Waste and Recycling

People produce waste, it is a fact of life; a fact which we cannot change. However, what we can change is the how much we produce, how we manage it, and what we do with it.

Everyone produces waste. Nearly everything we do leaves behind some kind of solid waste. People create rubbish, or municipal waste, consisting mainly of paper, wood, glass, and other materials. Factories create both solid waste and hazardous waste.

In fact, in England and Wales the combination of industry, commerce and household waste amounts to over 100 million tonnes annually. In the US the figure is

Unfortunately, this is growing at around 3% each year. And while waste cannot be eliminated, we can reduce its environmental impact by preventing waste wherever possible, and making more sustainable use of the waste that is produced.

Everyone knows that reducing waste is good for the environment. What most people don't know is that solid waste reduction and recycling help address global climate change. How? By decreasing the amount of heat-trapping greenhouse gases that are linked to everyday waste.

The link between solid waste and climate change

The different sources of GHG emissions from waste are illustrated in the graphic to the right. The disposal of solid waste produces GHGs in a number of ways. First, the anae rob ic decomposition of waste in landfills produces methane, a GHG 21 times more potent than carbon dioxide. Second, the incineration of waste produces carbon dioxide as a by-product. In addition, the transportation of waste to disposal sites produces GHGs from the combustion of the fuel used in the equipment. Finally, the disposal of materials indicates that new products are being produced as replacements; this production often requires the use of fossil fuels to obtain raw materials and

Life-Cycle of Waste Image and Description

The manufacture, distribution, and use of products – as well as management of the resulting waste – all result in greenhouse gas emissions. Waste prevention and recycling reduce greenhouse gases associated with these activities by reducing methane emissions, saving energy, and increasing forest carbon sequestration.

Article 1(a) of the Waste Framework Directive defines waste as "..any substance or object……which the holder discards or intends or is required to discard."

The Waste Hierarchy is a useful framework that has become a cornerstone of sustainable waste management, setting out the order in which options for waste management should be considered based on environmental impact.

IE Disposal is the last line of defence to protecting people and the environment from the harmful effects of waste.

In the US research indicates that, in terms of climate benefits, waste prevention is generally the best management option. Recycling is the next best approach. The research enables waste managers to analyze their potential to reduce GHG emissions based on the characteristics of their community's waste stream and the management options available to them.

Waste prevention can make an important difference in reducing emissions. By cutting the amount of waste we generate back to 1990 levels, we could reduce Greenhose Gas (GHG's) emissions by 18 million metric tons of carbon equivalent (MMTCE), the basic unit of measure for GHGs. This is based on a change in waste generation as a result of source reduction to reach 1990 levels. Estimates are that current national recycling efforts—30 percent recycling in 2000—yield annual GHG emission reductions of 32.9 MMTCE, compared to landfilling the same material. This is equivalent to removing nearly 25 million cars from the road. Increasing the recycling rate to 35 percent would reduce GHG emissions by another 10 MMTCE, for a total of 42.9 MMTCE.

Every little bit helps! For example, by recycling all of its office paper waste for one year, an office building of 7,000 workers could reduce GHG emissions by 546 metric tons of carbon equivalent (MTCE), when compared to landfilling. This is the equivalent to taking nearly 400 cars off the road that year. If an average family of four were to recycle all of its mixed plastic waste, nearly 340 pounds of carbon equivalent emissions could be reduced each year.

Reduction

Waste prevention, or "source reduction," means consuming and throwing away less. It includes:

• purchasing durable, long-lasting goods;
• seeking products and packaging that are as free of toxics as possible;
• redesigning products to use less raw material in production, have a longer life, or be used again after its original use.

Source reduction actually prevents the generation of waste in the first place, so it is the most preferred method of waste management and goes a long way toward protecting the environment.

Massive attempts are being made around the world to reduce the amount of waste we generate. Responsible Governments not only have a responsibility to reduce waste levels, they also know is is cost effective to have a little care in the first place.

Therefore, in the UK for example the first phase of an awareness campaign by the Government focuses on the effects of climate change. Information leaflets, posters educational seminars for businesses, and TV topics all help to make people more aware.

In the US , pay-as-you-throw schemes charge residents for managing solid waste dependent upon how much people throw away. Such schemes are showing savings in waste of 14 to 27%.

Wastewise, again in the US , is a voluntary partnership between the Government and U.S. businesses; federal, tribal, state, and local governments; and institutions to prevent waste, recycle, and buy and manufacture products made with recycled materials. Presently, more than 1,200 organizations participate in the WasteWise program.

The US Government's voluntary partnership programs for climate protection have already achieved substantial environmental results. In 2002 alone, these programs reduced GHG emissions by 43 MMTCE, equivalent to eliminating the annual emissions of approximately 28 million cars. In addition, an increasing number of states have been instituting their own voluntary actions to reduce emissions. Twenty-five states-which have powerful local Governementjurisdiction- and Puerto Rico , have completed or initiated state action plans, listing steps to reduce emissions. At least six of these states have incorporated the reduction of waste into their GHG mitigation strategies

By 2012, the United States expects to reduce GHG emissions by 5.6 MMTCE through waste prevention and recycling. These reductions are the equivalent to taking more than 4 million cars off the road for one year.

