7.3 Solid waste

• Source: domestic, industrial, agricultural

• Type: e-waste, food, biohazardous materials

• Diverse content: paper, cardboard, glass, metal, plastics

• Organic matter, packaging, construction debris, clothing

• Over time and between societies

• Due to socio-economic, political, environmental, technological factors

• Environmental and social

• May occur in different location from generation

• Environmental injustice: high to low-income countries

• Can absorb some waste

• Pollution: harmful substances added faster than transformed

• Preventative more sustainable

• Preventative: alter behaviour, control release

• Restorative: clean-up and restoration

• Landfill, incineration, waste-to-energy

• Exporting waste, recycling, composting

• Each has advantages and disadvantages

• Taxes, incentives, social policies, legislation

• Education, campaigns, improved disposal access

• Holistic perspective on sustainable waste management

• From manufacture to product recovery