Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology

ES 223 - Environmental Science and Engineering

Waste Minimization - Manuscript

Group 5:

Batungbakal, Ren Cyruz

Cura, Anthony

Sakay, Danna Grace

Mallare, Don Joel

Dela Cruz, John Paul

Goloya, Junaira Kaye

Ponce, Justine
WASTE MINIMIZATION

Waste Minimization is a waste management approach that focuses on reducing the amount and
toxicity of hazardous waste generated. In addition to hazardous wastes regulated under The
Resource Conservation and Recovery (RCRA), EPA encourages the minimization of all wastes.

How much waste is there in the world I 2022?

The world generates 2.01 billion tonnes of municipal solid waste annually, with at least
33 percent of that—extremely conservatively—not managed in an environmentally safe manner.
Worldwide, waste generated per person per day averages 0.74 kilograms but ranges widely,
from 0.11 to 4.54 kilograms.

Meanwhile, the Philippines is considered the third-largest contributor to plastic waste

worldwide, contributing to an estimated 0.75 million metric tons of ocean plastic every year.
The Philippines generates an estimated 43,684 tons of garbage daily, including 4,609 tons of
plastic waste, according to government data, and proper disposal facilities are lacking for much
of it.

What are the four R's of waste minimization?

Try to buy products in bulk that are made from recycled material and use canvas bags instead of
plastic packets. Good waste management follows the 4 Rs: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Recover,
as well as avoiding illegal dumping and littering.

Methods of Waste Minimization

Source Reduction (Pollution Prevention)

The most desirable method of waste minimization is source reduction, which reduces the impact
of chemical wastes on the environment to the greatest extent. This is an activity that reduces or
eliminates the generation of chemical waste at the source.
Recycling

The next most desirable approach is waste minimization through recycling. When a waste
material is used for another purpose, treated and reused in the same process, or reclaimed for
another process, this is called recycling.

Treatment

The last minimization method is treatment. The most common treatment that can be
performed in laboratories is elementary neutralization. Other kinds of treatment may involve
chemical, physical or biological methods.

Life Cycle Assessment

Life cycle assessment (LCA) is a multi-step procedure for calculating the lifetime
environmental impact of a product or service. The complete process of LCA includes goal
and scope definition, inventory analysis, impact assessment, and interpretation. The
process is naturally iterative as the quality and completeness of information and its
plausibility is constantly being tested.

Four steps of life cycle assessment

In the goal and scope phase, the aims of the study are defined, namely the intended
application, the reasons for carrying out the study and the intended audience.

The Life Cycle Inventory (LCI) phase involves the data collection and the calculation
procedure for the quantification of inputs and outputs of the studied system. Inputs and
outputs concern energy, raw material and other physical inputs, products and co-products
and waste, emissions to air/water/soil, and other environmental aspects.

In the Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA) phase, the inventory is analyzed for
environmental impact.

Finally, in the Life Cycle Interpretation phase, results from LCI and LCIA are interpreted
in accordance to the stated goal and scope. This step includes completeness, sensitivity
and consistency checks. Uncertainty and accuracy of obtained results are also addressed
in this step.
Why perform LCA?

There are many benefits from LCA. Your LCA results can help you improve your product
development, marketing, strategic planning and even policymaking. For example,
product designers can explore how their design choices affect the sustainability of the
products. Policy-makers can make decisions by comparing all major environmental
impacts. Sustainability managers can assess the portfolio and see what’s needed to
achieve carbon footprint goals. Marketing teams can get factual data for sustainability
communications. A purchasing department can learn which suppliers have the most
sustainable products and methods.

Principle of Life Cycle Assessments

Society faces important environmental challenges, greenhouse gas emissions increase

the earth's temperature, industrial pollution and toxic emissions endangered ecosystems
and clean water reserves. Important metals needed for electronic and machines are
becoming scarce. Fossil fuels, which society heavily depends on are rapidly depleting.

