SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT

THE 3 RS
DR. SUNEETH KUMAR S M
Professor, Department of Civil
Engineering
1. FUNDAMENTALS AND STATISTICS
(EPA Version)

2. The 3Rs and its importance

According to EPA regulations, SOLID
WASTE is
• Any garbage or refuse (Municipal Solid Waste)
• Sludge from a wastewater treatment plant,
water supply treatment plant, or air pollution
control facility
• Other discarded material
• Solid, liquid, semi-solid, or contained gaseous
material from industrial, commercial, mining,
and agricultural operations, and from
community activities

http://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/osw/basifact.htm#solidwaste
Trash or garbage is called Municipal
Solid Waste (MSW)
Product packaging, grass clippings, furniture,
clothing, bottles, food scraps, newspapers,
appliances, paint, batteries…
“In 2010, Americans generated about 250 million tons
of trash and recycled and composted over 85 million
tons of this material, equivalent to a 34.1 percent
recycling rate . On average, we recycled and
composted 1.51 pounds of our individual waste
generation of 4.43 pounds per person per day.”

http://www.epa.gov/wastes/nonhaz/municipal/index.htm
http://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/non-hw/muncpl/pubs/msw06.pdf
http://www.epa.gov/wastes/nonhaz/municipal/
“By recycling almost 8 million tons of metals (which includes aluminum, steel,
and mixed metals), US has eliminated greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions totaling
more than 26 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MMTCO 2E). This
is equivalent to removing more than 5 million cars from the road for one year.”
About 136 million tons of MSW (54.2 percent) were discarded in landfills in 2010
INDIAN SCENARIO
23.9 M.TONNES IN 1991 to 39 M.TONNES in 2001. (NEERI, NAGPUR)

Domestic Wastes
- all thrown around the bins or overflowing the bins

Industrial Wastes or Construction and Demolition wastes

as well as Hazardous Wastes
- Deposited in an open space unauthorised

Biomedical Wastes containing infectious and toxic wastes

- Totally neglected – many times mixed up with domestic
wastes or open dumped in the hospital premises
unattended for a long time-few with low tempr Incinerators

- Absence of a system of storage of wastes and no

regular collection of wastes
CATEGORIES OF WASTE DISPOSAL

1. DILUTE AND Throw it in the

DISPERSE river / lake / sea
(ATTENUATION) Burn it

Basically this involves spreading trash thinly

over a large area to minimize its impact

Works for sewage, some waste chemicals,

when land-disposal is not available
Plastic in Pacific
2. CONCENTRATE
Waste dumps,
AND CONTAIN landfills
(ISOLATION)

Historically, that’s how most of the solid

waste gets treated
 MUNICIPAL WASTE DISPOSAL METHODS

1. OPEN DUMPS (rarely used in the USA anymore):

They are “open”

Minimum effort and expense
Unsanitary and smelly
Vermin and pests
Contaminate soil, water and
air
Fire hazard
2. Sanitary Landfill (AKA Municipal Solid
Waste Landfill)
SANITARY LANDFILLS (accommodate 57% of
total municipal solid waste):

• Each day trash is

spread in thin layers
• Compacted down
• Covered with a soil
layer
• Graded for drainage
Sanitary landfills have largely
replaced open dumps.
The amount of garbage received by the Dane County Landfill, 7102 Highway 12, each
day is enough to cover the surface of the playing field at Camp Randall Stadium to a
depth of six inches, said Gerald Mandli, director of public works for the county.
 Site selection criteria for a landfill
(page 16 of the DMG)

