Solid Domestic Waste (SL IB Environmental Systems & Societies (ESS))

Types of Solid Domestic Waste

Estimate of the proportions of solid domestic waste in the UK in 2020

• Solid domestic waste (SDW), also known as household waste, refers to the waste generated by households and small-scale commercial establishments
  • It consists of various materials discarded by individuals and families

• The volume and composition of solid domestic waste can vary over time due to several factors, including changing consumption patterns, technological advancements, and waste management practices

Organic Waste

• • This includes food waste, garden waste, and other biodegradable materials
  • The volume of organic waste tends to be significant and can vary based on cultural practices, dietary habits, and seasonal factors
  • Over time, the composition of organic waste may change due to shifts in food preferences, increased consumption of processed foods, and advancements in waste management technologies that promote composting

Paper and Cardboard

• • These materials are commonly found in solid domestic waste and are derived from packaging, newspapers, magazines, and other paper-based products
  • The volume of paper and cardboard waste may fluctuate depending on factors such as digitalisation trends (for example, the increasing trend for people to read the news on phones and tablets rather than by reading a physical newspaper), and efforts to promote recycling and reduce paper consumption

Plastics

• • Plastics are a major component of solid domestic waste and can include packaging materials, containers, and various single-use items
  • The volume and composition of plastic waste have experienced a significant increase in recent decades due to the widespread use of plastics in various sectors
  • Changes in consumer behaviour, government regulations, and recycling initiatives can influence the composition and management of plastic waste

Glass and Metals

• • Glass and metal waste, such as bottles, cans, and other packaging materials, contribute to solid domestic waste
  • The volume of glass and metal waste can be influenced by factors like beverage consumption patterns, recycling rates, and the availability of alternative packaging materials
  • Changes in packaging preferences, recycling infrastructure, and resource conservation efforts can impact the composition and volume of glass and metal waste

E-waste

• • With the rapid advancement of technology, electronic waste, or e-waste, has become a growing concern
  • It includes discarded electronic devices such as computers, mobile phones, televisions, and appliances
  • The volume and composition of e-waste can change over time due to the introduction of new devices, upgrades, and the speed at which older electronics become obsolete (i.e. they become out-of-date)
  • Increasing awareness of e-waste management and the implementation of regulations can influence the handling and disposal practices of electronic waste

Kilograms of electronic waste (e-waste) produced per capita for a selection of countries in 2016

Non-biodegradable Waste

• Non-biodegradable pollution, including plastic, batteries, and e-waste, has become a significant environmental issue due to its persistence in the environment
  • Unlike biodegradable materials, these pollutants do not naturally break down and can remain in the environment for extremely long periods of time

• Plastic pollution, especially single-use plastics, has reached alarming levels, with large quantities ending up in oceans, rivers, and landfills
  • The abundance of plastic waste in the oceans poses risks to marine life, including birds, turtles fish and cetaceans, through ingestion or entanglement, leading to ecological imbalances and threats to biodiversity

• Batteries, which contain heavy metals and toxic substances, pose a serious threat to the environment if not properly disposed of
  • Improper disposal of batteries can result in leaching of harmful chemicals into soil and water, leading to contamination and potential health hazards for humans and wildlife

• Electronic waste, including discarded electronic devices, contains various toxic substances such as lead, mercury, and cadmium
  • Inadequate management of e-waste can lead to the release of these hazardous materials into the environment, posing risks to human health and ecosystems

Average daily per capita solid domestic waste generation for different countries in 2014

• Non-biodegradable pollution has become a major environmental issue due to unsustainable consumption and production patterns, inadequate waste management infrastructure, and limited recycling efforts
• The increasing demand for convenience and the rapid pace of technological advancements contribute to the accumulation of non-biodegradable pollutants
• Addressing non-biodegradable pollution requires a combined approach that includes:
  • Reducing the production and consumption of single-use items
  • Promoting eco-friendly alternatives
  • Implementing proper waste management systems
  • Encouraging recycling and responsible disposal practices