waste management and willful waste, depend upont brings, almost always, woeful want! ann taylor

Waste ManagementWaste Management

““And willful waste, depend upon’tAnd willful waste, depend upon’tBrings, almost always, woeful want!”Brings, almost always, woeful want!”

Ann TaylorAnn Taylor


Sources of solid wasteSources of solid waste


We have a huge solid waste disposal problem: cities are We have a huge solid waste disposal problem: cities are producing far too much waste to dispose of producing far too much waste to dispose of 80% of US trash 80% of US trash landfills landfills 70% of these will fill and close in next 15 yrs!70% of these will fill and close in next 15 yrs! ~ ½ of US cities will run out of landfill capacity in a ~ ½ of US cities will run out of landfill capacity in a

few years (and $ skyrocketing)few years (and $ skyrocketing) ½ of states in US will lose landfill capacity in 10 ½ of states in US will lose landfill capacity in 10

yrsyrs

Waste ManagementWaste Management Early view: Early view: dilute and dispersedilute and disperse Later Later concentrate and containconcentrate and contain Later yet Later yet resource recoveryresource recovery

Modern Modern integrated waste managementintegrated waste management goal is goal is to to recyclerecycle, , extract resourcesextract resources, and bury waste so , and bury waste so as to as to create useable landcreate useable land

3 R’s: reduce, recycle, reuse3 R’s: reduce, recycle, reuse


Solid waste disposal Solid waste disposal (an urban problem)(an urban problem) US: > 400,000 tons of solid waste per US: > 400,000 tons of solid waste per dayday

W. GermanyW. Germany recycles 15%recycles 15% converts 30% converts 30% energy energy 55% 55% landfillslandfills

Japan 50% 23% 27%Japan 50% 23% 27%

USA 11% USA 11% incineratesincinerates 6% 83% 6% 83%

Municipal

Industrial


Types of waste for the average site Types of waste for the average site in 1986 (Municipal)in 1986 (Municipal) note role of paper (36%)note role of paper (36%) glass and wood are a shameglass and wood are a shame

Ave American Ave American 3.5 lbs of garbage/day 3.5 lbs of garbage/day

NYC = 4 lbsNYC = 4 lbs Tokyo = 3 lbsTokyo = 3 lbs

Paris = 2.4 lbsParis = 2.4 lbs Hamburg = 1.9 lbsHamburg = 1.9 lbs

Rome = 1.5 lbsRome = 1.5 lbs


1. On-site disposal1. On-site disposal By far the most common is kitchen disposalBy far the most common is kitchen disposal Incineration at apartmentsIncineration at apartments Some industries have stored and dumped on site Some industries have stored and dumped on site

(such as the infamous Love Canal, etc.)(such as the infamous Love Canal, etc.)

2. Composting2. Composting Biochemical process to produce humus-like material Biochemical process to produce humus-like material

for soil fertilizationfor soil fertilization

Methods of disposalMethods of disposal


3. Incineration3. Incineration 900-1000900-1000ooC will consume 75-90% of typical waste C will consume 75-90% of typical waste

ash and non-combustables ash and non-combustables Realistically at present Realistically at present 50% 50% Problems with air pollution (N-O, S-O, CO, heavy Problems with air pollution (N-O, S-O, CO, heavy

metals) and toxic ash escapingmetals) and toxic ash escaping 3R’s are cheaper and more effective3R’s are cheaper and more effective



4. Open dumps4. Open dumpsMethods of disposalMethods of disposal


5. “Sanitary Landfills”5. “Sanitary Landfills” AreaArea landfill on flat land landfill on flat land DepressionDepression landfill in hole (typically excavated) landfill in hole (typically excavated)


Natural attenuation landfillNatural attenuation landfill uses soil processes to uses soil processes to attenuate the impact of contaminantsattenuate the impact of contaminants

Containment-type landfillContainment-type landfill collects the leachate and collects the leachate and pumps it for storage or treatmentpumps it for storage or treatment


Potential Hazards:Potential Hazards: Surface or groundwater pollution by leachateSurface or groundwater pollution by leachate Methane gasMethane gas

