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Waste consists of a mix of very different material, waste fractions. Each material has its own characteristics, environmental impact, recycle and re-use options. on this location information on various waste fractions is brought together. It is a good starting point to get an insight in the options for waste management.
Batteries (14 Jan 05) Most modern electrical equipment including mobile phones, computers, cameras and games consoles rely on batteries for their operation. Hence there is an increasing problem of what to do with the mountain of spent batteries generated by these appliances. If not properly treated the chemicals in batteries can leak into the environment posing a serious threat to nature. On the positive side with proper handling and treatment many of the battery components can be successfully recovered and recycled.
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Electronic Waste (14 Jan 05) All discarded products that have an electrical cable or battery are classified as Wastes from Electronic or Electric Equipment (WEEE). Examples include toasters, computers, mobile phones, microwaves and radios. These items produce complicated multi-material wastes with different proportions of metals, plastics and glass. These can be polluting if they are not adequately treated before final disposal. Material recovery from this equipment is relatively complex but can prove worthwhile when they contain precious and rare metals e.g. gold.
Excreta (14 Jan 05)
Faeces consist of digested food from the intestines, where bacteria help to decompose the food eaten. Urine is produced by the kidneys, which remove water, salts, and other substances of the blood by a filter process.
Excreta has to be removed from the household in the least offensive way.
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More extensive information on sanitation can be found on the website: www.ecosan.nl
Organic waste (11 Jan 05) Organic waste is a major component of municipal solid waste. Most originates from household waste but commercial, institutional and industrial waste can also contain significant proportions of organic waste e.g. market waste. Organic waste is biodegradable and can be processed in the presence of oxygen by composting or in the absence of oxygen using anaerobic digestion. Both methods produce a soil conditioner, which when prepared correctly can also be used as a valuable source of nutrients in urban agriculture. Anaerobic digestion also produces methane gas an important source of bio-energy.
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Medical waste (06 Jan 05)
Health care waste is not only waste from hospitals but can also be waste from beauty parlours. This waste has to be handled with care as there are some serious health risks in handling the waste as it can carry infectious diseases. Proper handling and safe disposal, in most cases high temperature incineration is necessary to eliminate the risk of contamination.
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Plastic (28 Dec 04) Plastic goods and packaging and the inevitable plastic waste resulting from them are found all over the world. Plastic is a relatively cheap, durable and versatile material. However, as waste it constitutes a sizeable percentage of the litter we see every day by the roadside and in public places. It is also non-biodegradable; presents risks to human health and the environment; and some types are difficult to re-use and/or recycle.
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