Waste Disposal and Recycling, Including International Waste

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What is the distinction between waste disposal and recycling?

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Waste disposal involves getting rid of waste, while recycling involves processing waste to recover materials for reuse.

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What is international waste trade?

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The international trade of waste between countries for further treatment, disposal, or recycling.

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Why do developing countries import toxic or hazardous wastes?

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Developing countries often import toxic or hazardous wastes due to more relaxed environmental regulations, availability of cheap labor, and corruption.

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What are some examples of e-waste?

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Examples of e-waste include old printers, cell phones, computers, and televisions.

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Why is extracting valuable metals from e-waste profitable yet harmful?

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Extracting metals like copper, silver, and gold is profitable but produces toxic materials such as dioxins, lead, and arsenic.

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What are the consequences of improper e-waste disposal?

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Improper e-waste disposal can damage the environment and harm workers, often involving child labor, and pollute soil and groundwater.

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Why is e-waste mostly exported from HICs to LICs?

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E-waste is exported due to relaxed environmental regulations, cheap labor, and corruption in LICs and NICs.

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Which countries generated the most e-waste in 2016?

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China, the United States, Japan, India, and Germany were among the top e-waste generators.

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What is chemical waste and its risks?

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Chemical waste includes hazardous by-products from industries, posing risks to humans, animals, and plants through toxins in the environment.

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What are the challenges in handling chemical waste in HICs?

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HICs require special precautions for hazardous waste, but violations and cost avoidance can lead to illegal dumping in LICs.