• Is it too close to airports? (bird hazard

to aircrafts)
• Is it on a flood plain/wetland?
• Is it too close to a fault (200 feet or
less)?
• Is it within seismic zones?
• Is it located on unstable areas, such as
landslide-prone areas, areas with
sinkholes etc.?
Properly designed Sanitary landfills:
• Prevent water infiltration and leaching of
toxic fluids
(LEACHATE = a liquid that has passed through or
emerged from solid waste and contains soluble,
suspended, or miscible materials removed from
such waste)
• Prevent water pollution
• Reduce Vermin and pests
• Reduce smell, toxic gases and fire hazard
Problems with landfills…
• Landfills require space
• Produce methane gas (can be used for
energy, or can cause climate change)
• Leachate must be collected and treated
• Potential for water pollution
• NOT a long-term remedy
If not landfill, then…?
3. INCINERATION (burning):
• Significantly reduces the volume of
garbage
• Produces heat energy for generating
electricity
• Materials such as batteries, glass etc.
are NOT suitable for incineration
• Causes air pollution
• Creates toxic ash and other solid
waste
The three R's - reduce, reuse and recycle –
•All help to cut down on the amount of waste we throw
away.
•They conserve natural resources, landfill space and
energy.
•Plus, the three R's save land and money communities
would use to dispose of waste in landfills.
•Locating a new landfill has become difficult and more
expensive due to environmental regulations and public
opposition.
•All the Governmental agencies have a goal of reducing
the amount of waste going into landfills by 40 percent.
•Everyone can help meet this goal and save natural
resources, energy, and money by following the three
R's.
REDUCE
The best way to manage waste is to not produce it.
This can be done by shopping carefully and being aware of
a few guidelines:
• Buy products in bulk.
• Larger, economy-size products or ones in
concentrated form use less packaging and usually cost
less per unit.
• Avoid over-packaged goods, especially ones packed
with several materials such as foil, paper, and plastic.
• They are difficult to recycle, plus you pay more for the
package.
• Avoid disposable goods, such as paper plates, cups,
napkins, razors, and lighters.
• Throwaways contribute to the problem, and cost more
because they must be replaced again and again.
• Buy durable goods - ones that are well-built or that
carry good warranties.
• They will last longer, save money in the long run
and save landfill space.
• At work, make two-sided copies whenever
possible.
• Maintain central files rather than using several files
for individuals.
• Use electronic mail or main bulletin board.
• Remove your name from the mailing lists of
materials you no longer want to receive.
• Use cloth napkins instead of paper napkins.
• Use a dish cloth instead of paper towels.
REUSE
It makes economic and environmental sense to reuse
products. Sometimes it takes creativity:
•Reuse products for the same purpose. Save paper and
plastic bags, and repair broken appliances, furniture and
toys.
•Reuse products in different ways. Use a coffee can to
pack a lunch; use plastic microwave dinner trays as picnic
dishes.
•Sell old clothes, appliances, toys, and furniture in garage
sales or ads, or donate them to charities.
•Use resealable containers rather than plastic wrap.
•Use a ceramic coffee mug instead of paper cups.
•Reuse grocery bags or bring your own cloth bags to the
store.
•Do not take a bag from the store unless you need one.
RECYCLE
Recycling is a series of steps that takes a used material
and processes, remanufactures, and sells it as a new
product. Begin recycling at home and at work:
•Buy products made from recycled material.
•Look for the recycling symbol or ask store
managers or salesmen.
•The recycling symbol means one of two things -
either the product is made of recycled material, or
the item can be recycled.
•For instance, many plastic containers have a
recycling symbol with a numbered code that
identifies what type of plastic resin it is made from.
•However, just because the container has this code
does not mean it can be easily recycled locally.
• Check collection centers and curbside pickup
services to see what they accept, and begin
collecting those materials.
• These can include metal cans, newspapers, paper
products, glass, plastics and oil.
• Consider purchasing recycled materials at work
when purchasing material for office supply, office
equipment or manufacturing.
• Speak to store managers and ask for products and
packaging that help cut down on waste, such as
recycled products and products that are not over
packaged.
• Buy products made from material that is collected
for recycling in your community.
• Use recycled paper for letterhead, copier paper
and newsletters.
4th R – Refuse/Rebuy
•Refuse to buy new items though you may think
they are prettier than the ones you already have.
•Buy and encourage the products made out of
recycled materials.
Reducing and Reusing Basics
•The most effective way to reduce waste is to not
create it in the first place.
•Making a new product requires a lot of materials
and energy:
•Raw materials must be extracted from the earth,
and the product must be fabricated and then
transported to wherever it will be sold.
•Reduction and reuse are the most effective ways
you can save natural resources, protect the
environment, and save money.
Benefits of Reducing and Reusing
•Prevents pollution caused by reducing the
need to harvest new raw materials;
•Saves energy;
•Reduces greenhouse gas emissions that
contribute to global climate change;
•Helps sustain the environment for future
generations;
•Saves money;
•Reduces the amount of waste that will need
to be recycled or sent to landfills and
incinerators
•Allows products to be used to their fullest
extent
Ideas on How to Reduce and Reuse
•Buy used things
•Everything from clothes to building materials can be traced at
specialized reuse centers and consignment shops. Often, used
items are less expensive and just as good as new.
•Look for products that use less packaging which reduces waste
and costs.
•Buying in bulk, can reduce packaging and save money.
•Buy reusable over disposable items. Look for items that can be
reused; the little things can add up. (For example, you can bring
your own silverware and cup to work, rather than using disposable
items.)
•Maintain and repair products, like clothing, tires, and appliances,
so that they won't have to be thrown out and replaced as
frequently.
•Borrow, rent, or share items that are used infrequently, like party
decorations, tools, or furniture.
Donation
•One person's trash is another person's treasure.
•Instead of discarding unwanted appliances, tools, or
clothes, try selling or donating them.
•Not only will you be reducing waste, you'll be helping
others.
•Local churches, community centers, thrift stores,
schools, and nonprofit organizations may accept a
variety of donated items, including used books, working
electronics, and unneeded furniture.

