ENSC 002 Lecture Notes - Lecture 16: Leachate, Fire Retardant, Compost
11 Apr 2016
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Document Summary
Us generates +solid waste per capita than any other country (4. 34 lbs/person/day. Waste generation is highest in developed countries (replace instead of repair) Discarded by homes, offices buildings, retail stores, schools etc. 75% of all usa waste, compacting and burying of waste under a shallow layer of soil. Not long term, new facilities being opened, closing a full landfill is v expensive. Special problem: plastic - chemically stable, do not readily break down and decompose. Special problem: tires - made from materials that cannot be recycled, can be incinerated/sherred. 15% of all usa waste, volume of waste is reduced by 90% Produces heat that can make steam to generate electricity. Produces less carbon emissions than fossil fuel power plants. Problems: production of hazardous air pollutants (carbon monoxide, particulates reduced by electrostatic precipitators, lime scrubbers) Any discarded chemical that threatens human health/environment. 1% of waste stream in the us.
