Question

Module 12 Discussion Discussion Question: For this essay you will have to investigate and become familiar with the recycling program in your individual communities. Based upon the components of total MSW generation before recycling, and the various programs for recycling wastes that are described in your text (see figure 12.5, Friis, 3rd edition), discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the recycling program in your community, and recommend one additional specific recycling strategy that your community could implement to further reduce waste.

Answer 1

1) Municipal solid waste (MSW), is made up of the things we commonly use and then throw away. These materials include items such as packaging, food scraps, grass clippings, sofas, computers, tires, and refrigerators. MSW does not include industrial, hazardous, or construction waste.

2) They estimates residential waste (including waste from apartment houses) to be 55 to 65 percent of total MSW generation. Waste from commercial and institutional locations, such as businesses, schools, and hospitals amounted to 35 to 45 percent.

3) They analyze waste by material, such as paper and paperboard, yard trimmings, food scraps, and plastics, and by major product categories, which include durable goods (such as furniture), nondurable goods (such as paper or clothing), containers and packaging (such as milk cartons and plastic wrap), and other materials (such as food scraps).

4)The Benefits of Recycling Recycling has environmental benefits at every stage in the life cycle of a consumer product–from the raw material with which it’s made to its final method of disposal. Aside from reducing GHG emissions, which contribute to global warming, recycling also reduces air and water pollution associated with making new products from raw materials. By utilizing used, unwanted, or obsolete materials as industrial feedstocks or for new materials or products, we can each do our part to make recycling work. Recycling also provides significant economic and job creation

5) The ultimate benefits from recycling are cleaner land, air, and water, overall better health, and a more sustainable economy.

6)While the number of U.S. landfills has steadily declined over the years, the average landfill size has increased. At the national level, landfill capacity appears to be sufficient, although it is limited in some areas.