1. The average American creates about 4.4 lbs of trash per day. There are about 308 million Americans. That is 1.4 billion lbs per day! Enough to cover 1 million football fields 6 feet deep. Almost 50% of it is recyclable. By the time you are 70 years old, you will have created 56 tons of “trash”.

2. Chapter Overview Questions What is solid waste and how much do we produce? What is solid waste and how much do we produce? How can we produce less solid waste? How can we produce less solid waste? What are the advantages and disadvantages of reusing recycled materials? What are the advantages and disadvantages of reusing recycled materials? What are the advantages and disadvantages of burning or burying solid waste? What are the advantages and disadvantages of burning or burying solid waste? What is hazardous waste and how can we deal with it? What is hazardous waste and how can we deal with it?

3. Chapter Overview Questions (cont’d) What can we do to reduce exposure to lead and mercury? What can we do to reduce exposure to lead and mercury? How can we make the transition to a more sustainable low-waste society? How can we make the transition to a more sustainable low-waste society?

4. WASTING RESOURCES Solid waste: any unwanted or discarded material we produce that is not a liquid or gas. Solid waste: any unwanted or discarded material we produce that is not a liquid or gas. Municipal solid waste (MSW): produce directly from homes. Municipal solid waste (MSW): produce directly from homes. Industrial solid waste: produced indirectly by industries that supply people with goods and services. Industrial solid waste: produced indirectly by industries that supply people with goods and services. Hazardous (toxic) waste: threatens human health or the environment because it is toxic, chemically active, corrosive or flammable. Hazardous (toxic) waste: threatens human health or the environment because it is toxic, chemically active, corrosive or flammable.

5. Factors Contributing to Increasing Amounts of MSW Increasing populations Increasing populations Changing lifestyles Changing lifestyles Disposable materials* Disposable materials* Excessive packaging* Excessive packaging* * = two largest contributors to waste volume

6. Factors Contributing to Increasing Amounts of MSW

7. Changing Lifestyles

8. Disposal of Municipal Solid-Waste (MSW) The solid-waste problem: The solid-waste problem: We generate huge amounts of MSW, and it is increasingly expensive to dispose of it in ways that are environmentally responsible and protective of human health. We generate huge amounts of MSW, and it is increasingly expensive to dispose of it in ways that are environmentally responsible and protective of human health.

9. MSW Components

10. The Fate of MSW

11. BURNING AND BURYING SOLID WASTE Globally, MSW is burned in over 1,000 large waste-to-energy incinerators, which boil water to make steam for heating water, or space, or for production of electricity. Globally, MSW is burned in over 1,000 large waste-to-energy incinerators, which boil water to make steam for heating water, or space, or for production of electricity. Japan and a few European countries incinerate most of their MSW. Japan and a few European countries incinerate most of their MSW.

12. Burning Solid Waste Waste-to-energy incinerator with pollution controls that burns mixed solid waste. Waste-to-energy incinerator with pollution controls that burns mixed solid waste. Figure 22-10

13. Fig. 22-11, p. 531 Reduces trash volume Can compete with recycling for burnable materials such as newspaper Output approach that encourages waste production Older or poorly managed facilities can release large amounts of air pollution Some air pollution Difficult to site because of citizen opposition Costs more than short-distance hauling to landfills Expensive to build Some facilities recover and sell metals Modern controls reduce air pollution Sale of energy reduces cost Concentrates hazardous substances into ash for burial or use as landfill cover Low water pollution Less need for landfills Trade-Offs Incineration AdvantagesDisadvantages

14. Burying Solid Waste Most of the world’s MSW is buried in landfills that eventually are expected to leak toxic liquids into the soil and underlying aquifers. Most of the world’s MSW is buried in landfills that eventually are expected to leak toxic liquids into the soil and underlying aquifers. Open dumps: are fields or holes in the ground where garbage is deposited and sometimes covered with soil. Mostly used in developing countries. Open dumps: are fields or holes in the ground where garbage is deposited and sometimes covered with soil. Mostly used in developing countries. Sanitary landfills: solid wastes are spread out in thin layers, compacted and covered daily with a fresh layer of clay or plastic foam. Sanitary landfills: solid wastes are spread out in thin layers, compacted and covered daily with a fresh layer of clay or plastic foam.

