8.10 - Waste Reduction Methods
landfill reclamation
Replanting of native vegetation on capped landfills to stabilize soil & return natural habitat. Can become parks or nature preserves. Just like mining reclamation.
Recycling
The 3rd, and last resort of the three Rs. Requires extensive energy, time, and money for sorting, packaging, processing, shipping, and recreating new products.
Reducing
The best of the three Rs. Reduces need for new raw materials to be mined or logged, shipped, processed, manufactured, wrapped, and shipped again. All of this reduces energy use & therefore FF combustion
Reuse
The second best of the three Rs. Reusing a product again without any additional energy input. Glass jars, plastic bags, wood pallets, etc.
Recycling pros
Reduces MSW going into landfills Reduces new resource extraction (mining/logging) which reduces FF combustion & habitat destruction
Composting requirements
30:1 (C:N or brown to green) ratio Frequent mixing to allow oxygen to reach bacteria that are decomposing waste
Composting Advantages
Reduces MSW going into landfills Reduces methane production in landfills since org. waste production = methane Produces a valuable product to sell to farmers or gardeners Can reduce need for synthetic fertilizers with require FFs to produce
Composting
Controlled decomposition of organic waste (food scraps, paper, yard waste) in aerobic conditions. Produces organic-rich material that can fertilize soil and improve its water-holding and cation exchange capacity
Composting drawbacks
If done improperly, can smell bad or attract pests (NIMBY Concerns)
E-waste env/human health issues
If landfilled, which most are in US, can release heavy metal pollutants (lead, mercury, cadmium, cobalt) into groundwater via leachate These metals are toxic to animals (including humans) damaging kidneys, nervous system.
E-waste recycling
No coherent & consistent US e-waste recycling system. Should be done by pros, but typically done for low wages in developing nations with lax env. & worker protection laws