Solving these environmental issues increasingly becomes a responsibility of the producing

industry, since it is a main origin of these environmental problems and a large consumer
of fossil fuels and mineral reserves.

To understand to what extent an industry contributes to various environmental issues,

products can be screened using life cycle assessment. This is a technique to assess the
environmental impact of a product's life cycle. In life cycle assessment, all stage of a
product's life were taken into account.

Life cycle assessments has been standardized by the International Organization for
Standardization and gives us the opportunity to measure how the life cycle of a product
contributes to an extensive set of environmental indicators. These are grouped in; damage
to human health; damage to ecosystem's quality; and resource depletion. This way
products can be compared by using specific environmental themes. Life cycle assessment
shows in which life cycle stage environmental impacts are highest, and can even assess
individual steps in the production process. This way companies can decide how to improve
the environmental performance of their product. Results can be used for marketing
purposes. Sustainable development is the most important challenge of the future and the
life cycle assessment gives important conclusions on how to make industries more
sustainable.

Elements of waste minimization (stages)

The Amended Waste Framework Directive put in place by the European Parliament
establishes waste prevention and management legislation and policy. This directive
includes the fiscal incentives for the application of the waste hierarchy. In this
directive, ‘waste’ is defined as any substance or object which the holder discards or
intends or is required to discard
Five Stages
1. Prevention - Prevention is the least harmful to the environment and disposal is
the last resort with the most impact on the environment, prevention also
includes reduction. Waste Prevention is also referred as Source Reduction and
Waste Minimization. It includes using less hazardous materials that could be
harmful to humans or the environment.
2. Reuse - Preparation for re-use encourages the checking, cleaning, repairing,
refurbishing and where possible prolonging of whole items or spare parts. An
example of re-use includes the re-treading of tyres
3. Recycle - Recycling is the most popular of these stages. This involves the
conversion of waste into their original use or new substances and product.
When considering food waste, anaerobic digestion and composting would sit at
this stage.
4. Recovery - This includes energy generation such as gasification and pyrolysis.
Acid or base regeneration and reclaiming metals for re-use.
5. Disposal - The disposal stage comprises anything that can not be recovered.
This includes incineration (without energy recovery) and landfill. Waste disposal
means removing, discarding, recycling or destroying unwanted materials called
waste that is produced from agriculture, domestic usage or industrial products
Five types of waste disposal: Landfill, Incineration, Waste compaction,
Composting, Vermicomposting.
ISO (International Organization for Standardization) is an independent, non-
governmental organization that develops standards to ensure the quality, safety and
efficiency of products, services and systems.

ISO 14040 and ISO 14044

To ensure the comparability of life cycle assessments, the International Organization

for Standardization has drawn up two complementary standards: the principles and
framework of life cycle assessments are described in ISO 14040; the requirements
themselves are set out in ISO 14044.

LCI
The Life Cycle Inventory (LCI) phase involves the data collection and the calculation
procedure for the quantification of inputs and outputs of the studied system. Inputs and
outputs concern energy, raw material and other physical inputs, products and co-
products and waste, emissions to air/water/soil, and other environmental aspects. Data
collected concern foreground processes (e.g. for a consumer good manufactures, the
manufacturing and packaging of a product) and background processes (e.g. for a
consumer good manufactures, the production of purchased electricity and materials).
Data are validated and put in relationship to the process units and functional unit.

LCIA
In the Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA) phase, LCI results are associated to
environmental impact categories and indicators. This is done through LCIA methods
which firstly classify emissions into impact categories and secondly characterize them
to common units so as to allow comparison (details on the LCIA are presented in the
section below).

GOALS AND SCOPE

In the goal and scope phase, the aims of the study are defined, namely the intended
application, the reasons for carrying out the study and the intended audience. Main
methodological choices are made in this step, in particular the exact definition of the
functional unit, the identification of the system boundaries, the identification of the
allocation procedures, the studied impact categories and the Life Cycle Impact
Assessment (LCIA) models used, and the identification of data quality requirements.
Waste minimization entails limiting the amount of waste that is generated, thereby
helping to eliminate the production of persistent and harmful wastes, effectively
supporting efforts that promote a society that is sustainable. Thus, waste
minimization involves a change of societal patterns that relate to production and
consumption as well as redesigning products to eliminate the generation of waste.

