Download 5.5 Solid domestic Waste

5.5 SOLID DOMESTIC WASTE
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Domestic waste sources can be broken down into
various categories:
sewage (treated and untreated)
run-off from roads, lawns
landfill
air (incineration, cars)
paper, glass, metal, plastics, packaging
organic waste from the kitchen or garden
anything not related to industry
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One well-established (but in some instances
controversial) strategy for managing solid domestic
waste such as paper waste, is recycling
vermicomposting
When compared with soil, worm casts also
contain
:
5
7
1.5
times more nitrogen;
times more phosphorus;
times the calcium;
11
3
times more potassium;
times more exchangeable magnesium.
Comparison of recycling versus virgin paper production and
incineration
Area for
comparison/
Process
Recycling
Virgin Paper and Incineration
Energy in the
process
Less (could be renewable)
-25% more but could be
renewable
- incineration generates energy
and replaces fossil fuels (toxin
removal)
Energy in
transport
More
-less since it tends to be shorter
distances but not always the
case
Pollution
-toxins to landfill
-CO2 from transport supports forest
growth
- toxins to landfill
- CO2 from transport and
emissions support forest growth
-air and water pollution from
pulp and paper
other
-inhibits attempts to use incineration
as alternate energy source
- what could be better forest
management than to reduce the
number of trees needed to be cut?
- stimulates responsible forest
management
- inhibits attempts to improve
energy efficiency
Domestic Waste Incinerator
Domestic Waste in a Landfill