16. Fig. 22-12, p. 532 Sand When landfill is full, layers of soil and clay seal in trash Methane storage and compressor building Leachate storage tank Leachate monitoring well Groundwater monitoring well Electricity generator building Leachate treatment system Methane gas recovery well Compacted solid waste Leachate pipes Leachate pumped up to storage tank for safe disposal Groundwater Clay and plastic lining to prevent leaks; pipes collect leachate from bottom of landfill Topsoil Sand Clay Subsoil Probes to detect methane leaks Garbage Synthetic liner Sand Clay Pipes collect explosive methane as used as fuel to generate electricity

17. Problems of Landfills Leachate generation and groundwater contamination Leachate generation and groundwater contamination Methane production Methane production Incomplete decomposition Incomplete decomposition Settling Settling

18. Improving Landfills Located above water table and away from airports Located above water table and away from airports Contoured floor for leachate-collection system Contoured floor for leachate-collection system Covered with earthen material Covered with earthen material Ground-water monitoring wells Ground-water monitoring wells

19. Landfills Sites: Public Reactions LULU (locally unwanted landuse) LULU (locally unwanted landuse) NIMBY (not in my backyard) NIMBY (not in my backyard) NIMTOO (not in my term of office) NIMTOO (not in my term of office) http://www.zerowasteamerica.org/Pictures.htm

20. Fig. 22-13, p. 533 No open burning Trade-Offs Sanitary Landfills AdvantagesDisadvantages Eventually leaks and can contaminate groundwater Discourages recycling, reuse, and waste reduction Slow decomposition of wastes Groundwater contamination Releases greenhouse gases (methane and CO2) unless they are collected Air pollution from toxic gases and volatile organic compounds Dust Noise and traffic No shortage of landfill space in many areas Filled land can be used for other purposes Can handle large amounts of waste Can be built quickly Low operating costs Low groundwater pollution if sited properly Little odor

21. Case Study: What Should We Do with Used Tires? We face a dilemma in deciding what to do with hundreds of millions of discarded tires. We face a dilemma in deciding what to do with hundreds of millions of discarded tires. Figure 22-14

22. HAZARDOUS WASTE Hazardous waste: is any discarded solid or liquid material that is toxic, ignitable, corrosive, or reactive enough to explode or release toxic fumes. Hazardous waste: is any discarded solid or liquid material that is toxic, ignitable, corrosive, or reactive enough to explode or release toxic fumes. The two largest classes of hazardous wastes are organic compounds (e.g. pesticides, PCBs, dioxins) and toxic heavy metals (e.g. lead, mercury, arsenic). The two largest classes of hazardous wastes are organic compounds (e.g. pesticides, PCBs, dioxins) and toxic heavy metals (e.g. lead, mercury, arsenic).

23. Core Case Study: Love Canal — There Is No “Away” Between 1842-1953, Hooker Chemical sealed multiple chemical wastes into steel drums and dumped them into an old canal excavation (Love Canal). Between 1842-1953, Hooker Chemical sealed multiple chemical wastes into steel drums and dumped them into an old canal excavation (Love Canal). In 1953, the canal was filled and sold to Niagara Falls school board for $1. In 1953, the canal was filled and sold to Niagara Falls school board for $1. The company inserted a disclaimer denying liability for the wastes. The company inserted a disclaimer denying liability for the wastes.

24. Core Case Study: Love Canal — There Is No “Away” In 1957, Hooker Chemical warned the school not to disturb the site because of the toxic waste. In 1957, Hooker Chemical warned the school not to disturb the site because of the toxic waste. In 1959 an elementary school, playing fields and homes were built disrupting the clay cap covering the wastes. In 1959 an elementary school, playing fields and homes were built disrupting the clay cap covering the wastes. In 1976, residents complained of chemical smells and chemical burns from the site. In 1976, residents complained of chemical smells and chemical burns from the site.

25. Core Case Study: Love Canal — There Is No “Away” President Jimmy Carter declared Love Canal a federal disaster area. President Jimmy Carter declared Love Canal a federal disaster area. The area was abandoned in 1980 (left). The area was abandoned in 1980 (left). Figure 22-1

26. Core Case Study: Love Canal — There Is No “Away” It still is a controversy as to how much the chemicals at Love Canal injured or caused disease to the residents. It still is a controversy as to how much the chemicals at Love Canal injured or caused disease to the residents. Love Canal sparked creation of the Superfund law, which forced polluters to pay for cleaning up abandoned toxic waste dumps. Love Canal sparked creation of the Superfund law, which forced polluters to pay for cleaning up abandoned toxic waste dumps.

