An overview of the environmental concerns from hazardous materials-includes regulation and disposal.

1. Hazardous Waste Special Stuff

2. Waste Categories

3. Some things CAN’T go in here: Topsoil Sand Clay Garbage Garbage Sand Synthetic liner Sand Clay Subsoil When landfill is full, layers of soil and clay seal in trash Methane storage and compressor building Electricity generator building Leachate treatment system Methane gas recovery Pipe collect explosive methane gas used as fuel to generate electricity Compacted solid waste Leachate storage tank Leachate monitoring well Groundwater monitoring well Leachate pipes Leachate pumped up to storage tanks for safe disposal Clay and plastic lining to prevent leaks; pipes collect leachate from bottom of landfill Probes to detect methane leaks Groundwater

4. What can and can’t go in CharMeck new green bins… http://charmeck.org/city/charlotte/SWS/CurbIt/Recycling/Pages/Home.aspx

5. Largest Source of UN regulated Hazardous Wastes What Harmful Chemicals Are In Your Home? Cleaning • Disinfectants • Drain, toilet, and window cleaners • Spot removers • Septic tank cleaners Paint • Latex and oil-based paints • Paint thinners, solvents, and strippers • Stains, varnishes, and lacquers • Wood preservatives • Artist paints and inks General • Dry-cell batteries (mercury and cadmium) • Glues and cements Gardening • Pesticides • Weed killers • Ant and rodent killers • Flea powders Automotive • Gasoline • Used motor oil • Antifreeze • Battery acid • Solvents • Brake and transmission fluid • Rust inhibitor and rust remover

7. New Threat: E-Waste Main concern heavy metals… Lead Mercury Cadmium Arsenic Chromium

8. Recent Study in China Journal of Environmental Science and Health, Part A, Volume 45, Issue 7 June 2010 , pages 824 - 835

10. Mercury Poisoning Solutions Mercury Pollution Prevention Control Sharply reduce mercury emissions from coal burning plants and incinerators Tax each unit of mercury emitted by coal-burning plants and incinerators Collect and recycle mercury containing electric switches, relays, and dry-cell batteries Require labels on all products containing mercury Phase out waste incineration Remove mercury from coal before it is burned Convert coal to liquid or gaseous fuel Switch from coal to natural gas and renewable energy resources such as wind, solar cells, and hydrogen Phase out use of mercury in all products unless they are recycled

12. Lead Poisoning Solutions Lead Poisoning Prevention Control Wash fresh fruits and vegetables Sharply reduce lead emissions from old and new incinerators Replace lead pipes and plumbing fixtures containing lead solder Remove leaded paint and lead dust from older houses and apartments Remove lead from TV sets and computer monitors before incineration or land disposal Test for lead in existing ceramicware used to serve food Test existing candles for lead Phase out leaded gasoline worldwide Phase out waste incineration Test blood for lead by age 1 Ban lead solder in plumbing pipes, fixtures, and food cans Ban lead glazing for ceramicware used to serve food Ban candles with lead cores

15. National Priorities List

16. Hazardous Waste Priorities Produce Less Waste Manipulate processes to eliminate or reduce production Recycle and reuse Convert (treat) to Less Hazardous or Nonhazardous Substances Incineration Chemical, physical, and biological treatment Put in Perpetual Storage (LAST choice!) Secure Landfill Underground injection Surface impoundments

18. Phytoremediation Inorganic metal contaminants Organic contaminants Radioactive contaminants Brake fern Poplar tree Indian mustard Oil spill Groundwater Soil Polluted groundwater in Polluted leachate Decontaminated water out Landfill Willow tree Phytoextraction Roots of plants can absorb toxic metals such as lead, arsenic, and others and store them in their leaves. Plants can then be recycled or harvested and incinerated. Phytodegradation Plants can absorb toxic organic chemicals and break them down into less harmful compounds which are stored or released into the air. Phytostabilization Plants can absorb chemicals and keep them from reaching groundwater or nearby surface water. Rhizofiltration Roots of plants with dangling roots can absorb pollutants such as radioactive strontium-90 and cesium-137 and various organic chemicals. Sunflower Groundwater Soil

19. Tradeoffs of Phytoremediation Trade-Offs Phytoremediation Advantages Disadvantages Easy to establish Inexpensive Can reduce material dumped into land fills Produces little air pollution compared to incineration Low energy use Slow (can take several growing seasons) Effective only at depth plant roots can reach Some toxic organic chemicals may evaporate from plant leaves Some plants can become toxic to animals

20. Tradeoffs of Deep Underground Wells Advantages Safe method if sites are chosen carefully Wastes can be retrieved if problems develop Easy to do Low cost Disadvantages Leaks or spills at surface Leaks from corrosion of well casing Existing fractures or earthquakes can allow wastes to escape into groundwater Encourages waste production Trade-Offs Deep Underground Wells

21. Tradeoffs of Surface Impoundments Trade-Offs Surface Impoundments Advantages Disadvantages Low construction costs Low operating costs Can be built quickly Wastes can be easily retrieved if necessary Can store wastes indefinitely with secure double liners Groundwater contamination from leaking liners (or no lining) Air pollution from volatile organic compounds Overflow from flooding Disruption and leakage from earthquakes Promotes waste production

22. Secure Hazardous Waste Landfill Bulk waste Impervious clay Earth Water table Groundwater Clay cap Gas vent Topsoil Earth Sand Plastic cover Impervious clay cap Leak detection system Reactive wastes in drums Double leachate collection system Plastic double liner Groundwater monitoring well