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Environmental SCIENCE: SOLID AND HAZARDOUS WASTE
- 1. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE CHAPTER 21 SOLIDAND HAZARDOUS WASTE
- 2. OBJECTIVES At the endof the lesson, student should be able to; a)understand the rise of e-waste and its disposal in landfills and incinerators, containing plastics, metals, and toxins. b)recognize the Basel Convention's regulation of hazardous waste movement since 1989, prioritizing eco-friendly management and banning transfers from developed to developing nations; and c)explore the EU's cradle-to-grave approach, focusing on recycling, e-cycling, and reuse, along with prevention strategies to remove toxic materials from waste.
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Editor's Notes
- #3 Electronic Waste (E-waste): E-waste refers to discarded electronic devices, constituting the fastest-growing solid waste problem globally due to the rapid pace of technological advancement and short product lifespans. Waste Disposal Methods: The majority of e-waste is disposed of in landfills and incinerators, contributing to environmental and health hazards if not managed properly. Composition of E-waste: E-waste is comprised of high-quality plastics, valuable metals (such as gold and silver), and toxic, hazardous pollutants like lead and mercury. Proper handling is crucial to prevent environmental contamination and health risks associated with these materials.
- #4 In India and China, much of the e-waste shipped from countries like the United States is processed by workers, often including children, who dismantle electronic products to recover valuable materials. This process exposes them to toxic metals and harmful chemicals, while the remaining scrap is either dumped into waterways and fields or burned, releasing toxic substances into the environment. Despite regulatory bans, e-waste continues to be illegally smuggled into these countries, exacerbating health and environmental risks. Long-term solutions such as designing products for easy recycling and avoiding toxic materials are needed to address this growing problem. The International Basel Convention, established in 1989, aims to regulate and control the transboundary movement of hazardous waste. It includes provisions for environmentally sound management, a prior informed consent procedure, and a ban on hazardous waste exports from developed to developing countries. The EU adopts a cradle-to-grave approach for electronic waste (e-waste), requiring manufacturers to manage products throughout their lifecycle. This entails collection, proper disposal, and recycling, funded by a consumer recycling tax, aiming to curb environmental and health hazards associated with e-waste.
- #5 Recycle: The process of collecting and processing materials to be used again, reducing the need for raw resource extraction and minimizing waste. E-cycle: Electronic recycling, involving the proper disposal and recycling of electronic devices to recover valuable materials and prevent environmental contamination. Reuse: Using items multiple times or repurposing them instead of discarding, promoting sustainability by extending the lifespan of products. Prevention approach: Removing toxic materials before they enter the waste stream, reducing environmental and health hazards associated with improper disposal.
- #8 Solid waste encompasses various types, including industrial solid waste, municipal solid waste (MSW), and hazardous waste: Industrial Solid Waste: This includes waste generated from industrial activities such as mining, farming, and manufacturing processes. It comprises materials like sludge(Sludge is thick mud, sewage, or industrial waste.), coal ash, and manufacturing by-products. Municipal Solid Waste (MSW): MSW refers to the waste produced by households, commercial establishments, and institutions. It consists of everyday items like trash, packaging materials, food waste, and yard waste. Hazardous Waste (Toxic Waste): Hazardous waste poses threats to human health and the environment due to its toxic, corrosive, flammable, or reactive properties. It includes various substances such as organic compounds, toxic heavy metals like lead and mercury, and radioactive waste from nuclear facilities.
- #9 Reducing solid waste is crucial due to its detrimental environmental impacts and wasteful depletion of Earth's resources. With 80-90% of hazardous waste produced by developed nations, the U.S. ranks as the largest contributor, emphasizing the urgency of waste reduction. Three-quarters of solid waste constitutes unnecessary materials, squandering valuable resources. Moreover, solid waste disposal contributes to significant air, water, and soil pollution, posing threats to ecosystems and human health. Thus, minimizing solid waste generation is essential for preserving resources, mitigating pollution, and fostering a sustainable future.
