All Flashcards
What are the steps in sanitary landfill operation?
Waste is spread in thin layers, compacted, and covered with soil daily to minimize odor, pests, and blowing litter.
What is the recycling process?
Collection, sorting, processing, and manufacturing new products from recycled materials.
What is the composting process?
Organic waste decomposes under controlled conditions, producing a nutrient-rich soil amendment.
Describe the incineration process.
Waste is burned at high temperatures, reducing volume and sometimes generating electricity.
What are the steps in leachate treatment?
Collection, pre-treatment (sedimentation, filtration), biological treatment, and discharge or reuse.
What is the process of methane capture in landfills?
Wells are drilled into the landfill to collect methane gas, which can then be used for energy production.
Describe the process of waste-to-energy conversion.
Waste is processed through combustion, gasification, or anaerobic digestion to produce heat, electricity, or fuels.
What are the steps in a materials recovery facility (MRF)?
Waste is sorted by type (paper, plastic, metal), cleaned, and prepared for recycling.
What is the process of anaerobic digestion of organic waste?
Organic waste is broken down by microorganisms in the absence of oxygen, producing biogas and digestate.
What is the process of plasma gasification?
Waste is heated to extremely high temperatures using plasma torches, converting it into syngas and solid slag.
Explain the 'reduce, reuse, recycle' hierarchy.
Prioritizes waste reduction first, then reusing items, and finally recycling materials as a last resort.
What is the significance of waste composition?
Understanding waste composition helps in selecting appropriate waste management strategies and improving recycling efforts.
Why is waste reduction important?
It conserves resources, reduces pollution, saves energy, and decreases the need for landfills.
What are the environmental impacts of landfills?
Landfills can cause soil and water contamination, methane emissions, and habitat destruction.
Why is source reduction important?
Source reduction prevents waste from being generated in the first place, minimizing environmental impact.
What are the benefits of recycling?
Recycling conserves natural resources, reduces energy consumption, and decreases landfill waste.
Explain the concept of 'cradle to cradle'.
A design framework that seeks to create production techniques that are not just efficient but are essentially waste free and truly sustainable.
What are the limitations of incineration?
Incineration can release air pollutants and requires proper ash disposal.
Why is leachate management important in landfills?
Leachate can contaminate groundwater and soil, so proper management is crucial to prevent environmental damage.
What is the significance of methane collection in landfills?
Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, and collecting it reduces its contribution to climate change and can be used for energy production.
What is the 'waste hierarchy'?
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle - in order of priority.
Why is waste reduction important?
Conserves resources, reduces pollution, and saves energy.
What are the benefits of recycling?
Reduces landfill waste, conserves resources, and lowers pollution.
Why is proper waste management crucial?
Protects human health and the environment from pollution and disease.
What are the environmental impacts of landfills?
Soil and water contamination, methane emissions, and habitat destruction.
What are the environmental impacts of incineration?
Air pollution, ash disposal issues, and potential release of toxins.
How does waste composition vary?
By region, season, and economic factors.
What are the key components of MSW?
Paper, yard waste, plastics, metals, and food.
Why is leachate a concern in landfills?
It can contaminate groundwater and soil.
What are the benefits of composting?
Reduces landfill waste, creates nutrient-rich soil amendment.