Benefits of Donation
•Prevents usable goods from going into landfills
•Helps your community and those in need
•Tax benefits may be available
Resources for Donating Specific Goods
and Materials:
Households and Personal Items
•Goodwill
•Salvation Army
•Clothing Donations organisations
•Lions Club International eyeglass donation
•Rotary Club
•Donate your used electronics
Building Materials
•Habitat for Humanity
•Building Materials Reuse Association
Recycling Basics
•Recycling is the process of collecting and
processing materials that would otherwise be
thrown away as trash and turning them into new
products.
•Recycling can benefit your community and the
environment.
Benefits of Recycling
•Reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills and
incinerators;
•Conserves natural resources such as timber, water, and
minerals;
•Prevents pollution by reducing the need to collect new
raw materials;
•Saves energy;
•Reduces greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to
global climate change;
•Helps sustain the environment for future generations;
•Helps create new well-paying jobs in the recycling and
manufacturing industries
Steps to Recycling Materials
Recycling includes the three steps below, which
create a continuous loop
•Step 1: Collection and Processing
•Step 2: Manufacturing
•Step 3: Purchasing New Products Made from Recycled
Materials
What Public Can Do
Learn what you can do to reduce, reuse and recycle Food
and Household Hazaradous Waste (HHW):
•At home
•At school
•At work
•On the go
•In the community
1. AT HOME
Reducing Wasted Food -
Most people don't realize how much food they throw away every
day — from uneaten leftovers to spoiled produce.
More than 96 percent of the food we throw away ends up in
landfills.
In 2011, we landfilled more than 36 million tons of food waste.
Once in landfills, food breaks down to produce methane, a potent
greenhouse gas which contributes to climate change.
Benefits of Reducing Wasted Food
•Saves money from buying less food.
•Reduces methane emissions from landfills and lowers
your carbon footprint.
•Conserves energy and resources, preventing pollution
involved in the growing, manufacturing, transporting,
and selling food (not to mention hauling the food
waste and then landfilling it).
•Supports your community by providing donated
untouched food that would have otherwise gone to
waste to those who might not have a steady food
supply.
Ways to Reduce Wasted Food
•Shop your refrigerator first! Cook or eat what you already have at home
before buying more.
•Plan your menu before you go shopping and buy only those things on
your menu.
•Buy only what you realistically need and will use. Buying in bulk only
saves money if you are able to use the food before it spoils.
•Be creative! If safe and healthy, use the edible parts of food that you
normally do not eat. For example, stale bread can be used to make
croutons and beet tops can be sautèed for a delicious side dish.
•Nutritious, safe, and untouched food can be donated to food banks to
help those in need.
•Freeze, preserve, or can surplus fruits and vegetables - especially
abundant seasonal produce.
•At restaurants, order only what you can finish by asking about portion
sizes and be aware of side dishes included with entrees. Take home the
leftovers and keep them for your next meal.
•At all-you-can-eat buffets, take only what you can eat.
•Compost food scraps rather than throwing them away.
Food Donation Resources
•Orphonages
•Beggar’s Colonies
•Charity Houses
•Old age homes
Composting at Home
•Compost is organic material that can be added to soil to help
plants grow.
•Food scraps and yard waste currently make up 20 to 30 percent
of what we throw away, and should be composted instead.
•Making compost keeps these materials out of landfills where they
take up space and release methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
•All composting requires three basic ingredients:

