Solid Waste Disposal - AP Environmental Science

1. Identify the environmental concern of methane emissions from landfills.

   Methane contributes to global warming. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, 25x stronger than $CO_2$.

2. What is the process of converting waste materials into new products called?

   Recycling. Reprocessing discarded materials into new useful products.

3. Define composting.

   Composting is the decomposition of organic waste into humus. Aerobic breakdown creates nutrient-rich soil amendment.

4. What is the environmental concern associated with incinerator ash?

   It may contain toxic substances. Bottom ash concentrates heavy metals and persistent pollutants.

5. What is leachate in the context of landfills?

   Leachate is liquid that drains from landfills. Contaminated liquid formed when water percolates through waste.

6. What is the primary method of solid waste disposal in the U.S.?

   Landfilling is the primary method. Most U.S. waste goes to engineered burial sites with environmental controls.

7. What is green waste?

   Biodegradable waste such as grass clippings and leaves. Yard waste suitable for composting and mulching applications.

8. What is the purpose of a transfer station in waste management?

   To consolidate waste for efficient transport. Central collection point reduces transportation costs and distances.

9. Which gas is primarily emitted from landfills?

   Methane is primarily emitted. Organic decomposition in anaerobic conditions produces methane gas.

10. What is the role of environmental impact assessments in waste management?

    To evaluate potential impacts of waste facilities. Predicts environmental consequences before facility construction.

11. What is the main advantage of anaerobic digestion in waste management?

    Produces biogas and reduces waste volume. Oxygen-free breakdown produces methane and reduces organic matter volume.

12. What is e-waste?

    E-waste is discarded electronic devices. Electronic waste containing valuable and toxic materials.

13. Identify a challenge associated with plastic waste.

    It is persistent and difficult to degrade. Non-biodegradable polymers accumulate in ecosystems indefinitely.

14. What is the primary goal of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)?

    To manage hazardous and non-hazardous solid waste. RCRA provides cradle-to-grave waste management framework.

15. What is the environmental purpose of the Basel Convention?

    To control transboundary movements of hazardous waste. International treaty preventing illegal hazardous waste dumping.

16. What is municipal solid waste (MSW)?

    MSW is waste from households, businesses, and institutions. Includes everyday waste from homes, offices, schools, and stores.

17. What does the acronym RCRA stand for?

    Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. Federal law regulating solid and hazardous waste management.

18. Identify a material that is not biodegradable.

    Plastic is not biodegradable. Synthetic polymers persist in environment for hundreds of years.

19. Identify a benefit of using biodegradable plastics.

    They decompose more quickly than conventional plastics. Engineered to break down faster under environmental conditions.

20. What does the term 'biodegradable' refer to?

    Materials that can decompose naturally. Broken down by natural biological processes over time.

21. What is the main purpose of landfill capping?

    To prevent water infiltration and control gas emissions. Final cover system isolates waste from environment permanently.

22. What is the benefit of recycling?

    Recycling conserves resources and reduces landfill waste. Reprocessing materials saves raw materials and energy.

23. What is the purpose of the Clean Air Act in relation to waste disposal?

    To regulate air emissions from waste facilities. Sets emission standards for incinerators and other waste facilities.

24. What is the effect of excess nutrients from waste runoff?

    It can cause eutrophication in water bodies. Nitrogen and phosphorus promote excessive algae growth.

25. What are the three Rs of waste management?

    Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Waste hierarchy prioritizing prevention over disposal.

26. What is the primary goal of sustainable waste management?

    To minimize environmental impact and conserve resources. Balances environmental protection with economic efficiency.

27. Identify a common hazardous waste.

    Batteries are a common hazardous waste. Contains heavy metals and corrosive chemicals requiring special handling.

28. Identify the main component of municipal solid waste by weight.

    Paper is the main component by weight. Paper products make up the largest portion of MSW by mass.

29. Which type of waste can be disposed of in a sanitary landfill?

    Non-hazardous solid waste. Only non-toxic waste allowed in engineered disposal sites.

30. What is the primary benefit of waste-to-energy (WTE) plants?

    They generate energy from waste. Converts waste heat into electricity while reducing landfill volume.

31. Identify a method to manage hazardous waste.

    Incineration or chemical treatment. High-temperature destruction or chemical stabilization neutralizes toxins.

32. What is the purpose of a landfill liner?

    To prevent contamination of groundwater. Impermeable barrier protects soil and groundwater from leachate.

33. What is the term for waste that is dangerous or potentially harmful to human health or the environment?

    Hazardous waste. Waste with toxic, ignitable, corrosive, or reactive properties.

34. Identify a common method for treating hazardous waste.

    Chemical neutralization. Acids and bases react to form stable, less dangerous compounds.

35. Describe landfill gas recovery.

    Capturing and using methane from landfills for energy. Converts landfill methane into renewable electricity or heat.

36. What is the environmental impact of improper e-waste disposal?

    It can release toxic substances into the environment. Heavy metals and toxins contaminate soil and water systems.

37. Identify a disadvantage of incineration.

    Incineration can release toxic pollutants. High-temperature burning can create dioxins and heavy metals.

38. What is source reduction?

    Source reduction is reducing waste generation at the source. Prevents waste creation through design and consumption changes.

39. What is the primary concern with open dumps?

    They pose health and environmental hazards. Uncontrolled sites allow contamination and disease vectors.

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