What are the Benefits of Waste Minimization?
Waste minimization not only protects the environment; it also makes good economic and business sense. For example, in the US reducing waste generation through waste minimization has helped some companies change their RCRA regulatory status from large quantity generator (1000 or more kilograms of hazardous waste generated per month) to small quantity generator (between 100 and 1000 kg of hazardous waste generated per month), or to conditionally exempt small quantity generator (up to 100 kg of hazardous waste generated per month). Some have managed to eliminate the generation of hazardous waste and avoid RCRA regulatory requirements altogether, reducing the charges they have to pay.

Source reduction and/or environmentally sound recyling, reuse, and reclamation practices have helped many organizations reduce:
      • The quantity and toxicity of hazardous and solid waste generation;
      • Raw material and product losses;
      • Raw material purchase costs;
      • Waste management recordkeeping and paperwork burden;
      • Waste management costs;
      • Workplace accidents and worker exposure;
      • Compliance violations; and
      • Environmental liability.

At the same time, waste minimization can improve:
      • Production efficiency;
      • Profits;
      • Good neighbour image;
       • Product quality; and
      • Environmental performance.

What is Pollution Prevention (P2)?
Pollution Prevention, often called P2, means source reduction, or preventing pollution at its source, before it is generated. It includes any practice that reduces the quantity and/or toxicity of pollutants entering a waste stream prior to recycling, treatment, or disposal. Examples include equipment or technology modifications, reformulation or redesign of products, substitution of less toxic raw materials, improvements in work practices, maintenance, worker training, and better inventory control.

What is the difference between Waste Minimization and Pollution Prevention?
Waste Minimization is a term found in the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) that refers to source reduction and environmentally sound recycling of RCRA hazardous waste. Pollution Prevention is a term found in the US Pollution Prevention Act of 1990 that refers to source reduction of all toxic wastes, including those released to air, water and land resources. Source reduction includes any practice that reduces the quantity and/or toxicity of pollutants entering a waste stream prior to recycling, treatment, or disposal. Examples include equipment or technology modifications, reformulation or redesign of products, substitution of less toxic raw materials, improvements in work practices, maintenance, worker training, and better inventory control.

Environmentally sound recycling includes the use, reuse and/or reclamation of residuals that may be designated as a hazardous waste, or materials in a hazardous waste. A material is "used or reused" if it is used as an ingredient in an industrial process to make a product or, or if it is used as an effective substitute for a commercial product. A material is "reclaimed" if it is processed to recover a usable product, or if it is regenerated.

Re-use

Waste minimisation, even at its most efficient, is not going to reduce waste output to zero. Therefore we also have to think about what we do with the rubbish left.

ReuseReusing items -- by repairing them, donating them to charity and community groups, or selling them -- also reduces waste. Reusing products, when possible, is even better than recycling because the item does not need to be reprocessed before it can be used again.

In the US , Recycling, including composting, diverted 72 million tons of material away from landfills and incinerators in 2003, up from 34 million tons in 1990. By 2002, almost 9,000 curbside collection programs served roughly half of the American population. Recycling

Recycling helps create the products we use every day—from soft drink containers to writing paper, carpet to automobiles. It mines valuable materials out of waste, turning old, discarded products into something new. It also helps conserve natural resources, reduce landfilling, save energy and prevent pollution.

Composting

Another form of recycling is composting. Composting is the controlled biological decomposition of organic matter, such as food and yard wastes, into humus, a soil-like material. Composting is nature's way of recycling organic waste into new soil, which can be used in vegetable and flower gardens, landscaping, and many other applications

During composting, microorganisms from the soil eat the organic materials and break them down into their most basic parts. This is an ae rob ic activity - meaning these mic rob es need oxygen to do it. They get plenty of that when you turn the pile. They also need water to live and multiply, which is why the pile should be kept moist. When it's going well, the mic rob es give off heat, raising the temperature inside the pile to up to 150 degrees.

Reusing waste is an area where community groups have led the way: the sector has pioneered many of the services that are widespread today, including kerbside collection of recyclables.

They have also been instrumental in promoting the reuse of items which would otherwise end up as waste, through activities as far-ranging as re-distribution of unwanted furniture and computers to community composting; all of which are helping to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill.

The UK community waste and recycling sector comprises between 850 and 1,000 organisations. Most are linked by three main umbrella groups:

• Community Composting Network (CCN)
• Community Recycling Network (CRN)
• Furniture Reuse Network (FRN)

There is also CREATE (Community Recycling Enterprise and Training for Employment) - a charitable trust that refurbishes and sells white goods.

