Waste Disposal (HL IB ESS OLD COURSE - IGNORE)
Revision Note
Written by: Alistair Marjot
Reviewed by: Bridgette Barrett
Waste Disposal Methods
Waste disposal is critical in managing and minimising the environmental impact of waste
Various methods are available
Each has advantages and disadvantages that should be taken into account when considering their impact on societies and ecosystems
1. Landfill sites
Landfills involve burying waste in designated areas in large holes dug into the ground
Advantages
Centralised waste management: provide a single location for managing large volumes of waste
Flexible: handle a wide range of materials, including non-recyclable materials
Lower operational costs: relatively inexpensive compared to other waste disposal methods
Reduced environmental impact: can be engineered with liners and leachate collection systems to minimise environmental impact
Gas capture potential: some capture methane gas, which can be used as an energy source
Disadvantages
Methane generation: produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas
Land requirements: needs significant land, which can be difficult to find
Risk of contamination: potential for groundwater and soil pollution from leachate
Long-term monitoring: requires management long after closure
Environmental injustice: often causes noise and smell pollution in less affluent urban outskirts
This disproportionately impacts the health and quality of life of residents in these areas
2. Incineration
Incineration involves burning waste materials at high temperatures to reduce their volume
Advantages
Reduces waste volume: drastically cuts down the physical size of waste
Less reliance on landfills: reduces amount of waste sent to landfill sites
Handles hazardous waste: can process hazardous materials safely
Disadvantages
Air pollution: emits harmful gases and pollutants, including greenhouse gases
High operational costs: requires expensive technology and maintenance.
Ash disposal: produces toxic ash that requires careful disposal
Public concern: communities often oppose incinerators due to health and environmental concerns
3. Waste-to-energy (WtE)
Waste-to-energy (WtE) or energy-from-waste (EfW) plants burn waste to generate electricity or heat
Advantages
Energy recovery: converts waste into usable energy, reducing reliance on fossil fuels
Reduces landfill use: decreases the amount of waste sent to landfills
Waste volume reduction: significantly reduces the amount of waste
Disadvantages
Pollution risks: can release harmful emissions and greenhouse gases unless controlled properly
High capital investment: expensive to build, operate and maintain WtE plants
Limited by waste composition: not all types of waste can be efficiently converted to energy
Not a perfect solution: still encourages waste generation instead of focusing on reduction and recycling.
4. Exporting Waste
Exporting waste involves sending waste materials to other countries for treatment, recycling or disposal
Advantages
Offloads waste responsibility: countries with waste management challenges can send waste to others
Reduces domestic pressure: eases the burden on local waste management systems
Access to advanced facilities: may provide waste producers with access to specialised waste treatment options
Economic benefit: may be cheaper for some countries to export waste than to process it locally
Disadvantages
Environmental injustice: exporting to low-income countries may cause environmental and social harm there, raising ethical concerns
Environmental impact of transport: shipping waste long distances increases carbon emissions
Legal risks: can lead to legal issues between exporting and importing nations
Long-term effects: does not help solve the root cause of excessive waste generation
5. Recycling
Recycling involves converting waste materials into new, usable products
Advantages
Resource conservation: saves raw materials and reduces the need for new resource extraction, which can be environmentally damaging and polluting
Energy savings: recycling typically uses less energy than producing new materials
Economic cost: may be cheaper than other waste disposal options
Reduces landfill and incineration: keeps recyclable materials out of waste disposal facilities
Disadvantages
Energy use in processing: sorting, collecting and processing recyclables can be energy-intensive
Limited recycling facilities: availability and access to recycling facilities can vary between countries and regions
Contamination: contaminated recyclables can reduce the efficiency of the recycling process
Limited market: not all materials are recyclable and there can be limited demand for recycled products
6. Composting
Composting is the process of breaking down organic waste into nutrient-rich soil
Advantages
Environmentally friendly: composting produces natural fertilisers, reducing the need for chemical alternatives
Reduces landfill waste: organic matter is kept out of landfills, lowering methane emissions
Enriches soil: compost improves soil health and can enhance crop growth
Low cost: can be done on a small scale at home or in local communities
Disadvantages
Limited to organic waste: can only handle biodegradable materials
Space and time requirements: requires space for compost piles and can take time to break down waste
Potential for odour: if not properly managed, composting can create unpleasant smells
Examiner Tips and Tricks
Be prepared to explain how each method affects the environment, especially in terms of pollution, resource use and sustainability. You should also be able to discuss how waste management affects communities.
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