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Recycling
Many local governments have established recycling programs as a part of their integrated waste management strategy. Recycling reduces the amount of waste ultimately being disposed, conserves natural resources, and, in some situations, generates revenue for the local government. A local government recycling program usually includes the following activities:
· Collecting recyclables
· Separating them from non-recyclable materials
· Processing the recyclable materials
· Marketing the "final" product.
Collection of recyclables is extremely similar to that discussed above. Specially designed vehicles either collect recyclables at curbside or from designated drop-off locations.
Separating recyclables from non-recyclable materials depends on the collection method. Basically, there are three categories of collection that drive separation activities:
· Source separation by type of recyclable (e.g., glass, paper, aluminum) either by the generator (i.e., the resident) or by the collector at curbside
· Commingled collection (i.e., generator separates recyclables from non-recyclables
· Mixed collection, in which there is no separation.
In source separation, segregated recyclables are usually stored by the local government until there is a sufficient amount to send to a processor or market. Usually in small communities, no further processing of the recyclables occurs (e.g., can flattening, glass pulverizing). This activity is conducted by private recyclers or dealers. During commingled collection, the local government transports the recyclables to a materials recycling facility where the recyclables are segregated. Most segregation occurs by hand, but there are some automated systems in use. In mixed collection, all waste is collected together and taken to a central processing facility. Within the facility, the mixed waste is shredded and magnets and air separators segregate out the recyclable materials. This process is known as front-end processing.
Processing of recyclables generally includes those activities that prepare the material for final shipment to the recycler or dealer. Once segregated, recyclables may need further processing to make them more dense or package them in a way that is appropriate for final shipment. For example, bottles may be crushed, metals flattened, and paper baled. Such activities reduce storage area, facilitate handling, and reduce transportation costs.
Finally, by definition, recycling does not occur until someone uses the recycled product to make new products. Therefore, if there is no market for the recycled materials, there is no recycling. It is the responsibility of the local government to locate markets for its recycled materials.
The major environmental impact associated with recycling is the volume of waste diverted from landfills or incineration. This diversion extends the life of landfills and limits the volume of wastes being combusted, thus reducing environmental impact.
Federal environmental statutes do not directly regulate the recycling of typical solid wastes (e.g., paper, plastic, glass, aluminum). However, the recycling of used oil is regulated under 40 CFR Part 279, which establishes standards for used oil generators, collection centers, transporters and transfer facilities, processors and re-refiners, burners of off-specification used oil, used oil fuel marketers, the use of used oil as a dust suppressant, and used oil disposal (used oil generated by households is exempt from these requirements). Like federal environmental law, most state laws that address solid waste recycling typically do not focus on the recycling process itself, but may specify source separation requirements or recycling/recovery goals.
Composting
Composting is a process of aerobic biological decomposition of organic materials to produce a stable and usable organic topsoil that does not require disposal. Resources used to create the final compost product originate from the roughly 70 percent of the municipal solid waste stream that is organic material (i.e., food waste/scraps, yard and lawn clippings).
The three primary activities associated with composting are:
· Collecting/receiving wastes for composting
· Processing the wastes (e.g., decomposition)
· Marketing.
A local government can collect or receive wastes for composting from a variety of sources. The local government may have active yard waste collection programs, complete with trucks that vacuum up leaves. Many communities have separate yard waste pickup as a part of recycling programs or drop-off stations for yard wastes. Significant composting wastes also result from recyclable material separation and processing. Once recyclable materials are removed from the solid waste stream, the remaining wastes may be suitable for composting.
During the processing or decomposition stage of composting, the local government may need to adjust the physical and chemical properties of the waste to make it more amenable to composting. For example, it may shred or grind the waste into a smaller particle size, alter the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio, or add water to the waste. All of these activities are designed to facilitate decomposition. Depending on the types and amounts used, chemicals used to alter the properties of the composted waste may be regulated under EPCRA or Section 112(r) of the CAA (risk management plans). Composting that occurs outside may create nuisance odors. Controlling odors may be required under the CAA.
A key aspect of composting programs is the concept of biosolids recycling. Sewage sludge biosolids are solid, semi-solid, or liquid residue generated during the treatment of domestic sewage in a wastewater treatment plant. Composting of household organic materials is not regulated by any major federal statutes, although many states do establish composting standards. However, the requirements for land application of biosolids at 40 CFR Part 503 pertain to materials derived from biosolids (e.g., biosolids that have undergone a change in quality through treatment, such as composting, or by mixing with other materials, such as wood chips, municipal solid waste, or yard waste). These regulations specify pollutant limits, management practices, operating standards, monitoring requirements, and recordkeeping and reporting requirements.
As with recycling, it is the responsibility of the local government to find a market for its compost. This process is similar to marketing any product or commodity and involves 4 distinct steps: 1) determine possible uses of the end product, 2) identify potential markets, 3) market the product, and 4) develop a distribution system. Failure to effectively market the compost may ultimately result in more waste being landfilled.
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