- #11 Solid wastes polluting a river in Jakarta,Indonesia, a city of more than 18 million people. As you can see the man in the boat is looking for items to salvage or sell.
- #12 Leader in solid waste problem: the United States is a global leader in total solid waste production and per capita output. This indicates that the country faces a significant challenge regarding managing its waste effectively. What is thrown away?: various items that consumers discard in the United States, including tires, disposable diapers, carpet, plastic bottles, plastic shopping bags, food, office paper, junk mail, computers, and cell phones. These items contribute to the substantial volume of solid waste generated in the country. Leader in trash production, by weight, per person: The United States is identified as the leader in trash production by weight per person. This statistic underscores the magnitude of the solid waste problem in the country, highlighting the need for effective waste management strategies. Recycling is helping: Despite the significant solid waste production in the United States, the article mentions that recycling efforts have been helpful in mitigating the issue. Since 1990, the average weight of municipal solid waste per American has leveled off, largely due to increased recycling efforts and the use of lighter products. This suggests that recycling initiatives are making a positive impact on waste reduction in the country.
- #13 Total and Per Capita Production of Municipal Solid Waste in the U.S.: discusses the significant amount of municipal solid waste (MSW) generated in the United States. It highlights that while industrial solid waste dominates, MSW still constitutes a substantial portion of the nation's waste output. Specific categories of MSW are outlined, such as paper, cardboard, yard waste, food waste, plastics, and metals. The article also emphasizes the sheer volume of MSW produced annually, comparing it to filling a convoy of garbage trucks encircling the globe nearly eight times. Additionally, it mentions that efforts to reduce waste generation have been somewhat successful since 1990, largely due to increased recycling and the adoption of lighter products.
- #16 1. **Waste Management**: Minimize harm from waste while recognizing that complete elimination isn't always possible. 2. **Waste Reduction**: Focus on using less and emphasizing reuse, recycling, and composting to minimize waste generation. 3. **Integrated Waste Management**: Utilize a variety of strategies, including recycling, composting, and waste-to-energy, to effectively manage waste. Efficient waste management is essential for reducing environmental impact and conserving resources. Strategies such as sorting and recycling materials aim to minimize waste sent to landfills. However, complete elimination of waste may not always be feasible. Waste reduction practices, like using products with minimal packaging and composting, further mitigate waste generation. Integrated waste management combines various strategies such as recycling, composting, and waste-to-energy conversion to effectively manage waste and promote resource conservation.
- #17 Integrated waste management is a hierarchical system that emphasizes waste reduction, reuse, and recycling over landfilling and incineration. It is a more sustainable approach to waste management because it helps to conserve resources and reduce pollution. The diagram lists the following materials as raw materials: Plastic Glass Metal Paper These raw materials are processed and manufactured into products. Solid and hazardous wastes are generated during the manufacturing process and by households and businesses. The following types of waste are shown in the diagram: Food/Yard waste Hazardous waste Remaining mixed waste Here are some of the ways that waste can be managed according to the diagram: Recycled: Plastic, glass, metal and paper can be sent to manufactures for reuse or recycling. Composted: Food and yard waste can be composted to create fertilizer. Hazardous waste management: Hazardous waste should be handled according to specific regulations. Landfill: Remaining mixed waste that cannot be recycled or composted is sent to landfills. Incinerator: An incinerator is a furnace specifically designed to burn waste materials at high temperaturesThe diagram shows incineration as an option for waste management, but it is not the preferred method.
- #19 Garbology - is the study of modern trash and garbage to understand a society and its habits. William Rathje: considered the father of garbology. He began studying trash in the 1970s and made some surprising discoveries about what people actually throw away. Landfill trash decomposes much slower than previously thought because it's buried, compacted, and lacks oxygen. This slow breakdown means landfills fill up faster and leach pollutants for longer. To address this, we're improving landfill designs, diverting waste through recycling and composting, and researching faster breakdown methods.