Second hand goods markets provide an active route for re-use of consumer goods. An increasing number of community organisations are also active in promoting the re-use of items that would otherwise end up as waste. The community sector initiatives have included for example:

• The BBC's Blue Peter have recently launched their 'Welcome Home Appeal'; unwanted clothes can help to raise money for the British Red Cross to trace and re-unite families in Angola .
• Oxfam, Child Advocacy International and the Body Shop's 'Stop the Violence at Home' campaign are raising funds by recycling old mobile phones.
• Old computers and IT equipment can be put to good use via 'Donate a PC' - www.donateapc.org.uk - a free online 'matchmaking' service for individuals and organisations to donate unneeded hardware to UK charities, not-for-profit organisations and educational establishments
• Members of the Furniture Reuse Network - www.frn.org.uk - are collecting unwanted furniture and domestic appliances. The organisation promotes the re-use of unwanted furniture and household goods to help alleviation of hardship and poverty.
• Old toner cartridges are being collected for cash by The British Institute for Brain Injured Children.
• FRN
• National Symbiosis Program.
• Recycled Products Guider - ( London remade recycled guide)

National Industrial Symbiosis Programme (NISP):

Symbiosis is defined as 'the coming together of dissimilar organisms in a mutually beneficial relationship'. This world-leading industrial symbiosis initiative therefore aims to develop links between different industries to help improve the way they use their resources and minimise the waste they produce.

Set up by the Business Council for Sustainable Development (UK), NISP has a 3 year program to see:

• at least 100,000 tonnes of waste diverted away from landfill in each region every year
• creation of 300, and securing a further 300 jobs.
• Reduce CO2 emissions by 600,000 tonnes a year
• Encourage £40m worth of private investment into waste projects
• Save industry £10m a year through improved waste management

Recycle/ Recover

Recycling is a way every individual can help the environment every day - and it is easier to do than it has ever been. In the UK , a target of 17% reduction mark for 2003/04 was great news for all those local authorities striving to improve the services they offer, but a poor relation to countries like Austria and Belgium recycling more than 50% of their waste.

Recycled Products Guide

Encouraging people and businesses to recycle is one thing, but in order to ensure continued investment there has to be a market for the recycled products. And buying recycled products helps 'close the loop', creating a demand for the materials recovered by recycling collection schemes.

But where can you find out what is available? The Recycled Products Guide is the best place to start. The online guide includes the most comprehensive listing of recycled products available in the UK . With almost 3,500 entries there is everything from pencils and piping to bottles and bin liners; as well as details of the 1,000 companies who supply the products.

http://www.recycledproducts.org.uk

Energy Recovery

The declared objectives of Western Government is to find alternative fuel sources before we deplete our fossil fuel reserves. This initiative includes making energy from our waste.

A variety of ways to use waste as an energy source have been and will continue to be developed.These include used oil and compost.

Gasification Methods Convert Wastes Into Useable Fuel.
Gasification converts carbon-containing materials, under high temperature and pressure, into synthesis gas. Synthesis gas or “syngas” is generally composed of hydrogen and carbon monoxide, but can be manufactured to contain methane and other higher molecular weight compounds. Syngas can be used as a fuel to generate electricity, or as a basic chemical building block for use in the petrochemical and refining industries. Generally, syngas has a heating value that is approximately two-thirds that of natural gas, and when burned as fuel produces emissions that are similar to natural gas. In the US petroleum refining industry alone, approximately seven to ten million tons of hazardous byproducts containing carbon, currently managed under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act(RCRA), could be converted by gasification systems into useable fuel or chemicals.

Disposal

Landfilling, the most common waste management practice, results in the release of methane from the anaerobic decomposition of organic materials. Methane is 21 times more potent a GHG than carbon dioxide. However, landfill methane is also a source of energy, and some landfills capture and use it for energy. In addition, many materials in landfills do not decompose fully, and the carbon that remains is sequestered in the landfill and not released into the atmosphere.

Sanitary Landfill

Landfills are a far cry from “rubbish dumps.” Landfills are carefully designed to isolate trash from the surrounding environment with a bottom liner and daily covering of soil. This protects the groundwater and helps minimize environmental impact.

Unlike composting, the idea isn't to help the trash decompose, but simply to cover it, isolate it, and keep it from contaminating our air and groundwater.

How it Works

A typical landfill is divided into a series of “cells.” The area of the cell that is accepting garbage is called the “working face.” Only a few areas are active at a time. At the end of every day, the waste is compacted and a layer of soil called “daily cover” is spread over it to minimise odour, prevent windblown litter, and deter insects and vermin. The landfill operator moves from working face to working face, from cell to cell as the landfill gradually reaches its capacity over many years, or even decades.

Closing Time

When a landfill has reached its capacity, one last layer of clay and dirt, called a “final cap,” is added. It's then re-landscaped according to a plan agreed on by the community many years beforehand. After a landfill is capped, operators still have to monitor the site for gas and liquid leakage (leachate) for up to 30 years. Capped landfills are often used as public spaces for parks and other recreational areas. Putting buildings on them isn't recommended, because as the solid waste decomposes, some settling may occur.

What makes up a landfill?

Typically

35%paper

12% general sweepings

12%food waste

11% plastics

8% metals

7% rubber

6% glass

6% wood

3% other

In the US over 4 million tons of office paper are discarded each year. Public landfill is approximately 36% waste paper products. Over 3 and a half million cubic metres of new landfill each year for paper alone!