According to the University of California,

“Waste Minimization is reduction in the quantity of hazardous wastes

achieved through a conscientious application of innovative or alternative
procedures. Simple adjustments to a process producing wastes (e.g. a teaching
lab experiment, a vehicle cleaning operation, etc.) may be the only requirement
to achieve some results. However, looking at the broader picture in the University
environment, it is often difficult to recognize waste reductions due to the complex
and changing growth patterns within the campus community. Reductions are
often offset by increased staff and student growth and/or building construction.”

Benefits of Waste Minimization

While it is obvious that waste minimization supports sound business and economic
practices in addition to protecting the environment, other benefits include the
following:

Improved product quality – New technological practices and innovation will not
only reduce the generation of waste but also contribute to improved input quality
that translates to improved products.

Economic benefits – Efficiency in product use translates to reduced costs when

purchasing materials, thus significantly affecting financial performance.

The efficiency of production practices – Waste minimization will attain more output
of the product for every part of raw material.
Environmental responsibility – eliminating or minimizing the generation of waste
will make it easy for you to achieve environmental policies, standards and
regulations.

Public image – Embracing waste minimization will boost the reputation of your
company, as it is a reflection of proactive movement in the quest to protect the
environment.

Change in RCRA regulatory status – Waste minimization helps a company to

change its RCRA regulatory status from a large quantity generator to a small
quantity generator or conditionally exempt small quantity generator.

New customers –People love to buy their goods from companies that are
dedicated to improving our environment. Some consumers exclusively seek these
organizations out, so you have an opportunity to reach a wider audience. It brings
in new customers and generates new money. This is due to your commitment to
protecting the environment.

Fewer Accidents – It reduces the occurrence and likelihood of worker exposure

and workplace accidents.

Protect the environment – Waste minimization increases the efficiency of

production. You are able to reduce carbon, air, and water emissions while you
work to conserve natural resources. Thus, it saves resources and energy, reduces
pollution, and diminishes demand for landfill space. All these boosts environmental
performance.

Stay ahead of the competition – Reducing waste both in the final product and the
manufacturing process, decreases regulatory burdens associated with disposal.
More time and money allow you to invest in new ideas and products.

3 R’s of Waste Minimization

Waste minimization revolves around three R’s as follows:

• Reduce
-means to cut back on the amount of trash we generate.
• Reuse
-means any operation by which products or components that are not
waste are used again for the same purpose for which they were conceived
• Recycle
-the process of collecting and processing materials (that would otherwise
be thrown away as trash) and remanufacturing them into new products.
 WASTE REDUCTION TECHNIQUES

Waste Reduction is anything that reduces waste by using less material in the first place. Reducing
waste can be as simple as using both sides of a sheet of paper, using ceramic mugs instead of
disposable cups, or buying in bulk rather than individually packaged items. The end result of
producing less waste is money saved, resources conserved, pollution reduced, and landfill space
saved.

Reducing needless consumption preserves renewable and non-renewable resources that

conserve energy and reduce the air, soil, and water contamination that is often caused by the
manufacture of those materials and supplies that become waste, and from the fossil fuel-powered
transportation that delivers those goods and hauls them away after they become waste.

PRACTICING WASTE REDUCTION

Like we practice most new things, take on a new strategy one at a time. Once you’ve mastered
one strategy in your home, business, or institution, add more. It is also perhaps the most
challenging option for managing waste since it involves changes in how we live, work, and have
fun.

WASTE MINIMIZATION TECHNIQUES

1. Optimization of Resources

In order to reduce the quantity of waste that is produced by individuals or organizations calls for
the optimization of raw materials used in production. For instance, a dressmaker will do well to
arrange the pieces of pattern in a certain way along the length of the fabric to use a small portion
of the fabric.

