Chapter Questions
List the major components of MSW.
Trace the historical development of refuse disposal in the United States. What percentages now go to landfills, combustion, and recycling?
What are the major problems with placing waste in landfills? How can these problems be managed?
Explain the difficulties accompanying landfill siting and outsourcing. How can these processes be handled responsibly?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of WTE combustion?
What is the evidence for increasing source reduction, and what are some examples of how it is accomplished?
What are the environmental advantages of recycling?
Describe the materials that are recycled and how recycling is accomplished.
Discuss the attributes of successful recycling programs.
Distinguish between MRFs, mixed waste processing, and single-stream recycling.
What laws has the federal government adopted to control solid-waste disposal?
What is e-waste, and how is it being managed?
What is integrated waste management? What decisions would be part of a stewardly and sustainable solid-waste management plan?
How are the waste disposal needs of a slum in the developing world different from those in a city in a high-income country?
How does the poor disposal of MSW affect the oceans? What existing policies influence the degree of waste in the oceans? What policies do we need to have in the future in order to combat ocean waste?