Chapter 19 Waste Management

Section 2: Minimizing Solid Waste Reducing waste can potentially save industries, cities, and consumers money and resources 2 main strategies for managing solid waste: Reducing the amount of solid waste Recovery Includes composting and recycling

Section 2: Minimizing Solid Waste Reducing amount of solid waste When we reduce the amount of waste, we lower the costs of disposal and recycling Conserves resources and produces less pollution

Section 2: Minimizing Solid Waste Reducing amount of solid waste Preventing waste generation is called source reduction Achieved through less consumption, less packaging, banning certain plastics, and designing goods that last longer

Section 2: Minimizing Solid Waste Waste Recovery By recycling and composting waste, we save energy equal to 10 billion gallons of gas every year Also prevent the release of more than 190 million metric tons of carbon dioxide Recycling saves enough energy globally to power 6 million households per year

Section 3: Hazardous Waste Hazardous waste – is waste that is ignitable, corrosive, reactive, or toxic Households are currently the largest source of unregulated hazardous waste Ex – paints, batteries, oils, solvents, cleaning agents, pesticides, etc.

Section 3: Hazardous Waste Radioactive waste – may cause cancer, weakened immune system, and birth defects Most harmful at high levels, but low levels over time may be just as harmful Must be disposed of deep underground in sealed containers that will not corrode for thousands of years