Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Construction and demolition (C&D) wastes . Construction and demolition
wastes are the waste materials generated by the construction, repair and
demolition activities. C&D waste consists of primarily inert materials such
as earth, stones, concrete, bricks, lumber, roofing materials, plumbing mate-
rials, heating systems and electrical wires.
Bulky wastes . Bulky wastes are large household appliances such as ovens,
refrigerators, and washing machines, as well as furniture, vehicle parts,
trees, and branches.
4
FACTORS AFFECTING SOLID WASTE GENERATION RATES
AND COMPOSITION
Historically, increases in waste generation rates correlate with increases of the
gross domestic product (GDP). The waste generation rates and composition
depend on nine factors:
1. Source reduction/recycling practices
2. Geographic location
3. Season
4. Use of home food waste grinders
5. Frequency of collection
6. Legislation
7. Public attitudes
8. Per capita income
9. Size of households
According to the U.S. EPA, recycling 82 million tons of MSW resulted into
energy savings equivalent to more than 10 billion gallons of gasoline (U.S. EPA
2007). Recycling 1 ton of aluminum cans conserves more than 207 million BTUs,
the equivalent of 36 barrels of oil, or 1,655 gallons of gasoline.
Table 7.3 presents the composition of MSW in the United States. Organic
materials constitute the largest fraction of MSW. Significant amounts of material
Ta b l e 7 . 3
Composition of the MSW Generated in 2006
Component
Percentage
Paper and paperboard products
34 %
Yard trimmings and food scraps
25 %
Plastics
12 %
Metals
8 %
Rubber, leather, and textiles
7 %
Wood
6 %
Glass
5 %
Other miscellaneous wastes
3 %
Source : U.S. EPA (2007).
 
 
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