5 R's
What is Reduce?
The most effective first step in managing waste.
What is Municipal Solid Waste (MSW)?
Garbage collected from homes, offices, and schools.
What is a Landfill?
A site where garbage is buried and compacted.
What is Incineration?
The process of burning waste to reduce volume.
What is Hazardous Waste?
Waste that is toxic, flammable, corrosive, or reactive and can harm people or the environment.
What is Reuse?
Using an item again instead of throwing it away.
What is Industrial Waste? (ISW)
Waste produced by factories, construction, and mining.
What is a Liner?
The protective barrier at the bottom of a landfill that prevents groundwater contamination.
What is reducing landfill space or generating electricity?
One benefit of waste-to-energy incineration.
What is E-Waste?
The fastest growing solid waste problem that includes old phones, computers, and electronics.
What is Recycle?
Turning used materials into new products.
What is E-waste?
The fastest-growing waste stream worldwide, including old electronics.
What is Leachate?
Liquid formed when water filters through waste and collects contaminants.
What is air pollution or toxic ash production?
One environmental concern of incineration.
What are Lead and Mercury?
Two toxic metals found in e-waste that can harm workers and the environment.
What is Recovery?
Taking useful parts or materials from old products before disposal.
What is Hazardous Waste?
Waste that is toxic, flammable, corrosive, or reactive.
What is Methane?
A greenhouse gas produced when organic waste decomposes without oxygen.
What is Steam?
What is produced to spin turbines and generate electricity in waste-to-energy plants.
What is Bioremediation?
A method that uses bacteria or enzymes to break down harmful chemicals.
What is Cradle-to-Cradle?
A design system where products are reused in continuous cycles instead of ending up in landfills.
What is Compost?
Organic waste like food scraps and yard trimmings that can improve soil.
What are methane emissions and leachate leakage?
Two environmental problems associated with landfills.
What is Ash?
The leftover material after waste is burned that must be safely managed.
What are Produce less, Convert to less hazardous substances, and Store the remainder long-term?
Three priority steps for handling hazardous waste safely.