27. Fig. 22-15, p. 534 What Harmful Chemicals Are in Your Home? Glues and cements Dry-cell batteries (mercury and cadmium) Rust inhibitor and rust remover Brake and transmission fluid General Cleaning Battery acid Wood preservatives Stains, varnishes, and lacquers Automotive Gasoline Used motor oil Paint Latex and oil-based paints Paint thinners, solvents, and strippers Gardening Pesticides Weed killers Ant and rodent killers Antifreeze Flea powders Disinfectants Septic tank cleaners Spot removers Drain, toilet, and window cleaners Artist paints and inks Solvents

28. Hazardous Waste Regulations in the United States Two major federal laws regulate the management and disposal of hazardous waste in the U.S.: Two major federal laws regulate the management and disposal of hazardous waste in the U.S.: Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Cradle-to-the-grave system to keep track waste. Cradle-to-the-grave system to keep track waste. Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) Commonly known as Superfund program. Commonly known as Superfund program.

29. Hazardous Waste Regulations in the United States The Superfund law was designed to have polluters pay for cleaning up abandoned hazardous waste sites. The Superfund law was designed to have polluters pay for cleaning up abandoned hazardous waste sites. Only 70% of the cleanup costs have come from the polluters, the rest comes from a trust fund financed until 1995 by taxes on chemical raw materials and oil. Only 70% of the cleanup costs have come from the polluters, the rest comes from a trust fund financed until 1995 by taxes on chemical raw materials and oil.

30. DEALING WITH HAZARDOUS WASTE We can produce less hazardous waste and recycle, reuse, detoxify, burn, and bury what we continue to produce. We can produce less hazardous waste and recycle, reuse, detoxify, burn, and bury what we continue to produce. Figure 22-16

31. Conversion to Less Hazardous Substances Physical Methods: using charcoal or resins to separate out harmful chemicals. Physical Methods: using charcoal or resins to separate out harmful chemicals. Chemical Methods: using chemical reactions that can convert hazardous chemicals to less harmful or harmless chemicals. Chemical Methods: using chemical reactions that can convert hazardous chemicals to less harmful or harmless chemicals.

32. Conversion to Less Hazardous Substances Biological Methods: Biological Methods: Bioremediation: bacteria or enzymes help destroy toxic and hazardous waste or convert them to more benign substances. Bioremediation: bacteria or enzymes help destroy toxic and hazardous waste or convert them to more benign substances. Phytoremediation: involves using natural or genetically engineered plants to absorb, filter and remove contaminants from polluted soil and water. Phytoremediation: involves using natural or genetically engineered plants to absorb, filter and remove contaminants from polluted soil and water.

33. Phytostabilization Plants such as willow trees and poplars can absorb chemicals and keep them from reaching groundwater or nearby surface water. Rhizofiltration Roots of plants such as sunflowers with dangling roots on ponds or in green- houses can absorb pollutants such as radioactive strontium- 90 and cesium-137 and various organic chemicals. Phytoextraction Roots of plants such as Indian mustard and brake ferns can absorb toxic metals such as lead, arsenic, and others and store them in their leaves. Plants can then be recycled or harvested and incinerated. Phytodegradation Plants such as poplars can absorb toxic organic chemicals and break them down into less harmful compounds which they store or release slowly into the air. Inorganic metal contaminants Organic contaminants Radioactive contaminants Brake fern Poplar tree Indian mustard Willow tree Sunflower Oil spill Landfill Groundwater Soil Polluted leachate Decontaminated water out Polluted groundwater in Groundwater Soil

34. Fig. 22-18, p. 538 Inexpensive Low energy use Easy to establish Trade-Offs Phytoremediation AdvantagesDisadvantages Some plants can become toxic to animals Some toxic organic chemicals may evaporate from plant leaves Produces little air pollution compared to incineration Can reduce material dumped into landfills Slow (can take several growing seasons) Effective only at depth plant roots can reach

35. Conversion to Less Hazardous Substances Incineration: heating many types of hazardous waste to high temperatures – up to 2000 °C – in an incinerator can break them down and convert them to less harmful or harmless chemicals. Incineration: heating many types of hazardous waste to high temperatures – up to 2000 °C – in an incinerator can break them down and convert them to less harmful or harmless chemicals.

36. Long-Term Storage of Hazardous Waste Hazardous waste can be disposed of on or underneath the earth’s surface, but without proper design and care this can pollute the air and water. Hazardous waste can be disposed of on or underneath the earth’s surface, but without proper design and care this can pollute the air and water. Deep-well disposal: liquid hazardous wastes are pumped under pressure into dry porous rock far beneath aquifers. Deep-well disposal: liquid hazardous wastes are pumped under pressure into dry porous rock far beneath aquifers. Surface impoundments: excavated depressions such as ponds, pits, or lagoons into which liners are placed and liquid hazardous wastes are stored. Surface impoundments: excavated depressions such as ponds, pits, or lagoons into which liners are placed and liquid hazardous wastes are stored.

