Discussion
Give some examples of products which are a waste. Why are they a waste?
Definition
What is waste minimisation? It doesn't really mean a means of minimising waste, because if that was the case, waste can be minimised by reducing production. Many environmentalists who believe the environment is being irreversibly ruined suggest we must cut production and possibly reduce our standards of living. There is a growing awareness that we do have to change methods of production if we are going to have a sustainable system of resource use and minimise the impact on the environment. This suggests the concept of ecologically sustainable development or ESD. This involves the efficient use of resources and waste minimisation. Waste minimisation thus involves changing production, consumption and disposal activities so that resources can be used more efficiently, less wastes are generated, and we reuse and recycle more wastes.
This requires a national effort because many waste issues are national - for example the movement of wastes interstate, establishment of pollution standards, and the development of markets for recyclable materials. Glass recycling example. To that end the National Waste Minimisation Strategy was established by the Commonwealth Govt, with subsequent acceptance by State Govts.
The term 'waste minimisation' is capable of a variety of meanings. As an overall management strategy, it has been associated with a range of techniques and/or process activities targeted at different points in the production chain. As such, it involves resource use, production techniques and product design,
Table 1: Waste Minimisation: Some National Working Definitions.
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Germany |
waste avoidance, waste reduction and waste recycling = waste minimisation |
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Japan |
reduction of waste to be treated and disposed of at landfill sites by preventing waste generation and promoting waste treatment such as recycling, incineration, compression or shredding |
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UK |
reduction of waste at source |
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USA |
reduction of the generation and subsequently treated, stored or disposed of hazardous waste. the reduction should be in both the total quantity or volume as well as the toxicity |
A composite working definition was derived by OECD as
"Prevention and/or reducing the generation of waste, improving the quality of waste generated, including reduction of hazard, and encouraging re-use, recycling and recovery".
Why have Waste Minimisation?
Each year more than 14 millions tonnes of solid domestic, commercial and industrial waste goes into landfills - about 1 tonne per person. As well there are about 200 000 tonnes of liquid and solid industrial wastes taken to special landfills and treatment works in Australia. There is a general increasing trend in waste production, for example about 18% per annum in Sydney over the last 5 years.
There is also the problem of waste classification mentioned in previous lectures. This is demonstrated by three surveys undertaken in Lismore.
Table 2: Waste Received at Lismore Landfill - Three Studies (t/yr)
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domestic |
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trade waste |
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Total |
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There are also some approaches which could be taken, including - life cycle approach (cradle to grave) which I'll talk about in greater detail in a few weeks. In other words waste management encompasses all aspects of resource use - waste generation, storage, transport, treatment, disposal. Precautionary approach where threats of serious or irreversible damage. This can involve some form of risk analysis. User pays so that all identifiable costs are included in the market price. For example Lismore City Council proposes higher tip charges to include all costs.
Polluter pays means the costs of pollution are born by the community at large rather than those who benefit from process.
Whilst waste minirnisation as a concept occurs at the top of the waste management hierarchy, it is obvious that it should be promoted throughout the waste management chain. Within the waste management chain, it is becoming increasingly important to identify, and allocate responsibilities for, the production, consumption, generation and disposal of waste.
By Industry.
Waste minimisation by industiy and commerce, including source reduction, may involve a number of different operational activities, This approach to waste management considers the internal flow of resources, matenals and waste through the production chain in three key areas: resource inputs, the manufacturing process and product design/marketing. Preventing waste in industry avoids wasting resources, energy and money.
Table 3. Types of Waste Minimisation Through Source Reduction by Manufacturing Industry.
Input Changes :- "Resource Management"
Process Changes :- "Design & Manufacturing Management"
Product changes :- "Product Management & Marketing"
Source Adapted from Crittenden & Kolaczkowski (1992) and SERC Clean Technology Unit (1993).
There are several advantages in using waste minimisation during production. These include
The first priority is to use less raw materials, which is consistent with moves towards sustainable development. Using more recycled materials, or materials which can be easily recycled, instead of raw material inputs per se must be a key policy objective in 'closing the loop' for recycling within the context of waste management as a whole, and facilitating the concept of "sustainable recycling". Avoiding and/or using less hazardous raw materials such as CFCs and PCBs also fits within such an approach.
The development of new cleaner technologies and new techniques may result in the use of less raw materials and/or more efficient use of such raw materials and/or the use of recycled materials. Any gains from such raw material substitution must be weighed against the cost of installing new equipment, and any production inconvenience caused through the installation of new machinery and any changes in production management. For several years companies have been encouraged to use equipment and techniques which will minimise environmental impact - BATNEEC (Best Available Technology/Technique Not Entailing Extra Cost) - and it is likely that major improvements will continue to occur in this area of waste minirnisation, although implementation of such new techniques will also involve time constraints. In economic terms, this approach is preferable to the German promotion of Best Available Technology.
In offices, with paper representing at least 90% of waste, dispensing with unnecessary memos, printing and/or using both sides of paper are further examples of (potential) waste reduction to complement any paper segregation and recycling programme.
Certain key materials have been selected which will be subject to specific action. These are:
For example, building wastes - the establishment of criteria to allow recycled material
Mining & Ag wastes - More information required - Canadian example in a moment
Used tyres - possible levy system for recovery and reuse and changes to current management practices