Disposal & Recycling of Consumer Waste (DP IB Geography)
Revision Note
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
Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
Provides centralised waste management | Generates methane, a potent greenhouse gas |
Can accommodate a wide range of waste types | Requires suitable land availability and careful site selection |
Relatively low operational costs compared to other options | Potential risk of groundwater and soil contamination |
Can be engineered with liners and leachate collection systems to minimise environmental impact | Long-term management and monitoring required after closure |
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
Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
Reduces the volume of waste and minimises space requirements | Releases air pollutants, including greenhouse gases and toxic emissions (public concerns over health and environmental impacts) |
Potential to generate energy through the combustion process (provides waste-to-energy potential) | Requires careful management of air emissions and ash disposal |
Reduces the reliance on landfills | Potential for the release of hazardous substances during incineration |
Can handle various types of waste, including hazardous waste | High operating costs |
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
Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
Conserves natural resources and reduces the need for raw materials | Requires energy and resources for collection, sorting, and processing |
Reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills or incinerators | Limited availability and accessibility of recycling facilities |
Saves energy and reduces greenhouse gas emissions | Contamination of recyclables can hinder the recycling process |
Prevents pollution caused by extracting and processing raw materials | Some materials are difficult or costly to recycle |
Creates job opportunities in the recycling industry | Market demand and prices for recycled materials can fluctuate |
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
Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
Reduces the need for new products and resource extraction | Limited availability of reusable items in certain areas |
Saves energy and resources required for manufacturing | Requires proper cleaning and maintenance of reusable items |
Minimises waste generation and landfill usage | May not be suitable for all types of products or materials |
Can be cost-effective, saving money for individuals or businesses | There is a limited market for used or second-hand items in some cases |
Promotes a circular economy and sustainable consumption | Requires a change in consumer behaviour and mindset |
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
Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
Diverts organic waste from landfills, reducing methane emissions | Requires space and proper management for composting process |
Produces nutrient-rich compost for soil enrichment | It takes time for organic waste to decompose and turn into compost |
Reduces the need for chemical fertilisers | Some materials may not be suitable for composting (e.g., meat, dairy) |
It helps retain soil moisture and reduce erosion | Potential for odour and pest issues if not properly managed |
Promotes healthier plant growth and biodiversity | Requires knowledge and education to ensure proper composting practices |
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
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