War on Waste SC.912.L.17.14

Waste management strategies Recycling and reuse- Recycling allows the reuse of glass, plastics, paper, metals, and other materials. These materials are sorted, compacted, baled, and sold to businesses for reuse. Sanitary landfills- Today’s landfills are constructed using modern technologies (e.g., liners, leachate collection systems, and air and ground water monitoring systems) to protect the environment. Energy can be produced from the methane generation decomposed organic material. Waste-to-energy facilities- Modern waste-to-energy facilities incinerate waste at high temperatures. The heat energy is captured to produce electricity or steam. Waste-to-energy facilities can reduce garbage volume by up to 80%.

How are modern landfills constructed? Modern landfills are constructed with liners and leachate-collection systems that prevent leachate from reaching the groundwater. –Liners can be made of heavy plastic, underlain with clay, or just clay depending on the natural soils. –Leachate that is generated must be collected through a leachate collection system that is installed over the liner. –The collected leachate is removed and treated to eliminate contaminants. Gas collection systems are also installed to monitor and collect the methane gas. Once a landfill is full, it is covered with materials that are similar to the liner so that additional rainwater cannot enter the landfill and create leachate. Soil is placed over the final cover so that the landfill can be vegetated. Finally, monitoring of groundwater and gas, as well as maintaining the cap and vegetation, must occur for 30 years after the landfill is closed.

How is energy produced from waste? Energy can be recovered from disposed of waste in waste-to-energy facilities and landfills. Waste-to-energy facilities burn garbage at high temperatures. –The heat energy is used to convert liquid water into high pressure steam that turns a turbine, generating electricity much like a standard electric power-generating station. The organic waste disposed of in a landfill degrades into carbon dioxide and methane, a combustible gas. –The gas is collected through a series of pipes and can be used as an alternative fuel source. Because the methane gas has the same properties as the natural gas used in homes, it can be injected into the existing gas distribution system, directly combusted in an internal combustion engine, or burned to produce electricity.

How can you make a difference? Why take a bag when purchasing something? We can carry large items without a bag or reuse bags. Don’t carelessly drop cans and bottles in the regular trash. If your local government doesn’t pick up recyclables curbside, take them to a recycling collection center. Save all paper, including newspaper, and cardboard for recycling

What will it take to win the war? Governments that can afford to make waste management a priority; Economic systems that can meet more than the basic needs for survival; Public-private partnerships, with private investment; Technology-based solutions; Public awareness and a strong urban infrastructure; and Changes in human behavior.

Self Quiz 1) Waste has to go somewhere. a) true b) false 2) What harm can come from uncontrolled dumping of garbage? a) air pollution b) water pollution c) disease d) all of the above

Self Quiz 5) Correctly complete this sentence: Modern landfills are constructed … a) only in rural areas b) with liners made of heavy plastic or other materials to prevent contamination of groundwater c) without covers d) only in third world countries 6) Which of the following are components of integrated waste management? Circle all that apply. a) recycling b) landfills c) waste-to-energy facilities d) contained garbage collection and transfer facilities

Self Quiz 7) Energy can be produced from landfilled waste when methane gas is captured and used to drive the turbines that make electricity. a) true b) false 8) Modern landfills can be converted to spaces for recreation after they are filled and sealed. a) true b) false

Why do the economy and political systems drive a society’s ability to manage waste properly? A country must have an economy that meets basic human needs (i.e., to provide food and shelter) and the political desire to make environmental programs a priority.