2. Scrap Metal Reuse

Incorporating scraps into the initial stages of manufacturing is a surefire way of ensuring that they
do not end up in landfills as waste products. A majority of industries embrace this process,
effectively returning rolls that are damaged to the initial production line and plastic items in the
manufacturing of offcuts so that scrap is re-incorporated in the new commodities.

3. Quality control improvement and process monitoring

Measures can be put in place to control the number of rejects and ensure it is at a minimum. This
may be achieved through increased frequency of inspection as well as increasing the number of
inspection points. For instance, installing a continuous monitoring device that is automated will
help identify production problems before they reach an advanced stage.

4. Exchange of Waste
Here, the waste products from one process are used as raw materials for other processes. The
exchange of waste is another means of minimizing waste disposal volumes, especially for waste
that may not be eliminated.

5. Shipping to the point of use

Here, raw materials as well as other components, are directly delivered at the point of assembly
or manufacturing plant ostensibly to minimize handling and use of enclosures and protective
wrappings.

6. Zero waste

This systems approach is designed to eliminate waste from the source as well as at every point of
the supply chain to ensure that no waste is produced. This design philosophy places emphasis on
waste prevention and not waste management at the end of the production line.

7. Reduce the Use of Packaging Materials

Start with reducing the use of packaging materials like shrink wrap by redesigning packages to use
recyclable or degradable materials. This redesign will not only allow your company to hone in on
a newer look and feel but also ensure your packages do not end up in a landfill. Even if they reach
the landfill, you will be happy to know that your material will degrade without causing any harm
to the environment.

8. Reduce Harmful Wastewater

Implement a strategy at your facility to reduce the wastewater and industrial sludge that is a
byproduct of manufacturing while also reducing the amount of water used during this process
since these materials are hard to treat and dispose of. Decreasing the amount of wastewater and
sludge will help save money while disposing of the waste properly.

9. Hold Your Employees Accountable

In order to reduce the amount of waste your employees generate, hold your employees
accountable for this as well. You can devise a plan that will encourage employees to be
environmentally mindful both in and out of the workplace. For example, praise and reward
employees that bring their own reusable mugs, cups, plates, and flatware instead of using single-
use tableware. In this way, your organization can make the claim that you have made significant
steps toward a greener future.

10. Update Your Recycling Program

Another step is to improve your own recycling program. Help employees to get into the habit of
properly disposing of materials by creating an internal goal for every month. This goal can be based
on the amount of waste your employees or departments recycled, and if they meet the goal,
reward them in some way to encourage them to keep up the good work.

11. Waste Minimization for Households

Households can practice waste minimization by employing various techniques. One of the ways to
achieve this is by purchasing adequate sizes and amounts of food. Purchasing large containers of
paint when taking small decorating jobs or purchasing large volumes of food than you need will
result in wastage.

Home composting, thoughtful use of electricity as well as reducing the number of car journeys is
also great way of waste minimization. Generally, buying fewer products or products that last
longer, and mending worn or broken equipment or clothing, can also minimize household waste.
Additionally, households can also minimize the wastage of water and cycle or walk to various
destinations as opposed to using cars, thereby saving on fuel.

12. Waste Minimization in Building Construction

An assessment of streams of waste shows that energy savings may be achieved at minimal cost or
no cost within the construction sector. Consequently, the environmental impact of materials may
be reduced significantly with reuse. Some of the construction materials that may be recycled
include steel, aluminum, gypsum plasterboard, timber, concrete, glass, carpet, plastics as well as
bricks and tiles.

13. Assess Your Processes

Lastly, always conduct a waste assessment at your facility. This requires examining what waste is
generated and how that waste is managed throughout your facility. The technical evaluation also
determines whether a proposed Waste Minimization option will work for the specific application.
It will help to find new opportunities for waste reduction and cost savings.
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