can be a hazard for nearby residents if it enters their homes. The gas produced in the ground travels through the soil and is usually released to the air. Sometimes, it can enter buildings, even those not directly over buried waste. In rare cases, buildings can have levels high enough to cause a fire if a spark were present.How can landfill gas affect my health?Landfill gas has an unpleasant odor that can cause headaches or nausea. The odor, however, is more irritating than a hazard to health. Although some compounds that make up landfill gas could be hazardous if present in large amounts, they should not cause adverse health effects if present in very small amounts. Methane is the main chemical in landfill gas and it is highly flammable. If a spark is present and enough methane is mixed into the air, a fire may occur. Breathing methane, however, is only hazardous if it is present at levels high enough to decrease the amount of oxygen in the air. The adverse health effects are due to a lack of oxygen, not by breathing the methane gas itself. In a building, methane would be a fire hazard at levels much lower than those that could cause breathing problems. Why is methane a fire hazard?Methane burns very easily and often is used as natural gas for cooking and heating. It is lighter than air and collects at the top of enclosed spaces. When it rises through the soil and enters buildings, it gets trapped in the lower parts of a building, such as the basement. As more methane enters the building, the level in the air increases. When the methane level reaches 5 percent of the air, it can cause a fire or an explosion if a spark or flame is present.What can be done at a landfill to stop the gas?As waste in a landfill continues to decay, it continues to produce gas. Most landfills collect the gas in some way to control its release to the environment. This collected gas can be used as a fuel, converted to electricity or burned at the landfill. Buildings that are affected by landfill gas can install ventilation systems to remove any gas that may enter.What should I do if I suspect landfill gas is entering my home?Landfill gas is a hazard if methane reaches levels high enough to cause a fire. If you suspect that landfill gas is in your home, ventilate your home and basement with fresh air to decrease the level of methane. Seal sump pump pits and cracks in the basement to reduce the amount of gas that can enter. If landfill gas continues to be a problem, special ventilation systems, like those used to collect radon gas, can be used to remove landfill gas from the building.
When human beings became sedentary starting to farm (10,000 – 5,000 years ago)!
Four basic methods of garbage disposal – all familiar for thousands of years• Dumping it• Burning it• Turning it into something useful (recycling)• Minimizing the volume of material goods – future garbage (source reduction)
We’ve been disposing of garbage for so long that we know what is the most convenient thing to do – dump it or burn it!
• In Old Testament times the people of Jerusalem burned some of their garbage in fires emanating from natural gas vents in the nearby Valley of Gehenna.
• Colonial times – wastes dumped outside villages or burned as fuel• First modern landfills in the U.S. – Midwest in the early 1900s
Health threat, garbage removal, and public responsibility• 1757 Benjamin Franklin instituted the first municipal street cleaning service in the U.S.• Mid 1700’s American households began digging refuse pits, as opposed to throwing
garbage out windows and doors
Source: US EPA, Municipal Solid Waste in The United States: 2001 Facts and Figures, EPA530-R03-011
What is Municipal Solid Waste (MSW)?
Overview of MSW: 2001 Facts and Figures
How much MSW generated? _______________ 229.2 million tons!
How much MSW per person per day? ______ 4.4lbs!