- #20 Reduce: This is the most important step. It involves minimizing the amount of waste we generate in the first place. This can be achieved through actions like buying products with less packaging, using reusable shopping bags, and avoiding single-use disposable items. Reuse: This involves giving items a second life by using them again for their original purpose or finding a new use for them. Examples include refilling water bottles, using reusable containers for lunches, or donating old clothes. Recycle: This involves processing waste materials and turning them into new products. Recycling aluminum cans, plastic bottles, paper, and glass are all common examples. By following the RRR approach, we can significantly reduce the amount of solid waste that ends up in landfills and incineration facilities. This benefits the environment by conserving resources, reducing pollution, and extending the lifespan of landfills.
- #24 Reuse is a crucial strategy for reducing solid waste, pollution, and saving money. It involves cleaning and using materials repeatedly instead of disposing of them after a single use. This practice helps extend the lifespan of products and minimizes the need for new manufacturing. However, in developing countries, there is a downside to reuse, as the process of salvaging materials can expose the poor to harmful toxins, posing health risks. Despite these challenges, various avenues such as flea markets, yard sales, second-hand stores, online platforms like eBay and Craigslist, and initiatives like freecycle.org promote the reuse of items. Additionally, using rechargeable batteries is an example of a practical and eco-friendly approach to minimize single-use battery waste.
- #25 Reuse and Recycle: Reuse: Involves cleaning and using materials multiple times to extend their lifespan, reducing the need for new production and minimizing waste. Examples include using containers, clothing, or other items again. Recycle: Involves processing used materials to create new products, reducing the demand for raw resources and decreasing the environmental impact of waste. Materials like paper, glass, and certain plastics are commonly recycled. Refillable Glass Beverage Bottles: Glass bottles designed for multiple uses, refilled with beverages before being cleaned and reused. They are a sustainable alternative to single-use containers, reducing the environmental impact associated with manufacturing and disposing of disposable bottles. Refillable Soft Drink Bottles (PET Plastic): These bottles, made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic, are designed for multiple uses and refilling with soft drinks. They provide a more environmentally friendly option compared to single-use plastic bottles, reducing the amount of plastic waste. Bottle Deposits: Incentive programs where consumers pay a deposit on beverage containers, which is refunded upon returning the empty container. This system encourages recycling, reduces litter, and creates job opportunities in recycling facilities. Paper, plastic, or reusable cloth bags Pros: Paper is biodegradable and recyclable, reducing environmental impact, while plastic is lightweight, durable, and versatile for reuse. Reusable cloth bags offer sustainability by reducing waste and promoting reuse. Cons: Paper production consumes high energy and water resources, plastic is non-biodegradable and contributes to pollution, while reusable cloth bags have an initial manufacturing impact but decrease environmental footprint with each use.
- #27 Two Types of Recycling: Primary (Closed-Loop) Recycling: Process: Involves recycling materials back into the same type of product. For example, aluminum cans are collected, processed, and used to create new aluminum cans. This type of recycling maintains the material's original quality and properties. Secondary Recycling: Process: In this type, materials are recycled into different products from their original form. For instance, tires are collected and processed to create materials for various applications, such as rubberized asphalt or playground surfaces. Types of Wastes that Can be Recycled: Preconsumer (Internal Waste): Definition: Waste generated during the manufacturing or production process before a product reaches the consumer. This includes scraps, trimmings, and defective items produced during manufacturing. Example: Excess materials, defective products, or trimmings generated in a factory before the product is complete. Postconsumer (External Waste): Definition: Waste generated by consumers after using a product. It includes items that are discarded or recycled by individuals or businesses after they have served their primary purpose. Example: Used packaging, old electronics, or discarded products that consumers dispose of after use.
