Subtitle C
Defines and regulates hazardous waste
Regulation of solid waste
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) regulates solid waste
- subtitle C
- subtitle D
Subtitle D (95% of waste)
Addresses nonhazardous waste
Municipal solid waste
1) paper & paperboard: 34.2%
2) yard trimmings: 13.1%
3) food scraps: 11.9%
4) plastics: 11.8%
Integrated waste management
- EPA recommends
- components should be considered in a hierarchical sequence
1) source reduction and reuse
2) recycling, composting
3) landfills
4) incineration
Source reduction and reuse
- reducing the amount or toxicity of products of materials before they become MSW (municipal solid waste)
- reuse: e.g. Refilling water bottes, reusing envelopes
Composting
Biological decomposition of organic matter
- E.g. Yard waste,food waste
- Degraded matter can be used as a fertilizer
Landfills - federal standards
1) location restrictions: away from sensitive areas; faults, wetlands
2) composite liner requirements: overlaying 2ft of compacted clay soil, lining bottom & sides
3) leachate collection & removal
4) operating practices: compacting & covering the waste frequently
5) groundwater monitoring requirements: testing groundwater wells for contamination
6) closure and post closure care requirements
7) financial assurance (LTC)
Basic landfill operation
- waste compacted into cells
- the cells are covered periodically with soil
- when an area is filled with cells, lifts (other layers) can be added on top
Landfill gas (LFG)
~50% CH4
~50% CO2
Incineration benefits
1) immediate reduction in volume
2) less land required
3) potential to recover energy
Incineration disadvantages
1) recovered ash has to be managed
2) air pollution potential
3) public perception