(Decrease of 2.8 million tons from 2000 (due to slowed economy))
(Decrease of 2.2% from 2000)
What was the recovery rate for recycling (including composting)? _____ 29.7%
(Increase of 0.5% from 2000)
What was the per person per day recycling rate? _____1.3lbs(3.1lbs per person per day after-recycling discard rate)
• Technical term for: ___________________________garbage, trash, waste, or rubbish
• Coined in: 1976 when Congress passed the ______________________________ Act Resource Conservation and Recovery
• The Act divided the solid waste stream into municipal solid waste and _____________hazardous waste
• MSW includes waste from three main categories: 1) Durable Goods, 2) Non-Durable Goods and, 3) _____________________ and includes non-manufactured items and inorganics
Containers and packaging
Source: US EPA, Municipal Solid Waste in The United States: 2001 Facts and Figures, EPA530-R03-011
Products Generated in Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) - 2001(Total Weight = 229 million tons)
Food Scraps 11.4%
Yard Trimmings 12.2%
Other Wastes 1.5%
Durable Goods 16.4%
Containers & Packaging 32.0%
Nondurable Goods 26.4%
RECOVEREDLess than 0.05%
e.g.,
Newspapers, books, magazines
Clothing and foot wear
Pet supplies
Towels, sheets, pillow cases
Plastic plates and cups
Paper plates and cups
e.g.,
Furniture
Jewelry
Luggage
Rubber Tires
Carpets and Rugs
Appliances
Consumer electronics
e.g.,
Glass packaging
Steel packaging
Aluminum packaging
Paper & Paperboard packaging
Plastics packaging
Wood packaging
Source: US EPA, Municipal Solid Waste in The United States: 2001 Facts and Figures, EPA530-R03-011
Generation of Products in MSW, 1960 - 2001
88 million tons
229 million tons
Source: US EPA, Municipal Solid Waste in The United States: 2001 Facts and Figures, EPA530-R03-011
Source: US EPA, Municipal Solid Waste in The United States: 2001 Facts and Figures, EPA530-R03-011 citing Franklin Associates, Lt.
GENERATION AND RECOVERY OF MATERIALS IN MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE, 2001
(In millions of tons and percent of generation of each material)
Weight Generated Weight Recovered
Recovery as a Percent of Generation
Paper and paperboard 81.9 36.7 44.9%
Glass 12.6 2.4 19.1%
Metals
Steel 13.5 4.6 33.8%
Aluminum 3.2 0.8 24.5%
Other nonferrous metals* 1.4 0.9 64.8%
Total metals 18.1 6.3 34.5%
Plastics 25.4 1.4 5.5%
Rubber and leather 6.5 1.1 17.4%
Textiles 9.8 1.4 14.6%
Wood 13.2 1.3 9.5%
Other materials 4.2 0.9 20.7%
Total Materials in Products 171.5 51.4 30.0%
Other wastes
Food, other** 26.2 0.7 2.8%
Yard trimmings 28.0 15.8 56.5%
Miscellaneous inorganic wastes 3.5 Neg. Neg.
Total Other Wastes 57.7 16.6 28.7%
TOTAL MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE 229.2 68.0 29.7%Includes waste from residential, commercial, and institutional sources* Includes lead from lead-acid batteries.** Includes recovery of other MSW organics for composting.
Neg. = Less than 5,000 tons or 0.05 percent.
Source: US EPA, Municipal Solid Waste in The United States: 2001 Facts and Figures, EPA530-R03-011
Generation of Materials in MSW, 1960 - 2001
88 million tons
229 million tons
All Other*
Yard
Food
Plastics
Metals
Glass
Paper
Recovery 29.7%
Combustion 14.7%
Land Disposal 55.7%
Source: US EPA, Municipal Solid Waste in The United States: 2001 Facts and Figures, EPA530-R03-011
Where does it go?
A recent federal study indicates that just a handful of such fires can spew as much dioxin as a large municipal incinerator does!!!!
Burn Barrels and Open Burning
See Lemieux, P.M., et al. 2000. Emissions of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans from the open burning of household waste in barrels. Environmental Science & Technology 34(Feb. 1):377-384.
Studies indicate backyard burning is one of the most significant sources of dioxin
Burning PVC plasticBurning PVC plastic
Source: US EPA, Municipal Solid Waste in The United States: 2001 Facts and Figures, EPA530-R03-011
Municipal Solid Waste Management, 1960 - 2001
88 million tons
229 million tons
Types of Landfills
Municipal Solid Waste Landfills• Receive household refuse, industrial waste, construction and demolition debris, and other waste• Not permitted to receive ‘hazardous waste’• Source of groundwater contamination – percolation of rain and liquids
Industrial Waste Landfills• Receive waste from industrial processes• Not permitted to receive ‘hazardous waste’• Source of groundwater contamination – percolation of rain and liquids
Construction and Demolition Landfills• Receive waste from construction and demolition of buildings, bridges, and roads• Not permitted to receive ‘hazardous waste,’ industrial waste, or municipal solid waste• Source of groundwater contamination – percolation of rain and liquids
Source: US EPA, Municipal Solid Waste in The United States: 2001 Facts and Figures, EPA530-R03-011
Number of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) Landfills in the U.S.
