Project 2

Nothing is Waste
Waste is human concept. In nature, nothing is waste, everything could be a part of natural circulation. The things regarded as waste are just useless for some human activities.

"3R" Between the Mine and the Dump

Most materials flow directly from their natural source to processing plant, to manufacturing industry, to consumers, and lastly to the dump. Actually, materials can be "3R"

Reuse--Direct reuse of material goods without changing their form(packaging, bottle)

Recycle--For goods clearly at the end of their usefulness, complete recycling is generally possible(paper product)

Recover--Resources also can be recovered at centralized facilities designed to recycle mixed urban waste

3 Components of Sustainable Resource Policy:

Waste reduction--smaller, simpler, easy repaired, durable products

Waste separation--require consumers segregate waste but not mix them together

Waste recovery--need high technology, centralized facilities to re-segregate mixed waste into their useful component

Seven Steps Toward Practical Solutions

1. Waste reduction must be a top priority

2. Planners should conduct a fair and thorough environmental and economic comparison of all waste reduction, recycling, treatment, and disposal method

3. Regulation of incineration, landfilling, and recycling should comprehensively address the environmental consequences of improper waste management

4. Solid waste management efforts must be expanded to include source reduction of toxic constituents and maximum waste segregation

5. Incinerator vendors should be held accountable for their promises about plant performance through contract

6. Recycling should be supported by fiscal policies that reflect its full potential as a solid waste management alternative

7. Expanded recycling collection programs must be accompanied by market development initiatives

Reference:

Richard A. Denison and John Ruston, RECYCLING&INCINERATION, Island Press, 1990

Denis Hayes, Repairs, Reuse, Recycling--First Steps Toward a Sustainable Society, Worldwatch Institute, 1978