All Flashcards
What is the Nuclear Waste Policy Act (NWPA)?
US law for high-level radioactive waste disposal.
What is the purpose of Low-Level Radioactive Waste Policy?
To regulate the handling of less dangerous radioactive waste.
What is the waste management hierarchy?
Reduce > Reuse > Recycle. Reducing waste is the most effective.
Why is source reduction the most effective waste reduction method?
It minimizes the amount of material used, leading to less waste created initially.
How do recycling and reuse contribute to a sustainable future?
They conserve resources and reduce environmental impact by decreasing the need for new products.
What is the role of microorganisms in biological waste treatment?
Microorganisms break down organic waste, reducing waste volume and creating useful by-products.
Why are waste policies important?
Governments set rules to manage waste, protect the environment, and ensure fair practices.
What is the significance of landfill regulations?
They control where and how landfills are built and operated to minimize environmental impact.
What is a circular economy?
An economic system aimed at eliminating waste and pollution, keeping products and materials in use, and regenerating natural systems.
Why is radioactive waste management so critical?
Radioactive waste needs special attention due to its potential harm to the environment and human health.
What is the difference between low-level and high-level radioactive waste?
High-level waste is much more dangerous and requires long-term storage, while low-level waste is less dangerous.
What is the goal of zero waste policies?
To eliminate landfill waste by maximizing waste reduction, reuse, recycling, and composting efforts.
Define Source Reduction.
Designing products to use less material, minimizing waste creation.
Define Reuse.
Using items more than once; repurposing or repairing items.
Define Recycling.
Collecting, processing, and reusing materials to create new products.
Define Composting.
Turning organic waste into nutrient-rich soil through decomposition.
Define Aerobic Treatment.
Using oxygen-loving microbes to break down organic waste.
Define Anaerobic Treatment.
Using microbes that don't need oxygen to break down organic waste.
Define Bioremediation.
Using microbes to break down pollutants in the environment.
Define Phytoremediation.
Using plants to clean up soil and water contamination.
Define Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).
Manufacturers are responsible for managing their products' waste.
Define Pay-As-You-Throw (PAYT).
Waste disposal pricing based on the amount of waste generated.