Changes in Disposal Methods

Energetics of Recycling and Substitution

Energy Cost of Various Materials

Paper Cups 36 Styrofoam Cups 1
Steel from Ore 23 Steel From Scrap 1
Aluminum from Ore 43 Aluminum from Scrap 1
Copper from Ore 4.3 Copper from Scrap 1
Glass from Ore 1.3 Glass from Cullet 1
 Biodegradability

Biodegradability in garbage dumps: an non-issue.

Rapid biodegradation: requires oxygen and/or water.
Rathje:perfectly preserved years old meat and vegetables!
Waste to Energy Plant

Locked into long term contract: may discourage recycling

Fly ash: Bottom ash: Where collected and transported?
 Metal in Incinerator Ash
Fly ash: from electrostatic precipitators. Bottom ash: bottom of boiler
Which is most dangerous??

Additional concerns: dioxin from burning of chlorine containing

compounds (plastics,etc.). Dioxin: carcinogen, endocrine disrupter