Managing Solid Domestic Waste (DP IB Environmental Systems & Societies (ESS))

Managing Solid Domestic Waste

• There are three levels of pollution management:

  • Changing human activity

  • Regulating and reducing the release of pollutants

  • Cleaning up the pollutants and restoring the ecosystem after pollution has occurred

Photo by Jas Min on Unsplash 

A pile of domestic waste in Tübingen, Germany - the three levels of pollution management strategies can be applied to the management of solid domestic waste pollution

• Solid domestic waste management is a crucial aspect of environmental sustainability, involving various strategies influenced by cultural, economic, technological, and political factors

• These strategies aim to minimise the environmental impact of waste and promote resource conservation

1. Altering human activity

• Reduction of consumption:

  • Encouraging individuals to adopt sustainable consumption patterns by promoting awareness campaigns, providing information about the environmental consequences of overconsumption, and fostering a culture of mindful and responsible purchasing habits

• Composting of food waste:

  • Promoting the practice of composting organic waste, such as kitchen scraps and garden trimmings, to divert it from landfills

  • This approach not only reduces the volume of waste but also produces nutrient-rich compost that can be used to enrich soil fertility in gardens, farms, and urban green spaces

2. Controlling the release of pollutants

• Legislation and policies:

  • Governments play a crucial role in waste management by enacting laws and regulations that incentivise recycling and reuse initiatives, impose taxes or fees on solid domestic waste collection, and discourage the use of disposable items

  • These measures create a framework for responsible waste management practices and encourage individuals and businesses to adopt more sustainable behaviours

• Recycling and reuse programs:

  • Implementing comprehensive systems that promote the separation, collection, and processing of recyclable materials

  • This includes establishing recycling facilities, providing accessible recycling bins in public spaces and households, and educating the public about the importance of recycling

  • Emphasising the benefits of reusing items, such as through secondhand markets or community swap events, can also help reduce waste and conserve resources

3. Removing pollutants from the environment and restoring ecosystems

• Landfill reclamation:

  • Rehabilitating old landfills by covering them with engineered soil covers, installing gas collection systems to capture and utilise methane emissions, and exploring innovative methods to reclaim landfills for alternative uses

  • This can include transforming former landfill sites into parks, recreational areas, or renewable energy facilities, reducing the environmental impact and maximising the value of previously used land

• Waste-to-energy programs:

  • Converting solid domestic waste into energy through incineration

  • This approach helps reduce the volume of waste that would otherwise go to landfills, whilst also generating electricity or heat

• Clean-up and restoration:

  • Collaborative efforts among organisations, governments, and volunteers to remove plastic waste from oceanic areas, such as the Great Pacific garbage patch

  • These initiatives involve the use of specialised vessels, drones, and nets to collect floating debris, preventing further pollution and mitigating the devastating impact on marine ecosystems

• Implementing these waste management strategies requires a combined approach that involves individuals, communities, governments, and industries working together

• By adopting sustainable practices, embracing technological advancements, and fostering a collective sense of responsibility, it is possible to decrease waste generation, promote recycling and reuse, and restore and protect the environment for future generations