Reducing Solid Waste

Reduce. Reuse. Recycle.

Source reduction
Reducing waste before it gets to the landfill
Reduce use less Reuse Give it a second life Recycle process and resell

Consumer power
Higher demand = greater production
Use items that last longer
Dish towels vs. paper towels Plastic bottles vs. disposable bottles Polystyrene lunch trays vs. reusable lunch trays

Manufacturer power
Make items that last longer and can be repaired

Recycling
Waste to wonder
Reusing materials Recovering valuable materials Uses less energy, water, and other resources

Steps of Recycling
Collect and sort To the facility Clean, then shred or crush Make a new product $$$

Composting
Yard waste = 15% Biodegradable Can be done at home or in a facility More oxygen & water, faster decomposition.

Lifestyle changes
Juice boxes = bad layers Buy recyclable materials
Paper building materials Al cans more cans, lawn chairs, siding Glass new glass Plastic containers, textiles, toys, etc

Degradable plastics
Photodegradable plastic Green plastic
PROBLEM: Both just break into small pieces, but do not truly break down.

Hazardous waste

Hazardous waste
Waste that poses a threat to humans or other organisms
Solids Liquids Gases

Love Canal
Homes and schools Toxic waste site Leakage $275,000,000 to clean up

RCRA
Resource Conservation & Recovery Act
Companies must keep records Producer is responsible

Superfund Act
Passed in 1980
Sue companies Force them to pay Money for cleanup

Expensive and time consuming

Hazardous waste management

Prevention Conversion Land disposal
Deep well injection Surface impoundment

Hazardous waste management

Biological treatment Incineration Exporting

Hazards at Home
Motor oil Paints Batteries Computers Cell phones Pesticides Fertilizers Cleaners Antifreeze

http://www.epa.gov