Sanitary LandfillsSanitary Landfills


Site selection:Site selection: Location of groundwater table and flow regime with Location of groundwater table and flow regime with

respect to siterespect to site Climate (arid is best of course)Climate (arid is best of course) Topographic reliefTopographic relief

Low relief is most stable, but groundwater also a factor Low relief is most stable, but groundwater also a factor in humid areas: want it above the water tablein humid areas: want it above the water table

Proximity to population and visual pollution (or air Proximity to population and visual pollution (or air pollution if incinerate) pollution if incinerate)

Type of soil and rock (best if low permeablility)Type of soil and rock (best if low permeablility)

Sanitary LandfillsSanitary Landfills

The “bathtub effect” The “bathtub effect” when too much when too much

leachate collects and leachate collects and overflows the overflows the

containercontainer


Things to avoidThings to avoid Aquifers like limestone, fractured rock, sand, Aquifers like limestone, fractured rock, sand,

gravel… any permeable rockgravel… any permeable rock Swampy areas and wetlandsSwampy areas and wetlands FloodplainsFloodplains

Things to look forThings to look for Closer to gully heads where less accumulated waterCloser to gully heads where less accumulated water Clay pitsClay pits Flat areas with poor porosity (at least near surface)Flat areas with poor porosity (at least near surface)

Sanitary Landfills, Sanitary Landfills, Considerations:


the highest point between Maine and Floridathe highest point between Maine and Florida Accepts 13,000 tons of trash/dayAccepts 13,000 tons of trash/day 25X the volume of the Great Pyramid25X the volume of the Great Pyramid

Fresh Kills landfill, Staten Island, NYFresh Kills landfill, Staten Island, NY

• Built on marshland• Trash transported by barge• Accepts toxic ash from incinerators


Sought a place to dump 3200 Sought a place to dump 3200 tons of trash from Islip, Long tons of trash from Islip, Long IslandIsland

Refused permission to dump Refused permission to dump everywhere it triedeverywhere it tried

After 164 days and 6000 After 164 days and 6000 miles it returned to NYC miles it returned to NYC where it was barred from where it was barred from dockingdocking

After sitting in harbor for 3 After sitting in harbor for 3 months the trash was months the trash was incinerated in Brooklyn, incinerated in Brooklyn, leaving 400 tons of ashleaving 400 tons of ash

The voyage of the Mobro, 1987The voyage of the Mobro, 1987


The negative publicity catalyzed Islip to develop a recycling The negative publicity catalyzed Islip to develop a recycling programprogram

By 1989 the town recycled 35% of its solid wasteBy 1989 the town recycled 35% of its solid waste This has saved Islip $2,000,000/yr and extended the life of the This has saved Islip $2,000,000/yr and extended the life of the

landfilllandfill

The voyage of the Mobro, 1987The voyage of the Mobro, 1987

Greenpeace boards the Mobro

Waste ManagementWaste ManagementInterstate traffic in garbageInterstate traffic in garbage

Couldn’t show New York and New Jersey (largest exporters)Couldn’t show New York and New Jersey (largest exporters)New York ships as far as New MexicoNew York ships as far as New Mexico


Huge proliferation in new chemicals without much Huge proliferation in new chemicals without much knowledge of effectsknowledge of effects 1000 new chemicals marketed annually in USA1000 new chemicals marketed annually in USA Even beneficial chemicals may not be so in all waysEven beneficial chemicals may not be so in all ways Amounts also are often hugeAmounts also are often huge

US US 150 million tons of hazardous waste 150 million tons of hazardous waste annuallyannually

Used to be quite indiscriminate, so now have Used to be quite indiscriminate, so now have unknown quantities of dumpsunknown quantities of dumps

Hazardous chemical waste management

Breakdown by category of the 40,000,000,000 Breakdown by category of the 40,000,000,000 gallons of toxic waste generated by US industries gallons of toxic waste generated by US industries

in 1981 (total > 40 Ggal due to overlap)in 1981 (total > 40 Ggal due to overlap)


Barrels stored at surface or buried in shallow pits now Barrels stored at surface or buried in shallow pits now corroded and leakcorroded and leak

