Integrated waste management

Integrated Waste Management (IWM) covers the waste management hierarchy by taking into account immediate effects (transport, collecting, treating and disposing of waste) and indirect effects ( both use of waste materials and energy outside the waste management system). It is a structure that can be used to opt for existing systems as also to plan and implement new waste management systems. IWM is as well a transformation process that progressively introduces waste management from all utilities (solid, liquid and gaseous). An integrated waste management strategy is mandatory by law in many different jurisdictions. The goal of IWM is to reduce the environmental effects by using all feasible waste management methods - in particular reduction/reuse/recycling and incineration - in addition to landfill. Non-recyclable waste should be subject to a safe disposal process. The planning and application of an integrated waste management system is a multi-factorial project and has to consider many aspects, such as demographic change, market availability for re-cycled goods, and the accessibility of land and other assets.

Fig. 1 Block diagram illustrating overall integrated waste management system.

IWM classes

The parameters constituting integrated waste management are divided into four classes:

1. integration into a single facility (solid, aquatic or atmospheric waste) by examining possible new options for waste management,
2. multimedia integration (solid, aquatic, atmospheric and energy waste) by exploring waste management alternatives that can be used for more than one utility
3. tools (regulatory, economic, voluntary and informational); and
4. representatives (governmental — local and national, business and community).

The main environmental problem is the amount of waste generated which exceeds the capacity of the environment to absorb or manage it by the authorities which is the result of rapid urbanization and population growth. Integrated waste management demands a holistic attitude that includes an insight into the life cycle of goods and services. This in turn calls for the integration of various disciplines in initiating and analysing an integrated waste management system that takes to sustainable development.

Examples of Integrated waste management

• Source Reduction: Source reduction is an important component of integrated waste management. It refers to any activity that reduces the amount of waste generated, either through reducing the use of material or through the use of materials that are more easily recycled or composted. Examples of source reduction include using double-sided printing, using durable, reusable containers instead of disposable ones, and purchasing products with minimal packaging.
• Reuse: Reuse is another important component of integrated waste management. Reusing items such as furniture, clothing, and electronics can extend the life of the item and reduce the need for new items to be purchased, thereby decreasing the amount of waste generated. Examples of reuse include donating or reselling used furniture, clothing, and electronics, or donating items to thrift stores or reuse centers.
• Recycling: Recycling is an important component of integrated waste management. It refers to the process of collecting, sorting, and processing materials that can be reused in the production of new products. Examples of recycling include collecting plastic, glass, and metal containers for curbside collection, participating in local composting programs, and recycling electronics such as computers, printers, and cell phones.
• Composting: Composting is an important component of integrated waste management. It refers to the process of collecting organic materials such as fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, and yard trimmings and allowing them to decompose in the presence of air and moisture. Composting helps reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills and can be used as a soil amendment to improve plant growth.
• Waste-to-energy: Waste-to-energy (WTE) is an emerging component of integrated waste management. WTE refers to technologies that convert waste materials into energy, such as heat or electricity. Examples of WTE technologies include incineration, gasification, and pyrolysis. These technologies can help reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills, as well as provide a source of renewable energy.

Advantages of Integrated waste management

Integrated waste management is an effective way to manage various types of waste, both immediate and indirect. Its advantages include:

• Increased efficiency in managing waste, due to the holistic nature of the process. By considering all the aspects of waste management, from collection to disposal, IWM is able to reduce waste and increase the efficiency of waste management systems.
• Improved environmental protection. IWM considers the environmental impacts of each stage of the waste management process, from resource extraction to disposal, and aims to minimize these impacts.
• Increased recycling and reuse. By considering the potential for reusing and recycling materials, IWM encourages a move away from disposal and toward reusing materials. This reduces environmental impacts and helps conserve resources.
• Reduced costs. By considering the entire waste management system, IWM can identify areas of inefficiencies and waste, allowing for cost savings.
• Reduced health risks. Improper disposal of waste can lead to a range of health risks, from air and water pollution to disease transmission. IWM helps to reduce these risks by ensuring that waste is disposed of properly.

Limitations of Integrated waste management

Integrated Waste Management (IWM) can be seen as a comprehensive approach to managing waste, but it is not without its limitations. These include:

• Cost: Implementing a comprehensive IWM system can be costly, especially for resource-strapped communities.
• Complexity: IWM systems are complex and can be difficult to implement and manage.
• Enforcement: Without proper enforcement, IWM systems may not be effective in managing waste and preventing pollution.
• Cultural acceptance: IWM systems may not be accepted in all cultures, as different cultural norms and values may influence the way waste is managed.
• Lack of public awareness: A lack of public awareness about IWM systems and their importance can lead to ineffective implementation.
• Lack of technology: Without access to the right technologies, IWM systems may be inefficient and ineffective in managing waste.

Other approaches related to Integrated waste management

• Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) is a systematic approach used to identify and quantify the environmental impacts of a product or service throughout its life cycle, from raw material extraction and production, to use and end-of-life disposal.
• Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a comprehensive evaluation process of the environmental, social, and economic impacts of a proposed project or development.
• Resource Recovery is the process of recovering materials from waste streams for reuse in the same or different form. It involves recovering valuable materials from waste and converting them into new products.
• Waste-to-Energy (WTE) is a process of recovering energy from waste. It involves burning solid waste materials to generate electricity, heat, and fuel.
• Composting is the process of breaking down organic waste materials into a nutrient-rich soil amendment called compost.
• Zero Waste is an environmental goal of reducing or eliminating the amount of waste generated by reducing, reusing, and recycling materials.

In summary, Integrated Waste Management is a comprehensive approach that includes a variety of strategies to reduce, reuse, and recycle waste, while also considering the environmental, social, and economic impacts of waste management. Other approaches to waste management include Life Cycle Analysis, Environmental Impact Assessment, Resource Recovery, Waste-to-Energy, Composting, and Zero Waste.

Integrated waste management — recommended articles

Alternative technology — Material recovery — Conservation of resources — Green innovation — Recovered material — Ecological sustainability — Waste of resources — Economic sustainability — Environmental economics

References

• Prashanthi, M., Sundaram, R. (2016). Integrated Waste Management in India: Status and Future Prospects for Environmental Sustainability. Springer, 19-20.
• Seadon, J.K. (2006). Integrated waste management – Looking beyond the solid waste horizon. PubMed, 1-2.
• Tammemagi, H.Y. (1999). The Waste Crisis: Landfills, Incinerators, and the Search for a sustainable future. Oxford University Press, 33-36.
• Wilson, D.C., Rodic, L., Cowing, M.J. et al. (7 more authors) (2015). ‘Wasteaware’ Benchmark Indicators for Integrated Sustainable Waste Management in Cities. Waste Management, 1 - 8.

Author: Patrycja Róg