- #28 Materials-Recovery Facilities (MRFs): These are centralized facilities where mixed urban wastes are sent for recycling. While they recover valuable materials, they can also emit pollutants and encourage increased trash production to maintain their financial viability. Source Separation: This is the practice of households and businesses separating their trash into recyclable categories like glass, paper, metals, plastics, and compostable materials. It's more cost-effective and environmentally friendly compared to MRFs, resulting in cleaner and more valuable recyclables. Pay-as-you-throw (PAYT): This waste collection system charges households and businesses based on the amount of mixed waste collected, incentivizing waste reduction and recycling. Individuals are not charged for recycling or reusing materials, encouraging sustainable waste management practices. Fee-per-bag: Another term for PAYT, this system charges individuals a fee for each bag of mixed waste collected, discouraging excessive waste generation and promoting recycling and waste reduction efforts.
- #29 Benefits of Composting: Individual Household: 1. **Waste Reduction**: Lessens organic waste sent to landfills, saving money and reducing environmental impact. 2. **Nutrient-Rich Soil**: Creates free, natural compost for healthier gardens and landscapes. Municipal: 1. **Waste Diversion**: Decreases landfill use, saving disposal costs and extending landfill life. 2. **Resource Conservation**: Produces compost for municipal landscaping, reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers.
- #30 EDMONTON ALBERTA ,CANADA
- #31 Energy use: This refers to the amount of energy consumed in the production of paper. Traditional paper production typically requires significant energy input, making it environmentally taxing. Recycled paper production generally consumes less energy compared to producing paper from raw materials. Water use: Paper production involves substantial water usage, primarily in the process of pulping and refining. Conventional paper production requires more water compared to recycled paper production, which often uses less due to reduced processing requirements. Pollution: Traditional paper production processes can result in pollution of water bodies and air due to the discharge of harmful chemicals and waste products. Recycling paper helps mitigate pollution by reducing the need for virgin pulp production and decreasing the release of pollutants into the environment. Countries that lead recycling efforts (e.g., Germany): Some countries, such as Germany, have made significant strides in promoting recycling and implementing efficient recycling systems. These efforts include infrastructure development, public awareness campaigns, and legislative measures to encourage recycling practices. Replacement of chlorine-based bleaching chemicals with H2O2 or O2: Chlorine-based bleaching chemicals used in conventional paper production can have harmful environmental impacts, including the generation of toxic byproducts such as dioxins. Substituting these chemicals with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) or oxygen (O2) can reduce environmental harm and produce recycled paper with fewer pollutants. This substitution aligns with sustainable and eco-friendly practices in paper manufacturing.
- #32 Composed of resins created from oil and natural gas: Plastics are made from polymers, which are derived from oil and natural gas through a process of refinement. These raw materials are converted into various types of resins, which form the basis of different plastic products. Most containers discarded: 4% recycled: Despite widespread use, a significantly low percentage of plastic containers are actually recycled. In this case, only 4% of plastic containers are being recycled, indicating a significant gap between plastic consumption and recycling efforts. Litter: beaches, oceans: Improper disposal of plastic waste leads to littering, with significant amounts ending up in natural environments such as beaches and oceans. This contributes to pollution and poses threats to marine life and ecosystems. Kills wildlife: Plastic pollution in the environment poses a direct threat to wildlife. Animals may ingest plastic debris, which can lead to choking, intestinal blockages, or other internal injuries, ultimately resulting in death. Gets into food chain and seafood: Plastics in the environment break down into smaller pieces over time, known as microplastics, which can be ingested by marine organisms. As these plastics move up the food chain, they can eventually end up in seafood consumed by humans, potentially posing health risks.
- #34 • Mike Biddle and Trip Allen: MBA Polymers, Inc. - Mike Biddle, along with Trip Allen, co-founded MBA Polymers, Inc., a company focused on recycling plastics. • Leaders in plastic recycling - MBA Polymers, Inc. is recognized as a leading entity in the field of plastic recycling, known for their innovative approaches and technologies. • Plants in U.S. China Australia - MBA Polymers, Inc. has established recycling plants in multiple locations, including the United States, China, and Australia, demonstrating their global presence and commitment to sustainable practices on an international scale.
