Waste Management & Disposal Methods (Cambridge (CIE) AS Environmental Management)

Provides centralised waste management

Generates methane, a potent greenhouse gas

Can accommodate a wide range of waste types

Requires suitable land availability and careful site selection

Relatively low operational costs compared to other options

Potential risk of groundwater and soil contamination

Can be engineered with liners and leachate collection systems to minimise environmental impact

Long-term management and monitoring required after closure

Reduces the volume of waste and minimises space requirements

Releases air pollutants, including greenhouse gases and toxic emissions (public concerns over health and environmental impacts)

Potential to generate energy through the combustion process (provides waste-to-energy potential)

Requires careful management of air emissions and ash disposal

Reduces the reliance on landfills

Potential for the release of hazardous substances during incineration

Can handle various types of waste, including hazardous waste

High operating costs

Conserves natural resources and reduces the need for raw materials

Requires energy and resources for collection, sorting and processing

Reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills or incinerators

Limited availability and accessibility of recycling facilities

Saves energy and reduces greenhouse gas emissions

Contamination of recyclables can hinder the recycling process

Prevents pollution caused by extracting and processing raw materials

Some materials are difficult or costly to recycle

Creates job opportunities in the recycling industry

Market demand and prices for recycled materials can fluctuate

Provides temporary containment for waste

Risk of leaks or spills leading to environmental contamination

Allows for segregation and organisation of waste

Requires suitable storage facilities and infrastructure

Enables proper handling and management of hazardous waste

Potential for accidental releases or exposure to harmful substances

Facilitates waste monitoring and inventory control

Long-term storage may lead to accumulation of waste

Reduces immediate environmental impact

Costs associated with storage maintenance and monitoring

Provides a convenient disposal method for waste

Causes marine pollution and degradation of aquatic ecosystems

Allows for the disposal of large quantities of waste

Contaminates water bodies and harms marine life

Can be cost-effective for waste producers

Violates environmental regulations and treaties

Reduces immediate pressure on land-based disposal

Leads to bioaccumulation of toxins in marine organisms

May alleviate waste management challenges in coastal areas

Risks of accidental spills or leaks during transportation

Offloads waste management responsibilities to other countries

Raises ethical and environmental concerns about waste dumping (e.g. in LICs)

Provides access to specialised waste facilities abroad

May result in social, economic, and environmental impacts in recipient countries

Can be cost-effective for waste producers

Creates dependence on foreign waste management infrastructure

Reduces pressure on domestic waste disposal systems

Increases transportation-related emissions and costs

Supports international cooperation and resource sharing

Risks of legal and regulatory disputes between exporting and importing countries