Liquid waste poured in shallow unlined pits and poolsLiquid waste poured in shallow unlined pits and pools Liquid waste carried out and dumped in fields or along Liquid waste carried out and dumped in fields or along

roadsroads

Hazardous chemical waste management


Cows and maximum Cows and maximum individualindividual income, whereas income, whereas commonscommons share expense share expense

Also works for dumping: individual savings and Also works for dumping: individual savings and shared degradationshared degradation

Tragedy of the CommonsTragedy of the Commons


Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Identifies hazardous wastes and its life cyclesIdentifies hazardous wastes and its life cycles

ToxicToxic Flammable or explosiveFlammable or explosive CorrosiveCorrosive UnstableUnstable

Regulates handling and record-keepingRegulates handling and record-keeping

Mandates for Responsible ManagementMandates for Responsible Management


Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA)and Liability Act (CERCLA) Recognizes past dumps = hazards Recognizes past dumps = hazards Established Established SuperfundSuperfund to clean up hundreds of the to clean up hundreds of the

worst worst knownknown ones ones Changed real estate business: owners liable Changed real estate business: owners liable



1986 Superfund Amendment and Reauthorization Act 1986 Superfund Amendment and Reauthorization Act (SARA)(SARA) Provided some protection for purchasers by Provided some protection for purchasers by

allowing an environmental audit at sale timeallowing an environmental audit at sale time Required all companies to report all releases (“Toxic Required all companies to report all releases (“Toxic

500 list”) in hope that publicity would shame/inhibit 500 list”) in hope that publicity would shame/inhibit themthem



Concern because often handled so badly in the pastConcern because often handled so badly in the past

1) Secure Landfill1) Secure Landfill

Management of hazardous waste:


Concern because often handled so badly in the pastConcern because often handled so badly in the pastManagement of hazardous waste:

Location of the first 951 Location of the first 951 proposed Superfund sitesproposed Superfund sites

Completed removals in first Completed removals in first decade of Superfunddecade of Superfund

1980-1990.1980-1990.


The international trade in hazardous wastesThe international trade in hazardous wastes



2) Land Application2) Land Application Used for biodegradable wastes (petroleum, some Used for biodegradable wastes (petroleum, some

organics) where organisms in the soil can degradeorganics) where organisms in the soil can degrade Also must monitor groundwaterAlso must monitor groundwater

3) Surface Impoundment3) Surface Impoundment Lined or unlined: both less secure than (1)Lined or unlined: both less secure than (1) Hold and aerateHold and aerate



4) Deep-well Disposal4) Deep-well DisposalManagement of hazardous waste:


Minimize adverse effects by:Minimize adverse effects by: Reducing volume by evaporation, treatment, etc.Reducing volume by evaporation, treatment, etc. Treat waste so that it is compatible with Treat waste so that it is compatible with

reservoir rock and pre-existing fluidsreservoir rock and pre-existing fluids Take advantage of natural buffers: Take advantage of natural buffers:

If acidic If acidic limestone limestone If oxidizing If oxidizing carbonaceous carbonaceous

Monitor at various levelsMonitor at various levels

Management of hazardous waste: 4) Deep-well Disposal

Waste ManagementWaste ManagementManagement of hazardous waste: 5) Incineration


Actually partly = Actually partly = treatmenttreatment, because still must , because still must disposedispose of solid ash residue (often toxic) of solid ash residue (often toxic)

This is the plan for the Umatilla nerve gas storage This is the plan for the Umatilla nerve gas storage facilityfacility

Possibility of air pollution, especially for heavy Possibility of air pollution, especially for heavy metals and ashmetals and ash

Management of hazardous waste: 5) Incineration

Waste ManagementWaste ManagementSome facts about recycling:Some facts about recycling:

Al CansAl Cans May be recycled indefinitelyMay be recycled indefinitely Every Every 3 months3 months Americans throw away enough Al to Americans throw away enough Al to

completely rebuild the domestic airline fleetcompletely rebuild the domestic airline fleet Saves 95% of energy that would have been required ore Saves 95% of energy that would have been required ore Al Al