37. Fig. 22-20, p. 539 Safe method if sites are chosen carefully Trade-Offs Deep Underground Wells AdvantagesDisadvantages Encourages waste production Existing fractures or earthquakes can allow wastes to escape into groundwater Leaks from corrosion of well casing Leaks or spills at surface Low cost Easy to do Wastes can be retrieved if problems develop

38. Brownfields With certain legal exclusions and additions, the term "brownfield site" means real property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant. With certain legal exclusions and additions, the term "brownfield site" means real property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant.

39. Qualifies if: if the President finds that financial assistance will protect human health and the environment, and either promote economic development or enable the creation of, preservation of, or addition to parks, greenways, undeveloped property, other recreational property, or other property used for nonprofit purposes. if the President finds that financial assistance will protect human health and the environment, and either promote economic development or enable the creation of, preservation of, or addition to parks, greenways, undeveloped property, other recreational property, or other property used for nonprofit purposes. is mine-scarred land. is mine-scarred land. site for which there is no viable responsible party and which will be assessed, investigated, or cleaned up by a person that is not potentially liable for cleaning up the site; site for which there is no viable responsible party and which will be assessed, investigated, or cleaned up by a person that is not potentially liable for cleaning up the site; is contaminated by a controlled substance is contaminated by a controlled substance

40. From Landfill to Playing Field

41. The Regulatory Perspective Solid waste disposal act 1965 Solid waste disposal act 1965 Resource recovery act 1970 and1976 Resource recovery act 1970 and1976 Resource conservation and recovery act (RCRA) of 1976 “cradle to grave” Resource conservation and recovery act (RCRA) of 1976 “cradle to grave” Superfund act 1980 CERCLA Superfund act 1980 CERCLA Hazardous and solid waste amendments 1984 Hazardous and solid waste amendments 1984

42. Secure Hazardous Waste Landfill In the U.S. there are only 23 commercial hazardous waste landfills. In the U.S. there are only 23 commercial hazardous waste landfills. Figure 22-22

43. Fig. 22-23, p. 540 What Can You Do? Use pesticides in the smallest amount possible. Use less harmful substances instead of commercial chemicals for most household cleaners. For example use liquid ammonia to clean appliances and windows; vinegar to polish metals, clean surfaces, and remove stains and mildew; baking soda to clean household utensils, deodorize, and remove stains; borax to remove stains and mildew. Do not dispose of pesticides, paints, solvents, oil, antifreeze, or other products containing hazardous chemicals by flushing them down the toilet, pouring them down the drain, burying them, throwing them into the garbage, or dumping them down storm drains. Hazardous Waste

44. WASTING RESOURCES Solid wastes polluting a river in Jakarta, Indonesia. The man in the boat is looking for items to salvage or sell. Solid wastes polluting a river in Jakarta, Indonesia. The man in the boat is looking for items to salvage or sell. Figure 22-3

45. WASTING RESOURCES The United States produces about a third of the world’s solid waste and buries more than half of it in landfills. The United States produces about a third of the world’s solid waste and buries more than half of it in landfills. About 98.5% is industrial solid waste. About 98.5% is industrial solid waste. The remaining 1.5% is MSW. The remaining 1.5% is MSW. About 55% of U.S. MSW is dumped into landfills, 30% is recycled or composted, and 15% is burned in incinerators. About 55% of U.S. MSW is dumped into landfills, 30% is recycled or composted, and 15% is burned in incinerators.

46. Electronic Waste: A Growing Problem E-waste consists of toxic and hazardous waste such as PVC, lead, mercury, and cadmium. E-waste consists of toxic and hazardous waste such as PVC, lead, mercury, and cadmium. The U.S. produces almost half of the world's e-waste but only recycles about 10% of it. The U.S. produces almost half of the world's e-waste but only recycles about 10% of it. Figure 22-4

47. Case Study: Lead Lead is especially harmful to children and is still used in leaded gasoline and household paints in about 100 countries. Lead is especially harmful to children and is still used in leaded gasoline and household paints in about 100 countries. Figure 22-24

48. Case Study: Mercury Mercury is released into the environment mostly by burning coal and incinerating wastes and can build to high levels in some types of fish. Mercury is released into the environment mostly by burning coal and incinerating wastes and can build to high levels in some types of fish. Figure 22-26