- #35 Plastics from soybeans: not a new concept: This suggests that the idea of creating plastics from soybeans is not a recent development. It implies that there has been previous research or attempts to utilize soybeans as a source for producing plastics. Key to bioplastics: catalysts that speed reactions: This highlights that catalysts play a crucial role in the production of bioplastics. Catalysts are substances that accelerate chemical reactions without being consumed in the process. In the context of bioplastics, catalysts likely facilitate the conversion of raw materials (such as soybeans, corn, or sugarcane) into the desired plastic compounds. Sources: Corn, Soy, Sugarcane: This indicates some of the potential sources for producing bioplastics. Corn, soybeans, and sugarcane are mentioned as examples of biomass that can be used as feedstock for bioplastic production. These natural materials contain polymers or can be processed to yield the necessary components for manufacturing biodegradable plastics, offering a renewable and sustainable alternative to traditional petroleum-based plastics.
- #36 Science Focus: Bioplastics Sources: This section indicates the focus of the scientific research or study, which is bioplastics. Bioplastics are a type of plastic derived from renewable biomass sources, unlike traditional plastics that are derived from petroleum. Switchgrass: Switchgrass is a perennial grass native to North America. It is being explored as a potential source for producing bioplastics due to its high biomass yield and ability to grow in diverse climates. Chicken feathers: Chicken feathers are another potential source for producing bioplastics. Feathers are rich in keratin, a protein that can be processed into a bioplastic material. Some garbage: This likely refers to using certain types of waste materials as feedstock for bioplastic production. Various types of organic waste, such as food waste or agricultural residues, can be utilized to produce bioplastics through processes like fermentation or enzymatic conversion. CO2 from coal-burning plant emissions: This suggests the use of carbon dioxide captured from emissions of coal-burning power plants as a feedstock for bioplastic production. This approach helps to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions by recycling CO2 into useful materials. Benefits: lighter, stronger, cheaper, and biodegradable: This part summarizes the advantages of bioplastics derived from the mentioned sources. Bioplastics tend to be lighter, stronger, and cheaper to produce compared to traditional petroleum-based plastics. Additionally, they are biodegradable, meaning they can be broken down by microorganisms in the environment, offering environmental benefits over conventional plastics, which can persist in the environment for hundreds of years.
- #39 Government Subsidies and Tax Breaks: Offer incentives for using recycled products to promote sustainability and reduce reliance on virgin resources. Decrease in Subsidies and Tax Breaks: Reduce incentives for products made from virgin resources to discourage their production and consumption. Fee-per-Bag Collection: Implement a fee-per-bag system for waste disposal to encourage waste reduction and increase recycling efforts. New Laws and Citizen Pressure: Enact stricter environmental regulations and respond to citizen pressure to promote sustainability and address environmental concerns.
- #41 A Waste-to-Energy Incinerator with Pollution Controls is a facility that burns waste to produce energy while using technology to reduce pollution emissions, ensuring environmental sustainability.
- #42 America. Examples of waste commonly burned in incinerators for electricity generation include municipal solid waste, industrial waste, agricultural waste, medical waste, and construction and demolition debris.
- #44 Open Dumps: Advantages: Inexpensive, easy to set up, immediate waste disposal. Disadvantages: Environmental pollution, health hazards, aesthetic issues. Sanitary Landfills: Advantages: Environmental protection, odor control, efficient land use. Disadvantages: High costs, potential contamination, long-term management needs.
- #45 A state-of-the-art sanitary landfill is a modern waste facility that uses advanced technology to safely dispose of trash, with features like liners to prevent contamination, methane capture for energy, and rigorous monitoring for environmental protection.
