Waste Management Strategies

Managing All Types of Waste

Integrated Solid Waste Management (ISWM)

Open Ended

Why is it important to have a good waste management strategy?

Landfills

Old (Closed) Landfills

Landfills will eventually meet
capacity and close.

• Once closed, they no
  longer accept trash
  and must be monitored for 30 years.

• Operators must comply
  with federal and state regulations
  throughout the entire process.

Open Ended

Why do you think a landfill must be monitored for so many years?

Leachate:

• The liquid that drains or 'leaches' from a landfill.

• It varies in composition regarding the age of the landfill and the type of waste that it contains.

• It usually contains both dissolved and suspended material.

Open Ended

What might be the consequences of leachate for those living near a landfill?

Hazardous waste

Anything with the terms flammable, poison, warning, corrosive, explosive, danger, pesticide, caustic, or acid. (Look on label for symbols).
Examples:

• Latex or oil-based paint and items containing
  mercury, such as fluorescent lights and thermostats are also considered hazardous waste.

• There are specific drop off locations for these wastes and they should never be placed in with the regular trash.

Hazardous waste

Improper disposal of these waste materials can:

• Pollute the environment

• Pose a threat to human health.

Household hazardous waste can cause:

• Physical injury to sanitation workers

• contaminate septic tanks or wastewater treatment systems if poured down drains or toilets.

• They can also present hazards to children and pets if left around the house. Never allow hazardous waste to enter into a storm drain.

Electronic Waste (E-waste)

In the U.S. it is estimated that about 3 million tons of e-waste are generated each year.

• This waste includes about 27 million units
  of televisions, 205 million units of computer
  products, and 140 million units of cell phones.

• Less than 15 - 20% of the e-waste is
  recycled or refurbished;

• e-waste constitutes less than 4% of
  total solid waste in the U.S

• However, with growth in technological advancements many electronic products are
  becoming obsolete quickly, thus increasing the
  production of e-waste at a very rapid rate.

Open Ended

What can we do to reduce E-waste?