49. Fig. 22-25, p. 542 BIOMAGNIFICATION IN FOOD CHAIN SEDIMENT PRECIPITATION WINDS AIR WATER Inorganic mercury and acids (Hg 2+ ) Inorganic mercury and acids (Hg 2+ ) Organic mercury (CH 3 Hg + ) Inorganic mercury (Hg 2+ ) Hg 2+ and acids Runoff of Hg 2+ and acids Large fish Small fish ZooplanktonPhytoplankton Hg and SO 2 Hg 2 + and acids Human sources Incinerator Coal- burning plant Elemental mercury vapor (Hg) Photo- chemical Oxidation Elemental mercury liquid (Hg) Deposition Bacteria and acids Settles out Settles out Settles out Vaporization Deposition

51. INTEGRATED WASTE MANAGEMENT Figure 22-5

52. Solutions: Reducing Solid Waste Refuse: to buy items that we really don’t need. Refuse: to buy items that we really don’t need. Reduce: consume less and live a simpler and less stressful life by practicing simplicity. Reduce: consume less and live a simpler and less stressful life by practicing simplicity. Replace: use alternative materials Replace: use alternative materials Reuse: rely more on items that can be used over and over. Reuse: rely more on items that can be used over and over. Repurpose: use something for another purpose instead of throwing it away. Repurpose: use something for another purpose instead of throwing it away. Recycle: paper, glass, cans, plastics…and buy items made from recycled materials. Recycle: paper, glass, cans, plastics…and buy items made from recycled materials.

53. Fig. 22-6, p. 524 Follow the five Rs of resource use: Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose, and Recycle. Buy products in concentrated form whenever possible. Read newspapers and magazines online. Use e-mail in place of conventional paper mail. Refill and reuse a bottled water container with tap water. Do not use throwaway paper and plastic plates, cups and eating utensils, and other disposable items when reusable or refillable versions are available. Buy things that are reusable, recyclable, or compostable, and be sure to reuse, recycle, and compost them. Rent, borrow, or barter goods and services when you can. Ask yourself whether you really need a particular item. What Can You Do? Solid Waste

54. REUSE Reusing products is an important way to reduce resource use, waste, and pollution in developed countries. Reusing products is an important way to reduce resource use, waste, and pollution in developed countries. Reusing can be hazardous in developing countries for poor who scavenge in open dumps. Reusing can be hazardous in developing countries for poor who scavenge in open dumps. They can be exposed to toxins or infectious diseases. They can be exposed to toxins or infectious diseases.

55. How People Reuse Materials Children looking for materials to sell in an open dump near Manila in the Philippines. Children looking for materials to sell in an open dump near Manila in the Philippines. Figure 22-2

56. Case Study: Using Refillable Containers Refilling and reusing containers uses fewer resources and less energy, produces less waste, saves money, and creates jobs. Refilling and reusing containers uses fewer resources and less energy, produces less waste, saves money, and creates jobs. In Denmark and Canada’s Price Edward’s Island there is a ban on all beverage containers that cannot be reused. In Denmark and Canada’s Price Edward’s Island there is a ban on all beverage containers that cannot be reused. In Finland 95% of soft drink and alcoholic beverages are refillable (Germany 75%). In Finland 95% of soft drink and alcoholic beverages are refillable (Germany 75%).

57. REUSE Reducing resource waste: energy consumption for different types of 350-ml (12-oz) beverage containers. Reducing resource waste: energy consumption for different types of 350-ml (12-oz) beverage containers. Figure 22-7

58. A Trex Deck

59. Yard Sales

60. Solutions: Other Ways to Reuse Things We can use reusable shopping bags, food containers, and shipping pallets, and borrow tools from tool libraries. We can use reusable shopping bags, food containers, and shipping pallets, and borrow tools from tool libraries. Many countries in Europe and Asia charge shoppers for plastic bags. Many countries in Europe and Asia charge shoppers for plastic bags.

61. How Would You Vote? Should consumers have to pay for plastic or paper bags at grocery and other stores? Should consumers have to pay for plastic or paper bags at grocery and other stores? a. No. Instead, give discounts to people who bring their own bags. a. No. Instead, give discounts to people who bring their own bags. b. Yes. Making consumers buy their bags will reduce waste. b. Yes. Making consumers buy their bags will reduce waste.