- #48 Integrated management of hazardous wastes involves minimizing production, converting them into less hazardous substances, safely storing them long-term, and increasing postconsumer waste usage.
- #50 In the case of recycling e-waste, approximately 70% of it is sent to China, where hazardous working conditions, including child labor, are prevalent. However, efforts are being made to reduce toxic components in electronics, with companies like Dell and HP taking steps to recycle their products. In Europe, high-tech smelters with strict standards are employed for e-waste recycling.
- #51 Collect and Detoxify: Hazardous wastes are first collected from sources like industrial processes or contaminated sites. Then, they undergo detoxification using different techniques: Physical Methods: Such as filtration, sedimentation, or evaporation, which physically separate the hazardous components from the waste. Chemical Methods: Chemical reactions are employed to neutralize or transform the hazardous substances into less harmful forms. Use of Nanomagnets: Nanomaterials like nanomagnets can selectively extract and separate contaminants from the waste stream. Bioremediation: Microorganisms are used to degrade or metabolize hazardous substances into non-toxic compounds. Phytoremediation: Certain plants are cultivated to absorb and accumulate contaminants from the soil or water, effectively detoxifying the environment. Incineration: Hazardous wastes can be subjected to high-temperature incineration processes. This thermal treatment decomposes organic compounds and reduces the volume of waste, while also minimizing the release of harmful gases through advanced air pollution control systems. Using a Plasma Arc Torch: A plasma arc torch generates extremely high temperatures through an electric arc in a plasma gas. Hazardous wastes are subjected to this intense heat, causing thermal decomposition and conversion into inert materials or gases. This method is effective for treating a wide range of hazardous materials and can handle complex waste streams.
- #52 Rhizofiltration - Roots of plants such as sunflowers with dangling roots on ponds or in greenhouses can absorb pollutants such as radioactive strontium-90 and cesium-137 and various organic chemicals. Phytostabilization - Plants such as willow trees and poplars can absorb chemicals and keep them from reaching groundwater or nearby surface water. Phytodegredation - Plants such as poplars can absorb toxic organic chemicals and break them down into less harmful compounds which they store or release slowly into the air. Phytoextraction - Roots of plants such as Indian mustard and brake ferns can absorb toxic metals such as lead, arsenic, and others and store them in their leaves. Plants can then be recycled or harvested and incinerated.
- #53 plasma arc gasification (PAG), waste-treatment technology that uses a combination of electricity and high temperatures to turn municipal waste (garbage or trash) into usable by-products without combustion (burning).
- #54 Burial on Land or Long-term Storage: Reserved as a last resort option. Involves burying hazardous waste underground or storing it for an extended period. Deep-well Disposal: Utilized for approximately 64% of hazardous liquid wastes in the U.S. Involves injecting liquid waste deep into the ground for containment.
- #55 Deep well injection is a liquid waste removal process. This option uses injection wells to put treated or untreated liquid waste into geological formations that have no possibility of permitting the movement of contaminants into possible potable water aquifers.
- #56 Surface Impoundments: Lined ponds or pits for containing hazardous liquids or sludges. Impermeable liners prevent leakage into the environment. Secure Hazardous Landfills: Specially engineered landfills for hazardous waste disposal. Containment systems like liners and monitoring wells ensure safe isolation from the environment.
- #57 Surface impoundments in Niagara Falls, New York, refer to lined ponds or pits used for containing hazardous liquids or sludges. These impoundments are equipped with impermeable liners to prevent leakage into the surrounding environment. They serve as a method for storing hazardous waste safely, minimizing the risk of environmental contamination in the area.
- #59 Secure hazardous waste landfills are designed with multiple protective measures: double liners to prevent leachate seepage, a leachate collection system, leak detection, and a gas vent system. A clay cap and topsoil layer minimize water infiltration. Ongoing monitoring is essential as no landfill is entirely fail-safe, ensuring environmental and human health protection.