GlassGlass 85 lbs of glass used per capita in US85 lbs of glass used per capita in US ~ 75% of glass in US ~ 75% of glass in US packaging (bottles) packaging (bottles) Every glass bottle that is recycled can save enough E to light a Every glass bottle that is recycled can save enough E to light a

60 watt light bulb for nearly 8 hours60 watt light bulb for nearly 8 hours Recycling 1 ton of glass saves the E of 9 gallons of fuelRecycling 1 ton of glass saves the E of 9 gallons of fuel ~ 30% of today’s average glass bottle is recycled glass~ 30% of today’s average glass bottle is recycled glass


PlasticPlastic Americans throw away 2,500,000 Americans throw away 2,500,000

plastic bottles each hourplastic bottles each hour Plastic almost lasts forever, had the Plastic almost lasts forever, had the

Pilgrims been able to enjoy Pilgrims been able to enjoy Mayflower beer, the plastic 6-pack Mayflower beer, the plastic 6-pack rings would still be aroundrings would still be around

Plastic composes about 20% of US Plastic composes about 20% of US landfillslandfills

Plastic production employs 5 of the Plastic production employs 5 of the 6 worst chemicals on the EPA list of 6 worst chemicals on the EPA list of “most hazardous waste”“most hazardous waste”

Only 1 and 2 recyclable in WWOnly 1 and 2 recyclable in WW


PaperPaper Manufacturing recycled paper requires 64% less E that virgin Manufacturing recycled paper requires 64% less E that virgin

paper, reduces air pollution by 74%, water pollution by 35%paper, reduces air pollution by 74%, water pollution by 35% Paper industry is largest single user of fuel oil in USPaper industry is largest single user of fuel oil in US Every day US businesses generate enough scrap paper to Every day US businesses generate enough scrap paper to

encircle the Earth 20 timesencircle the Earth 20 times 70% of office trash is scrap paper70% of office trash is scrap paper Every ton of paper that is recycled saves ~ 17 trees and enough Every ton of paper that is recycled saves ~ 17 trees and enough

E to heat the average home for 6 monthsE to heat the average home for 6 months Paper composes ~ 40% of US landfillsPaper composes ~ 40% of US landfills


Scrap MetalScrap Metal Americans throw away enough steel and iron to continually Americans throw away enough steel and iron to continually

supply all of the nation’s automakerssupply all of the nation’s automakers Each year Americans abandon 3,000,000 carsEach year Americans abandon 3,000,000 cars Recycling iron and steel saves 74% of the E used to make Recycling iron and steel saves 74% of the E used to make

them from iron ore and coal, while reducing mining waste by them from iron ore and coal, while reducing mining waste by 96%96%

Recycling iron and steel reduces air pollution by 86%, uses Recycling iron and steel reduces air pollution by 86%, uses 40% less water, and produces 76% less water pollution40% less water, and produces 76% less water pollution


Miscellaneous Recyclable ProductsMiscellaneous Recyclable Products Americans dump waste oil equivalent to 25 Exxon Valdez oil Americans dump waste oil equivalent to 25 Exxon Valdez oil

spills each year (all of which is recyclable)spills each year (all of which is recyclable) Every US family, on average, produces ~ 15 lbs. of hazardous Every US family, on average, produces ~ 15 lbs. of hazardous

household waste each year, most of which is disposed of household waste each year, most of which is disposed of improperly down drains or in landfillsimproperly down drains or in landfills

~ 80% of auto batteries are recycled, byt the remaining 20% ~ 80% of auto batteries are recycled, byt the remaining 20% (containing ~ 330,000,000 lbs. of lead) end up in landfills(containing ~ 330,000,000 lbs. of lead) end up in landfills

Household batteries account for over 50% of Hg and Cd found Household batteries account for over 50% of Hg and Cd found in landfillsin landfills

Food = 8% and yard waste = 17% of US landfills. Composting Food = 8% and yard waste = 17% of US landfills. Composting is a far better disposal methodis a far better disposal method