62. Fig. 22-8, p. 526 Buy beverages in refillable glass containers instead of cans or throwaway bottles. Give or sell items you no longer use to others. Buy used furniture, computers, cars, and other items. Use reusable sponges and washable cloth napkins, dishtowels, and handkerchiefs instead of throwaway paper ones. Carry groceries and other items in a reusable basket, a canvas or string bag, or a small cart. Use rechargeable batteries and recycle them when their useful life is over. Carry sandwiches and store food in the refrigerator in reusable containers instead of wrapping them in aluminum foil or plastic wrap Use reusable plastic or metal lunchboxes. What Can You Do? Reuse

63. RECYCLING Primary (closed loop) recycling: materials are turned into new products of the same type. Primary (closed loop) recycling: materials are turned into new products of the same type. Secondary recycling: materials are converted into different products. Secondary recycling: materials are converted into different products. Used tires shredded and converted into rubberized road surface. Used tires shredded and converted into rubberized road surface. Newspapers transformed into cellulose insulation. Newspapers transformed into cellulose insulation.

64. RECYCLING There is a disagreement over whether to mix urban wastes and send them to centralized resource recovery plants or to sort recyclables for collection and sale to manufacturers as raw materials. There is a disagreement over whether to mix urban wastes and send them to centralized resource recovery plants or to sort recyclables for collection and sale to manufacturers as raw materials. To promote separation of wastes, 4,000 communities in the U.S. have implemented pay-as-you-throw or fee-per-bag waste collection systems. To promote separation of wastes, 4,000 communities in the U.S. have implemented pay-as-you-throw or fee-per-bag waste collection systems.

65. RECYCLING Composting biodegradable organic waste mimics nature by recycling plant nutrients to the soil. Composting biodegradable organic waste mimics nature by recycling plant nutrients to the soil. Recycling paper has a number of environmental (reduction in pollution and deforestation, less energy expenditure) and economic benefits and is easy to do. Recycling paper has a number of environmental (reduction in pollution and deforestation, less energy expenditure) and economic benefits and is easy to do.

66. RECYCLING Recycling many plastics is chemically and economically difficult. Recycling many plastics is chemically and economically difficult. Many plastics are hard to isolate from other wastes. Many plastics are hard to isolate from other wastes. Recovering individual plastic resins does not yield much material. Recovering individual plastic resins does not yield much material. The cost of virgin plastic resins in low than recycled resins due to low fossil fuel costs. The cost of virgin plastic resins in low than recycled resins due to low fossil fuel costs. There are new technologies that are making plastics biodegradable. There are new technologies that are making plastics biodegradable.

67. Fig. 22-9, p. 529 Important part of economy Source separation is inconvenient for some people Reduces profits from landfills and incinerators Reduces air and water pollution Saves energy Reduces mineral demand Reduces greenhouse gas emissions Reduces solid waste production and disposal Helps protect biodiversity Can save money for items such as paper, metals, and some plastics Does not save landfill space in areas with ample land May lose money for items such as glass and most plastic DisadvantagesAdvantages Trade-Offs Recycling

68. The Recycling Solution Paper to paper. Paper to paper. Newspaper = 13% MSW stream. Newspaper = 13% MSW stream. Worth $30/ton. Worth $30/ton. Ton of newspapers = 17 trees. Ton of newspapers = 17 trees.

69. The Recycling Solution Paper Paper Glass Glass Plastic Plastic Metals Metals Yard wastes Yard wastes Textiles Textiles Old tires Old tires Compost Compost Refabrication Refabrication Synthetic lumber Synthetic lumber Sand or gravel Sand or gravel Insulation Insulation Strengthens recycled paper Strengthens recycled paper Highways Highways Match

70. Curbside Recycling

71. Materials Recovery

72. Pay-as-you-throw Trash Pickup

73. Municipal Recycling 75% MSW recyclable if: 75% MSW recyclable if: Mandatory Mandatory Deposits on cans and glass beverages.05 -.10 cents per container Deposits on cans and glass beverages.05 -.10 cents per container Easy to do Easy to do Incentives Incentives Political and industrial support Political and industrial support

74. State Recycling Rates

75. MSW Recycling in the United States

76. Wastepaper Exports

77. Making the Transition to a Low- Waste Society: A New Vision Everything is connected. Everything is connected. There is no “away” for the wastes we produce. There is no “away” for the wastes we produce. Dilution is not always the solution to pollution. Dilution is not always the solution to pollution. The best and cheapest way to deal with wastes are reduction and pollution prevention. The best and cheapest way to deal with wastes are reduction and pollution prevention.