1. Lecture (11): Waste Recycling

2. Lecture (11): Waste Recycling
Lecture (11): Lecture objectives:
By the end of this lecture students should be able to:
Define terms related to waste reduction.
Hazardous waste recycling.
Discuss advantages associated with waste reduction and recycling.
Discuss recycling of specific MSW components.
Discuss ways to increase recycling.

3. Topic (1): The recycling and reuse of solid waste:
1. Provide a cheaper alternative to original raw materials in the manufacturing process;
2. Ensure that diminishing natural resources are not used up;
3. Reduce waste disposal costs;
4. Increase the life of diminishing waste disposal facilities.

4. Terminology
Reduction: Reduction in generation, reduction in amount of material, increase lifetime, or eliminate the need.
Recycle - used, reused, or reclaimed, use of the material as a source raw material, involves physical transformation.
Recovery - Process to recover useful material from mixed waste (energy is an example)

5. Hazardous waste materials that are recycled may be:
Excluded from the definition of solid waste;
Subject to less-stringent regulatory controls; or
Required to comply with the full universe of hazardous waste treatment, storage, and disposal regulations.

6. Materials are solid wastes (and potentially hazardous waste) if they are recycled in the following ways:
Used in a manner constituting disposal - Directly placing wastes or products containing wastes on the land is considered to be use constituting disposal.
If, however, direct placement on the land is consistent with its normal use (e.g., pesticides), then the material is not regulated as a solid waste.
For example, heptachlor can potentially be a P-listed waste. This pesticide is not regulated as a solid waste, however, when it issued as a pesticide.
Burned for energy recovery.
Reclaimed (with some exceptions) materials that must be reclaimed/ recycled prior to use or reuse.
Accumulated speculatively.

7. Materials that are not solid waste (and therefore not hazardous wastes) when recycled:
(i) Used or reused as ingredients in an industrial process to make a product, provided the materials are not being reclaimed; or
(ii) Used or reused as effective substitutes for commercial products; or
(iii) Returned to the original process from which they are generated, without first being reclaimed or land disposed.

8. Materials Subject to Less Stringent Standards
Universal Waste regulations include batteries, pesticides, lamps (e.g., fluorescent bulbs), and mercury-containing equipment (e.g., thermostats) (see 40 CFR Part 273).
Used Oil includes petroleum-based or synthetic oil that has been used (see 40 CFR Part 279 ).
Waste-Derived Fertilizers (e.g., zinc fertilizer products) and Other Materials Used in a Manner Constituting Disposal (see 40 CFR Part 266 Subpart C).
Materials Utilized for Precious Metal Recovery (see 40 CFR Part 266 Subpart F).
Spent Lead-Acid Batteries (see 40 CFR Part 266 Subpart G - note that lead-acid batteries may also be managed as a Universal Waste).
Hazardous Waste Burned in Boilers and Industrial Furnaces

9. Recycling Advantages
Prevents the emission of many greenhouse gases and water pollutants,
Saves energy,
Supplies valuable raw materials to industry,
Creates jobs,
Stimulates the development of greener technologies,
Conserves resources for our children’s future, and
Reduces the need for new landfills and combustors.

10. Environmental Benefits
Recycling hazardous waste can mean less air, water, and soil pollution associated with the extraction, refining, and processing of raw materials.
Recycling also can reduce emissions of greenhouse gases.
recycling hazardous waste can decrease releases of air toxics from waste incineration.

11. Economic Benefits
Recycling hazardous waste can increase production efficiency and reduce costs associated with purchasing raw materials and waste management.
By recycling hazardous materials, a business may be able to eliminate the generation of hazardous waste .
A business may also benefit from the positive or "green" image associated with hazardous waste recycling efforts.

12. laws and legislation: The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)
The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) is the public law that creates the framework for the proper management of hazardous and non-hazardous solid waste. The law describes the waste management program mandated by Congress that gave EPA authority to develop the RCRA program. The term RCRA is often used interchangeably to refer to the law, regulations and EPA policy and guidance.