Disposal & Recycling of Consumer Waste (DP IB Geography)

Solid Domestic Waste

• As well as the consumption of resources, ecological footprints include the waste created

• The increases in consumption have led to an increase in the waste created

• The World Bank estimates that there will be a 70% increase in the production of waste by 2050

  • Most of this increase is predicted to be in low-income and emerging economies

Types of Solid Domestic Waste

• Solid domestic waste (SDW), also known as household waste, refers to the waste generated by households and small-scale commercial establishments

  • It consists of various materials discarded by individuals and families

• The volume and composition of solid domestic waste can vary over time due to several factors, including:

  • Consumption patterns

  • Technological advancements

  • Waste management practices

Organic Waste

• This includes food waste, garden waste, and other biodegradable materials

• The volume of organic waste tends to be significant

  • It varies due to cultural practices, dietary habits, and seasonal factors

• Over time, the composition of organic waste may change due to:

  • Shifts in food preferences

  • Increased consumption of processed foods

  • Advancements in waste management technologies that promote composting

Paper and Cardboard

• These materials are commonly found in solid domestic waste and are derived from packaging, newspapers, magazines, and other paper-based products

• The volume of paper and cardboard waste may fluctuate depending on factors such as:

  • Digitalisation trends: the increasing trend for people to read the news on phones and tablets rather than by reading a physical newspaper

  • Efforts to promote recycling and reduce paper consumption

Plastics

• Plastics are a major component of solid domestic waste and can include packaging materials, containers, and various single-use items

• The volume and composition of plastic waste have experienced a significant increase in recent decades due to the widespread use of plastics in various sectors

• The composition and management of plastic waste vary due to:

  • Changes in consumer behaviour

  • Government regulations

  • Recycling initiatives 

Glass and Metals

• Glass and metal waste, such as bottles, cans, and other packaging materials, contribute to solid domestic waste

• The volume of glass and metal waste can be influenced by factors like beverage consumption patterns, recycling rates, and the availability of alternative packaging materials

• Changes in packaging preferences, recycling infrastructure, and resource conservation efforts can impact the composition and volume of glass and metal waste

Electronic Waste

• With the rapid advancement of technology, electronic waste, or e-waste, has become a growing issue

• It includes discarded electronic devices such as computers, mobile phones, televisions, and appliances

• The volume and composition of e-waste may change over time due to the introduction of new devices, upgrades, and the speed at which older electronics become obsolete (i.e. out-of-date)

• Increasing awareness of e-waste management and the implementation of regulations influence the handling and disposal practices of electronic waste

Waste Disposal & International Flows of Waste

Waste disposal

• Waste disposal is critical in managing and minimising the environmental impact of waste

• Various methods are available, each offers distinct approaches to handling waste materials

• In the past, landfill were the most popular form of waste disposal but this is not sustainable

Landfills

• Landfill involves burying waste in designated areas, often lined with protective plastic barriers

• They provide a centralised and controlled disposal method for a wide range of waste types

Advantages and Disadvantages of Landfills

Incineration

• Incineration involves the controlled burning of waste materials at high temperatures

• It reduces the volume of waste and can sometimes be used to generate energy through the combustion process

Advantages and Disadvantages of Incineration

Recycling

• Recycling focuses on converting waste materials into reusable materials

• It conserves natural resources, reduces energy consumption, and minimises greenhouse gas emissions associated with the production of new materials

Advantages and Disadvantages of Recycling

Reusing

• Reusing involves using products or materials multiple times instead of discarding or recycling them

• It extends the lifespan of products, reduces waste generation, and decreases resource consumption

Advantages and Disadvantages of Reusing

Composting

• Composting involves the decomposition of organic waste materials into nutrient-rich soil

• Successful composting relies on the proper balance of organic materials, moisture, and aeration to facilitate the decomposition process

• It diverts organic waste from landfills, reduces methane emissions, and produces high-quality compost for use in agriculture and landscaping

Advantages and Disadvantages of Composting

• These waste disposal options offer a range of strategies for managing waste materials effectively

• The choice of method depends on various factors, including the type of waste, available infrastructure, environmental considerations, and societal preferences

• Implementing a combination of these options can contribute to sustainable waste management and resource conservation

International waste flow

• In an attempt to reduce the use of landfills in developed countries, large amounts of waste are transported to emerging economies and low-income countries for disposal and recycling

  • The EU directive states that less than 10% of waste should be sent to landfill by 2035

  • The UK has a target of reducing biodegradable waste going to landfill to almost zero by 2028 and recyclable waste by 2042

• Until 2017, China had been disposing of:

  • Over 55% of the world's plastic waste

  • Almost 60% of the USA's paper waste and 70% of Europe's paper waste

• China announced in 2017 that it would be significantly reducing the amount of waste it accepted

• Waste flows then increased to Southeast Asia, in countries like Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia and India

• Up to 90% of the waste in these countries is burned rather than recycled

  • This impacts on people's health and the environment

• In 2019, Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand all announced restrictions on the amount of imported waste they would accept

• Between 2019 and 2021, Malaysia sent back over 340 containers of waste that had been shipped there by countries including the USA, UK and France

• Increasingly, waste is sent to countries such as Ghana and Nigeria for disposal 

• Türkiye is now receiving the most waste from the EU

  • In 2021, the amount of waste received was 14.7 million tonnes, three times the amount they received in 2004

• India (2.4 million tonnes) and Egypt (1.9 million tonnes) are the second and third-highest recipients of EU waste