Waste Management and Recycling Concepts

Discarded material from households and small businesses.

Discarded material from large-scale industrial production.

A controlled method of burying waste to prevent environmental contamination.

A layer of clay or synthetic material at the bottom of a landfill to prevent leachate from entering the environment.

A system to collect and treat liquids that seep out from the waste in a landfill.

A system to collect and manage methane gas produced from decomposing waste in a landfill.

The final layer of a landfill, made of soil and vegetation, to prevent erosion and infiltration.

The process of breaking down waste in a landfill, influenced by moisture, temperature, and oxygen levels.

The analysis of water samples to determine the chemical composition and potential risks of contaminants released from waste.

Using methane gas collected from landfills to generate electricity.

The process of closing landfills once they reach maximum capacity, including capping and monitoring for environmental issues.

Burning waste in a controlled environment to generate energy and reduce landfill reliance.

The use of heat generated during incineration to produce electricity or other forms of energy.

The acronym NIMBY stands for "Not In My Backyard", and NIMTOO stands for "Not In My Term Of Office". These phrases represent resistance to the siting of undesirable facilities such as waste disposal sites due to potential negative impacts on the local environment and quality of life.

The controlled decomposition of organic materials, such as food scraps and yard waste, resulting in a nutrient-rich soil amendment.

A goal focused on minimizing waste generation and maximizing resource recovery through recycling, composting, reuse, and reduction, attempting to send zero waste to landfills.

A city's strategy to decrease waste generation through mandatory composting, banning of hazardous materials, and encouraging recycling.

The idea that making composting and recycling mandatory through incentives and regulations could lead to more sustainable waste management practices.

Toxic chemical compounds released by burning trash, forest fires, and industrial activities; persist in the environment; exposure through air, breathing, and ingestion; can cause cancer, chlor acne, and immune system damage.

Man-made chemicals often used in industrial and commercial applications; exposure can damage immune, reproductive, nervous, and endocrine systems; can also be carcinogenic; exposure through contaminated food and water.

Byproduct of medical and industrial processes; classified by level of radioactivity; lower levels are less dangerous and may be managed in industrial settings; higher levels require specialized storage and disposal.

The process of reducing the amount of materials used in production and reducing waste generated.

Abandoned sites with hazardous waste contamination; managed by the EPA; require extensive cleanup and monitoring.

Three hazardous materials found at Superfund sites, known for their potential to cause health problems and environmental damage.

Companies responsible for generating hazardous waste may be held financially responsible for cleanup; EPA can use Superfund money if companies refuse to pay.

Sites with potential contamination that may be redeveloped with state and local support; less severe than Superfund sites.

A landfill site in Niagara Falls, New York, where toxic chemicals were dumped, leading to significant environmental and health problems for residents.

A federal law that addresses hazardous waste releases and potential releases. It provides mechanisms for cleanup and compensation.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has authority to control hazardous waste, ensuring proper handling, treatment, storage, and disposal under this law.

This law focused on encouraging safe handling of hazardous waste, providing resources and guidance for prevention.

A international agreement that aims to control the transboundary movement of hazardous wastes, requiring notification and consent from importing countries for the export of hazardous materials.

A large area of floating plastic debris in the North Pacific Ocean, primarily composed of microplastics, fishing gear, and other waste.

A business strategy where products are designed with a limited lifespan, encouraging consumers to buy replacements sooner. The goal is to increase sales by making products less durable.

The process of recycling electronic devices to recover valuable materials and reduce environmental impact.

The cost of recycling electronic waste can be high due to the need for specialized equipment and labor to separate hazardous materials, with recycling costs often exceeding the value of the recovered materials.

A non-profit organization that focuses on recycling and upcycling hard-to-recycle waste, such as plastic packaging and other materials.

The process of collecting and treating materials to be reused rather than being thrown away. This aims to reduce waste in landfills and conserve natural resources.

Recycling reduces the need to extract, refine, and process new raw materials, lowering the demand for minerals.

A significant disadvantage of recycling is the considerable costs associated with implementing and maintaining the specialized equipment and infrastructure required.

Integrated Waste Management (IWM) is a comprehensive program that combines various waste management approaches, including prevention, recycling, composting, and disposal.

IWM is the most effective waste management strategy because it focuses on minimizing waste generation at its source and preventing pollution, creating a more sustainable approach.

Paper recycling involves collecting, sorting, pulping, and converting paper into new products. This process saves energy, resources, and reduces pollution.

Recycling glass involves collecting, sorting, and converting glass into cullet, which is then used in manufacturing new glass products. This saves energy, resources, and reduces pollution.

Recycling tires can reduce fossil fuel consumption, create jobs, and minimize land, soil, and water pollution.