• Browns - This includes materials such as dead leaves,

branches, and twigs.
• Greens - This includes materials such as grass clippings,
vegetable waste, fruit scraps, and coffee grounds.
• Water - Having the right amount of water, greens, and browns
is important for compost development.
• Your compost pile should have an equal amount of
browns to greens.
• You should also alternate layers of organic materials
of different-sized particles.
• The brown materials provide carbon for your
compost, the green materials provide nitrogen, and
the water provides moisture to help break down the
organic matter.
What to Compost

Fruits and vegetables Eggshells

Coffee grounds and filters Tea bags
Nut shells Shredded newspaper
Cardboard Paper
Yard trimmings Grass clippings
Houseplants Hay and straw
Leaves Sawdust
Wood chips Cotton and Wool Rags
Dryer and vacuum cleaner lint Hair and fur
Fireplace ashes
What Not to Compost and Why
•Black walnut tree leaves or twigs
- Releases substances that might be harmful to plants
•Coal or charcoal ash
- Might contain substances harmful to plants
•Dairy products (e.g., butter, milk, sour cream, yogurt) and eggs*
- Create odor problems and attract pests such as rodents and flies
•Diseased or insect-ridden plants
- Diseases or insects might survive and be transferred back to other
plants
•Fats, grease, lard, or oils*
- Create odor problems and attract pests such as rodents and flies
•Meat or fish bones and scraps*
- Create odor problems and attract pests such as rodents and flies
•Pet wastes (e.g., dog or cat feces, soiled cat litter)*
- Might contain parasites, bacteria, germs, pathogens, and viruses
harmful to humans
•Yard trimmings treated with chemical pesticides
- Might kill beneficial composting organisms
Benefits of Composting
•Enriches soil, helping retain moisture and suppress plant
diseases and pests.
•Reduces the need for chemical fertilizers.
•Encourages the production of beneficial bacteria and fungi
that break down organic matter to create humus, a rich
nutrient-filled material.
•Reduces methane emissions from landfills and lowers your
carbon footprint.
How to Compost at Home
There are many different ways to make a compost pile; A
general reference provided the following for general
reference. Helpful tools include pitchforks, square-point
shovels or machetes, and water hoses with a spray head.
Regular mixing or turning of the compost and some water
will help maintain the compost.
HHW Reduction, Reuse, Recycling, and Disposal Options
•Leftover household products that contain corrosive, toxic,
ignitable, or reactive ingredients are considered to be
Household Hazardous Waste (HHW).

•Products, such as paints, cleaners, oils, batteries, and

pesticides that contain potentially hazardous ingredients require
special care when you dispose of them.

•Improper disposal of HHW can include pouring them down the

drain, on the ground, into storm sewers, or in some cases
putting them out with the trash.