Miscellaneous Recyclable ProductsMiscellaneous Recyclable Products ~250,000,000 tires are thrown out annually in US, but many ~250,000,000 tires are thrown out annually in US, but many

landfills refuse to accept them. As a result they accumulate in landfills refuse to accept them. As a result they accumulate in mountainous tire graveyards (hazardous if ignited)mountainous tire graveyards (hazardous if ignited)

Westerly, CA power plant heats 3500 homes using tiresWesterly, CA power plant heats 3500 homes using tires Tires outperform coal as a heat fuel sourceTires outperform coal as a heat fuel source


1996 Prices for Recycled Materials1996 Prices for Recycled Materials Shredded AutomobilesShredded Automobiles $ 135/ton$ 135/ton Steel CansSteel Cans $ 95/ton$ 95/ton Aluminum CansAluminum Cans $ 50/ton$ 50/ton Clear Glass BottlesClear Glass Bottles $ 40/ton$ 40/ton NewspaperNewspaper $ 24/ton$ 24/ton Car BatteriesCar Batteries $ 15/ton$ 15/ton Plastic BottlesPlastic Bottles $ 10/ton$ 10/ton Colored Glass BottlesColored Glass Bottles worthless in WW sinceworthless in WW since

Asian economic Asian economic collapsecollapse


A study indicated that by 2000 with an integrated system of A study indicated that by 2000 with an integrated system of partialpartial recycling:recycling: Better design of packaging can Better design of packaging can 10% (by weight) reduction 10% (by weight) reduction Recycling programs reduce by 30%Recycling programs reduce by 30% Composting reduce by 10%Composting reduce by 10% All 3 reduce trash by 50%, ~ same as incinerating all wasteAll 3 reduce trash by 50%, ~ same as incinerating all waste ……and this is at a and this is at a low intensitylow intensity level, pilot of level, pilot of intensiveintensive

management in East Hampton, NY management in East Hampton, NY 84% 84% Seattle is now at 37% (highest of any large city in US)Seattle is now at 37% (highest of any large city in US)

Waste ManagementWaste ManagementRadioactive Waste ManagementRadioactive Waste Management

The Nuclear Fuel Cycle

No longer done in US


UnstableUnstable parent parent isotope (such as isotope (such as 235235U) U) daughterdaughter isotope(s) + (isotope(s) + (, , or or + neutrons + Energy- + neutrons + Energy-heatheat

RadioactivityRadioactivity


Heavier radiation is more damaging, but penetrates lessHeavier radiation is more damaging, but penetrates less



Radiation measurementRadiation measurement 1 1 curiecurie = 37,000,000,000 disintegrations/minute = 37,000,000,000 disintegrations/minute 1 1 radrad = 0.01 joule of E absorbed by 1 kg of tissue = 0.01 joule of E absorbed by 1 kg of tissue A A remrem is factored for the damage proportionality, so is the is factored for the damage proportionality, so is the

most directly applicable to dosagesmost directly applicable to dosages



Some breakdown schemes are complex Some breakdown schemes are complex series of series of daughters and some are also unstabledaughters and some are also unstable Example: among the products of U = unstable Example: among the products of U = unstable

isotopes of I, Kr, Sr, Pt isotopes of I, Kr, Sr, Pt Pt extremely toxic and poisonousPt extremely toxic and poisonous I I thyroid thyroid thyroid cancer (I releases to the thyroid cancer (I releases to the

atmosphere at Hanford)atmosphere at Hanford) Sr acts like Ca, so Sr acts like Ca, so grass grass cows cows milk milk bones bones



Low-level wasteLow-level waste Residual solutions from chemical processingResidual solutions from chemical processing Lab equipmentLab equipment Contaminated equipment and materials (including Contaminated equipment and materials (including

decommissioned and disassembled reactors)decommissioned and disassembled reactors) Don’t Don’t much radioactivity or heat much radioactivity or heat

