Lecture on Solid Domestic Waste (IB ESS Topic 8.3)

Key Ideas

• Significant Idea 1: Solid domestic waste is increasing due to human population growth and consumption.
• Significant Idea 2: Both production and management of solid domestic waste impact sustainability.

Solid Domestic Waste Overview

• Known as municipal solid waste, includes:
  • Paper, packaging, organic materials (food waste)
  • Glass, metals, plastics, textiles
  • Paint, old batteries, electronic waste (e-waste)
• United States generates more waste per capita than any other nation: 2-3.2 kg per day.

Changes in Solid Waste Over Time

• Increase in volume and change in types of waste from 1960 to 2014.
• Rise in non-biodegradable waste like plastics and e-waste.

Problems with Non-Biodegradable Waste

• Lasts for centuries, causes environmental damage to land and marine life.
• Plastics harm marine wildlife, microplastics infiltrate food chains up to humans.
• E-waste and battery waste contribute to environmental pollution.

E-Waste

• Fastest-growing waste stream globally.
• 50 million tons produced annually, could double by 2050.

Circular Economy

• Linear Economy: Take-make-dump model.
• Circular Economy: Keeps products/materials at high utility, recirculates them.
  • Generates eco-industry innovations and jobs.
  • Reduces environmental damage by lowering raw material extraction, fossil fuel use.
  • Aims to design sustainability into products from the start.

Connection Between Waste and Sustainability

• High waste production leads to unsustainability.
• Effective management of waste is crucial for sustainability.

Waste Disposal Options

1. Landfills
   • Pros: Convenience, energy generation.
   • Cons: Methane release, leachate contamination, greenhouse gas emissions.
2. Incineration
   • Pros: Reduces waste volume, generates heat/power.
   • Cons: Expensive, environmental pollution, discourages recycling.
3. Recycling
   • Pros: Reduces energy usage, minimizes raw material need, decreases industrial waste.
   • Cons: High initial costs, requires global participation.
4. Composting
   • Pros: Nutrient-rich soil, long-term nitrogen release.
   • Cons: Requires space, odor issues.

Pollution Management Strategies

• Altered Human Activity: Reduce consumption, compost food waste.
• Control Release: Legislation for recycling, tax initiatives.
• Cleanup and Restoration: Reclaim landfills, implement energy programs from waste.

Conclusion

• Effective waste management involves cultural, economic, technological, and political considerations.
• Resources: IB ESS textbooks and Cognitive online resources.

Lecturer: Dr. Nina Markham

• Slides and images from Creative Commons unless otherwise noted.