•The dangers of such disposal methods might not be

immediately obvious, but improper disposal of these wastes
can pollute the environment and pose a threat to human health.
Many communities in the United States offer a variety of
HHW Reduction, Reuse, Recycling, and Disposal
Options
The options of reduction, reuse, recycling, and
disposal-listed in order of EPA’s preferred waste
management hierarchy-are all important tools to safely
manage HHW.
Benefits of Proper HHW Management
•Reduction and recycling of HHW conserves resources
and energy that would be expended in the production of
more products.
•Reuse of hazardous household products can save
money and reduce the need for generating hazardous
substances.
•Proper disposal prevents pollution that could endanger
human health and the environment.
Reduction at Home
•Consider reducing your purchase of products
that contain hazardous ingredients.
•Learn about the use of alternative methods or
products—without hazardous ingredients—for
some common household needs.
•To avoid the potential risks associated with
household hazardous wastes, it is important that
people always monitor the use, storage, and
disposal of products with potentially hazardous
substances in their homes.
Some tips for individuals to follow in their own homes:

•Use and store products containing hazardous substances

carefully to prevent any accidents at home.
•Never store hazardous products in food containers; keep
them in their original containers and never remove labels.
•Corroding containers, however, require special handling for
which call your local hazardous materials official or fire
department for instructions.
•When leftovers remain, never mix HHW with other products.
•Incompatible products might react, ignite, or explode, and
contaminated HHW might become unrecyclable.
•Remember to follow any instructions for use and disposal
provided on product labels.
•Call your local environmental, health, or solid waste agency
for instructions on proper use and disposal and to learn
about local HHW drop off programs and upcoming collection
days.
Collection Options—Municipalities and Local Governments
Facilitating Reuse, Recycling, and Proper Disposal
Permanent collection or exchange.
•See if your community has a facility that collects HHW year-
round.
•Some of these facilities have exchange areas for unused or
leftover paints, solvents, pesticides, cleaning and automotive
products, and other materials. By taking advantage of these
facilities, materials can be used by someone else, rather than
being thrown away.
•Special collection days. If your community doesn’t have a
year-round collection system for HHW, see if there are any
designated days in your area for collecting solid waste at a
central location to ensure safe management and disposal.
•Local business collection sites. If your community has
neither a permanent collection site nor a special collection day,
you might be able to drop off certain products at local
businesses for recycling or proper disposal. Some local
2. AT SCHOOL
For Students:

Waste Reduction and Recycling

•Before starting a new school year, sort through the school

supplies on-hand.
•Many supplies, like notebooks or pens and pencils, can be
reused or recycled.
•You can share your used books and other school supplies
with friends, relatives, or younger schoolchildren.
•For school dances or other events, decorations and other
supplies can be borrowed or rented.
•If you buy these supplies, try adopting a theme that can be
used from year-to-year, so that you can reuse them.
• Many schools reuse text books to save money
and reduce waste.
• Covering your textbooks with cut-up grocery or
shopping bags helps reduce waste and keeps
your books in good condition.
• If you buy lunch, take and use only what you
need: one napkin, one ketchup packet, one salt
packet, one pepper packet, one set of flatware.
• Remember to recycle your cans and bottles, and
separate your waste if your school has separation
bins.
• To reduce packaging waste, use school supplies
wrapped with minimal packaging, use compact or
concentrated products, or buy products in bulk.
Community Service and Volunteering
•Volunteer for, or start, an environmental club or recycling
project in your school.
•Work with your teachers and friends to find ways to
encourage everyone in your community to make waste
reduction a part of their everyday lives, such as starting a
school composting project or ask for a day in art class
where you can use things that would have normally been
thrown away.
•Tell your teachers you want to have a time dedicated to
learning more about what you and your fellow classmates
can do for the environment.
•If you are a college student, you can organize an On
Campus Eco Ambassadors Program to help green your
campus and promote environmental awareness.
For Staff