- #61 The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) of 1976 in the United States empowers the EPA to set standards, issue permits, and regulate hazardous waste from its creation to disposal ("cradle to grave"). However, RCRA only covers around 5% of hazardous wastes, leaving a significant portion unregulated.
- #62 Since its inception in 1980, the Comprehensive Environmental, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) established the National Priorities List to identify and prioritize cleanup efforts at hazardous waste sites. By 2010, approximately 1300 sites had been listed, with only 340 successfully remediated. However, the pace of cleanup has decelerated, compounded by financial constraints, with the Superfund facing insolvency. Despite challenges, laws have been enacted to incentivize the cleanup of brownfields, seeking to revitalize contaminated areas for safer, productive use.
- #65 In the United States, a significant grassroots movement has emerged to oppose the construction of numerous incinerators, landfills, hazardous waste treatment facilities, and chemical plants near residential areas. While nationwide health risks from these facilities are relatively low on average, they pose significantly higher risks to communities in close proximity. Advocates for waste management industries argue that toxic waste disposal is necessary, suggesting that the "not in my backyard" (NIMBY) approach is impractical since waste must be disposed of somewhere. However, many citizens reject this stance, advocating instead for a reduction in the production of toxic and hazardous waste altogether. They propose embracing pollution prevention strategies and adhering to the precautionary principle, as recommended by the U.S. National Academy of Sciences, to address the issue at its root. In the United States, a grassroots movement opposes the construction of incinerators, landfills, and hazardous waste facilities near residential areas, advocating for reduced waste production and pollution prevention strategies. While some argue for the necessity of waste disposal, many citizens reject this stance, pushing for a reduction in toxic waste and adherence to the precautionary principle. Grassroots action drives improvements in waste management by challenging the "not in my backyard" mentality and striving for a planet with minimized waste for future generations.
- #66 Environmental justice advocates seek fair protection from environmental hazards regardless of demographics like race or income. Studies show polluting facilities are often located in communities of African Americans, Asian Americans, Latinos, and Native Americans, with slower and less thorough cleanups compared to white communities. This injustice fuels the environmental justice movement, urging governments and businesses to address and prevent discrimination. Despite some progress, much remains to be done.
- #67 The Basel Convention, established by the UNEP in 1989 and amended in 1995, prohibits developed countries from shipping hazardous waste, including e-waste, to developing countries without permission. By 2009, 152 countries ratified the agreement, excluding the United States, to prevent such transfers and address environmental justice concerns internationally. This ban will help, but it will not wipe out the very profitable illegal waste trade. Smugglers evade the laws by using an array of tactics, including bribes, false permits, and mislabeling of hazardous wastes as materials to be recycled.
- #68 The "Dirty Dozen" refers to a group of highly toxic chemical compounds known for their persistent organic pollutants (POPs) characteristics. These chemicals include DDT (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane), PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls), and dioxins. They are labeled as the "Dirty Dozen" due to their widespread use in the past and their detrimental effects on human health and the environment. Despite being banned or heavily restricted in many countries, these chemicals persist in the environment, accumulate in the food chain, and pose significant risks to wildlife and human health even at low levels of exposure. AFTER 2000 Philippines Law on Waste Management and TOXIC Hazardous Waste Management The Republic Act (RA) 9003, also known as the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, establishes a comprehensive program for solid waste management in the Philippines. The act's goals include protecting public health and the environment, and reducing waste by 25%. RA 6969 Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Waste Control Act of 1990, this program of the DENR-EMB covers the sound and proper management of industrial chemicals and hazardous wastes in all aspects of its life cycle, from importation, manufacture, distribution, transportation, use and disposal.
- #69 Follow guidelines to prevent pollution and reduce waste. Everything is connected. There is no away, as in to throw away, for the wastes we produce. Polluters and producers should pay for the wastes they produce. Different categories of hazardous waste and recyclable waste should not be mixed. We can mimic nature by reusing, recycling, or composting most of the municipal solid wastes we produce.