Nuclear Fuel CycleNuclear Fuel Cycle

Ideal sites Ideal sites have the have the

characteristics characteristics listed in Fig listed in Fig

12.1512.15


= Reactor fuel assemblies, some weapons by-products= Reactor fuel assemblies, some weapons by-products The BIG dilemmaThe BIG dilemma - very radioactive &/or toxic and - very radioactive &/or toxic and

long half-lives (long half-lives (239239Pt = 24,000 yrs)Pt = 24,000 yrs) May require depository that is very safe for > 200,000 May require depository that is very safe for > 200,000

yrs! … for whom or what?yrs! … for whom or what? Where do we reprocess and store this stuff??Where do we reprocess and store this stuff?? While we decide, we allow “temporary” storage in While we decide, we allow “temporary” storage in

pools on site at reactors.pools on site at reactors. The stuff is accumulating: ~ 40,000 metric tons of spent The stuff is accumulating: ~ 40,000 metric tons of spent

fuel alone stored on low-security sitesfuel alone stored on low-security sites

Nuclear Fuel CycleNuclear Fuel CycleHigh-level waste


1) In the geologic environment1) In the geologic environment Stable bedrockStable bedrock

Seismically stable and slow hydrologic flowsSeismically stable and slow hydrologic flows Must be studied well and characterized Must be studied well and characterized

(geolically and hydrologically)(geolically and hydrologically) Predict behavior for future Predict behavior for future climate, erosion, climate, erosion,

groundwater flow, etc.groundwater flow, etc. Political risk assessmentPolitical risk assessment

Nuclear Fuel CycleNuclear Fuel CycleMethods of disposal of high-level radwaste:

Yucca Mountain, NevadaYucca Mountain, Nevada


Yucca Mountain Yucca Mountain maymay be ready by 2010 (if it meets be ready by 2010 (if it meets specifications and Nevada can’t beat it)specifications and Nevada can’t beat it)

Nevada is seismically activeNevada is seismically active Who really knows how well it will work for 200,000 Who really knows how well it will work for 200,000

yrs??? yrs???

Nuclear Fuel CycleNuclear Fuel CycleMethods of disposal of high-level radwaste: 1) In the geologic environment


Well, it can really dilute itWell, it can really dilute it But on the other hand the ocean is But on the other hand the ocean is veryvery important, important,

and currents can carry it and currents can carry it ?? ?? US prohibits radwaste, and many other wastes to US prohibits radwaste, and many other wastes to

seasea UK dumps it all in sea at SelefieldUK dumps it all in sea at Selefield

Nuclear Fuel CycleNuclear Fuel CycleMethods of disposal of high-level radwaste:2) Ocean dumping


Ocean dumping of Ocean dumping of all types of wasteall types of waste is a major concern: is a major concern: Tragedy of the Commons again. International areas.Tragedy of the Commons again. International areas. What happens when we actually pollute the oceans?What happens when we actually pollute the oceans?

Lose valuable spawning grounds, shellfish beds, marine Lose valuable spawning grounds, shellfish beds, marine lifelife

Already see loss of whole fishing fleets and industries:Already see loss of whole fishing fleets and industries: Mediterranean sardine went early, as did Scandinavian cod, Mediterranean sardine went early, as did Scandinavian cod,

herringherring N. Atlantic fishery nearly gone: Newfoundland fishermen laid offN. Atlantic fishery nearly gone: Newfoundland fishermen laid off whole ways of life lost and major cultural shiftswhole ways of life lost and major cultural shifts

Nuclear Fuel CycleNuclear Fuel CycleMethods of disposal of high-level radwaste:2) Ocean dumping


NIMBYNIMBY Not In My Back YardNot In My Back Yard

NIMFYENIMFYE Not In My Front Yard EitherNot In My Front Yard Either

PIITBYPIITBY Put It In Their Back YardPut It In Their Back Yard

NIMEYNIMEY Not In My Election YearNot In My Election Year

NIMTOONIMTOO Not In My Term Of OfficeNot In My Term Of Office

LULULULU Locally Unavailable Land UseLocally Unavailable Land Use

NOPENOPE Not On Planet EarthNot On Planet Earth

The ABCs of waste disposalThe ABCs of waste disposal

waste management and willful waste, depend upont brings, almost always, woeful want! ann taylor

Documents

liquid waste

f surface

willful waste

incineration f

f glass

f problems

f aquifers

apartments f