Waste Reduction and Recycling

•Before starting a new school year, sort through your
materials. Many supplies can be reused or recycled.
•Notebooks, folders, and binders can be reused.
•To reduce packaging waste, use school supplies
wrapped with minimal packaging, use compact or
concentrated products, or buy products in bulk.
•Borrow or rent your decorations and supplies for parties
and events.
•If you buy these supplies, try adopting a theme that can
be used from year-to-year, so that you can reuse your
decorations and supplies.
Setting up Programs
•Form a team with committees to take charge of specific tasks.
•Set an agenda or goals for the program, and engage parents
and volunteers in the process.
•Secure materials, donations, and other resources from your
community.
Chemical Management
•Take note of – but do not touch – chemicals in classrooms,
janitorial closets and facility management sheds that do not
have proper labels, are old and dusty or look unsafe (for
example, have crystals growing around cap). Immediately report
the location and description of the chemicals to the principal and
the science department chair.
•Promote responsible chemical management so that students
and staff are protected from chemical accidents or exposures.
• Incorporate green chemistry and sustainability
lesson plans in the chemistry curriculum.
• Contact your local household hazardous waste
collection facility for instructions on safely disposing
of harmful waste products and materials, such as
empty aerosol paint cans, leftover paint and
thinners, used solvents and paint chips, unused
garden products like fertilizers and pesticides, and
household chemicals.
• Properly store unused paint for future use, donate
to neighbors or charities, or turn in to a waste
collection facility for recycling.
3. AT WORK
Waste Reduction and Recycling
•Recycle office paper, newspapers, beverage containers, electronic
equipment andbatteries. Check with your local recycling facility to see what
materials they accept.
•Consider using safer alternatives to common and potentially hazardous
chemicals used in products and processes.
•For businesses, there may be federal and/or state regulations on the
disposal of electronics and mercury-containing lamps.
•To help reduce waste, use two-sided printing and copying, buy supplies
made with recycled content, and recycle used printer cartridges.
•Before replacing a computer that no longer fits your needs, investigate
enhancing the computer's capacity by installing a hard disk drive, chip, or
memory-expansion card. Such modifications can be made with little know-
how using the help of the manufacturer or a do-it-yourself guide.
•When purchasing new electronics, consider a leasing program that includes
proper reuse and recycling.
•After office festivities, put leftovers in recyclable containers, and share them
with family, friends, or others. Donate whole, untouched leftovers from
parties to a local food bank or homeless shelter.
Buying Green
•Buy office supplies in bulk or multi-packs to reduce
packaging waste.
•You can also buy items with packaging that can be
reused or recycled.
•Buy energy-efficient items in the office with the
ENERGY STAR® logo or items that are EPEAT-
registered when buying electronics such as computers.
•Consider the durability of a product before you buy it.
Cheaper, less durable items often wear out quickly,
creating waste and costing you money.
•Look for items that embody the concept of reuse.
4. ON THE GO
Whether you're going on vacation or out shopping,
there are a number of ways you can reduce waste
and conserve resources!

•If staying in a hotel, check the bedding and linen

policy with housekeeping.

•Some hotels ask that the customer request the

bedding or linen be laundered by putting a specific
note card on the bed and leaving the towels on the
floor. This practice conserves water resources.

•If your hotel does not follow this practice, use a

comment card to ask them to adopt it.
• When you're at the mall, don't get a new shopping
bag for every item-combine bags or put them in your
backpack. (And be sure to hold onto the receipt!)

• When you leave your hotel room, switch off the air
conditioning, lights, and TV to reduce energy use.

• Before you leave home, adjust the air conditioning

and water heater thermostats to conserve energy.

• While on your trip, remember to take only the amount

of products that you need from restaurants or
lodgings.
• Take only napkins, condiment packets, free
brochures, maps, or coupons that you will actually
use.
5. IN THE COMMUNITY
EPA is challenging everyone—from citizens to
community leaders—to do their part to conserve
resources. These pages help identify opportunities to
get involved in your community, where you can play a
significant role in material management and waste
reduction.
Volunteering
•Find out how to volunteer by reading case studies of
other people's projects.
•Promote the 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) in your
community by organizing community outreach
activities and events, promoting sustainable
community practices, and sharing knowledge and
information on solid waste management.
Setting up Programs
To set up a program, you should do the following:
•Know your community
•Name a leader and build an action team
•Establish working committees
•Develop an action plan
•Identify and secure partners
•Implement your plan
•Evaluate results

Ref: http://www2.epa.gov/recycle
www.dnr.mo.gov/env/swmp/pubs-reports/threers.htm
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