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Hazardous waste and reducing waste. Chapters 12.2 and 12.3. Hazardous Wastes – 12.3. Contains at least one toxic compound Catches fire easily Reactive or explosive Corrodes metal containers. Hazardous Waste Regulation in the United States. Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)
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Hazardous waste and reducing waste Chapters 12.2 and 12.3
Hazardous Wastes– 12.3 • Contains at least one toxic compound • Catches fire easily • Reactive or explosive • Corrodes metal containers
Hazardous Waste Regulation in the United States • Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) • Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (Superfund) – NJ leads the nation in Superfund Sites, mostly thanks to Governor Christie Whitman (who ended up in charge of the EPA under George W. Bush) • National Priority List • Polluter-pays principle
Superfund Sites – NJ has 113 as of 2013. • California – 98 • Pennsylvania - 96
Superfund in Burlington • Cinnaminson Ground Water Contamination Cinnaminson Township • Cosden Chemical Coating Corporation Beverly City • Ellis Property EveshamTownship • Ewan Property Shamong Township • Fort Dix Landfill Pemberton Township • Kauffman & Minteer, Inc. Springfield Township • Landfill & Development Company (L&D) Mount Holly Township • Lang Property Pemberton Township • McGuire Air Force Base #1 New Hanover Township • Roebling Steel Florence Township • Woodland Township Route 532 Dump Woodland Township • Woodland Township Route 72 Dump Woodland Township
The Love Canal Story • Love Canal was a waterway built in the 1800s next to Niagara Falls, NY. • Hooker Chemical Company purchased the site and used it for a chemical dump 1942-53. • Site was sold to local gov’t for $1. A housing development and school were constructed on the site in the 70s. • Chemicals began seeping into basements. • Housewife and resident Lois Gibbs brought problems to national attention in 1977. • Some families moved right away, some cleanup done.
The Love Canal Story • Of remaining families, miscarriage rate 50% higher than normal. • Of 17 pregnancies in 1979, 2 normal, 9 had birth defects, 2 still born, 4 miscarriages. • In adults tested, nerve impulses slower, 30% had broken chromosomes. • 1980, gov’t relocated everybody, started massive cleanup. • 1990 cleanup done, new development called Black Creek Village opened. Houses cheap.
What Harmful Chemicals Are in Your Home? What Harmful Chemicals Are in Your Home? Cleaning • Disinfectants • Drain, toilet, and window cleaners • Spot removers • Septic tank, cleaners Gardening • Pesticides • Weed killers • Ant and rodent killers • Flea powders Paint • Latex and oil-based paints • Paint thinners, solvents, and strippers • Stains, varnishes, and lacquers • Wood preservatives • Artist paints and inks Automotive • Gasoline • Used motor oil • Antifreeze • Battery acid • Solvents • Brake and transmission fluid • Rust inhibitor and rust remover General • Dry cell batteries (mercury and cadmium) • Glues and cements
Detoxifying and Removing Wastes • Physical methods • Chemical methods • Bioremediation • Phytoremediation • Plasma incineration
Dealing with Solid Waste Problems Chapter 12.2
How can we reduce our production of solid waste? • 3 options for dealing with solid waste problems (Aka – the 3 R’s): • Producing less waste (Reduce) • Changing the materials used in products (Reuse) • Recycle
Producing less waste - Reduce • Less waste – fewer/smaller landfills – less pollution • How can we produce less waste? • Manufacturers can produce less waste by redesigning products to use less material
Reuse • Reusable bags for groceries • Repurposing household items for other things
Composting – (Reuse) • “recycling” yard material • Yard waste is biodegradable and therefore can decompose naturally in a compost pile • Bacteria break down the waste until it becomes compost – a dark crumbly material that is rich in nutrients
Recycling • Saves energy, water and other resources • After recycled materials are collected they are taken to a recycling center where they are sorted, cleaned, sorted again and made into new products.