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18-Env-A6 Solid Waste Engineering and Management · December 2017

Question 15 of 18: Waste Separation at Source

Nivaar worked solution (AI-drafted; not reviewed by a licensed engineer)

Notes on this paper

National Examination, December 2017 — 04-Env-A6 / 18-Env-A6, Solid Waste Engineering and Management. 3 hours duration, closed book, one of two calculators permitted (Casio or Sharp approved model). All eighteen (18) questions constitute a complete paper (100 marks total).

Reference texts: Tchobanoglous, Theisen & Vigil, Integrated Solid Waste Management: Engineering Principles and Management Issues; Vesilind, Worrell & Reinhart, Solid Waste Engineering; Davis & Cornwell, Introduction to Environmental Engineering (6th ed.); Freeze & Cherry, Groundwater; CCME, Guidance Document on Landfill Gas Management; Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999.

Question 15: Waste Separation at Source (6 marks)

Question text not reproduced: the examination questions are © Engineers and Geoscientists BC. Open the official past paper (linked at the top of this page) to read the question, then follow the worked solution below.

Part (a) — 15.1 When source separation is warranted. Source separation is warranted when it materially improves recovered-material quality and market value compared with sorting mixed waste at a materials recovery facility (source-separated streams are far less contaminated); when local or provincial regulation mandates it (e.g. an organics-disposal ban or a mandatory recycling bylaw); when it reduces net system cost by avoiding landfill tipping fees on diverted tonnage by more than the added cost of separate collection; when stable end-markets exist for the separated material so the diverted stream is actually recovered rather than stockpiled or landfilled anyway; and when it is the only practical way to keep hazardous or special waste categories out of the general waste stream for worker and downstream-processing safety.

Part (b) — 15.2 Items for separate collection. Dry recyclables (paper/cardboard, plastics, glass, metal containers); organics (food waste and yard/garden waste) for composting or anaerobic digestion; household hazardous waste (paints, solvents, batteries, pesticides); electronic waste (WEEE — computers, TVs, small appliances); construction and demolition debris; bulky items and white goods (appliances, furniture, mattresses); and textiles.