The Plastic Waste And Management Methods Environmental Sciences Essay

The moldable harry And circumspection Methods Environmental Sciences EssayThis language contri exceptes unsanded and unique evidence to the debates surrounding malleable ground little caution survivals and their personal movements on the environment.A recurring theme in the debates virtually fictile employ up management system is the extent to that whether the charge card profusion brass options give genuine benefits to the environment. Often, criticizers of the strategy drive towards larger pliant cycle assert that the act of recycling could be in fact has little or no benefit to the environment, consuming extra might in the collection and transportation of fictile decompose to the recycling facilities than is saved by the procedure of recycling.In order to notify this debate in details, this dissertation commissi sensationd a key multinational LCAs studies. By reviewing considerable supranational studies, and employing fuddled criteria to filter prohibite d those studies that countenance less robust orderological analysis and assumptions, after the number of studies screened 11 state of the art LCAs were selected for methodical psychoanalyze, including disparate scenarios. The result is more objective oriented analysis of the environmental encounters of assorted expend management methods for formatives toss off than one single presence enkindle deliver.Through the use of past LCAs, it investigates both fictile fuck up organisation options and environmental effect of the activities of malleable toss off management by employ meta and statistical analytical methods. Research methodology in c ar manner considered, raiseting up a frame track down to review and selection restricting criteria for LCA studies. In so doing it provides the snitch management methods achievements with regards to environmental indicators. Persuading plastic methods have been chosen to analyse options Landfilling, recycling, incineration an d pyrolysis murders with regards to pervictimization environmental come to indicators humor change, depletion of inhering resources, efficiency brings and irrigate consumption.This dissertation focuses on recycling, incineration, landfilling and pyrolysis that nuclear number 18 plastic tout disposal methods and their performance concerning mood change, depletion of natural resources, susceptibility demand, and wet consumption that ar environmental impacts indicators. By reviewing past LCAs, it investigates plastic waste management options and environmental effect of the activities involved. For selection of LCA studies restricting selection criteria atomic number 18 developed. Meta analytical methods were adapted to synthesise and codify the interpretings of LCAs. systematise selective information were statistically analysed to calculate mean coat effect. It provides the best, intermediately and the worst option concerning environmental performances of plastic wast e management methods.The results be clear that all of the studies prop the future(a) conclusions. after simile between of recycling, land filling, incineration and pyrolysis of waste plastic, Recycling appears to be a favorite(a) management option over elections. Whereas, pyrolysis method emerged as a decl ar option for plastic waste disposal.INTRODUCTIONThis speculate grew from a concourse of two interests The authors academic interest in the environment and development come patronises, and work experience in the field of Polyethylene ( favorite) plastic. The main objective of this dissertation is is to contribute to the debate concerning the causes of environmental impacts of plastic waste management methodsThe fol let outing de burstment introduces the background and implication of choosing this teaching range and context of the psychoanalyze. It in like manner come forthlines the aim and objectives of the dissertation. Additionally, organisation of the whole st udy testamenting be certified. Finally, apology of the undertakings the present study volition be given. waxys waste, need of a better waste management method and liveability and plastic willing be discussed.1.1 Plastic waste and management methodsPlastic is a durable, versatile material and relatively inexpensive. Plastic products have brought benefits to society in many ways such(prenominal)(prenominal) as quality of life, jobs, and economic activities. However, waste plastic overly imposes environmental impacts. In view of the fact that plastic is non-biodegradable, it potbellyister remain in the atmosphere for a exceedingly long time and so plastic poses risks to the environment and gentle health, It is also difficult to reuse and/or cycle in practice (European Commission, 2013a).Many countries are trying to incorporate opposite strategies to increase plastic recycling rate. According to the Environmental agency (UK), statutory recycling targets have been given to all the local authorities in Wales (2012a). Whereas, in Scotland waste regulations operates without statutory recycling targets, and here stemmas are available for local authorities to garter increase recycling rate(2012b). By making recycling mandatory or funding recycling a difference can be made to global environmental come forward that exists because of waste.This dissertation focuses on recycling, incineration, landfilling and pyrolysis that are plastic waste disposal methods and their performance concerning climate change, depletion of natural resources, postal code demand, and water consumption that are include as environmental impacts indicators. By using past LCAs findings, it investigates plastic waste disposal options and environmental effect of the activities involved in plastic waste management.1.2 Aim and objectives of the studyThe aim of this inquiry dissertation is to identify environmentally sustainable management options for waste plastics. There will be an start to achieve the aim of this study by undertaking following collar objectives.Objective 1 By reviewing, the relevant publications to address environmental growths cerebrate to the recycling, landfilling, pyrolysis and incineration. In addition to environmental indicators that are include in the study climate change, depletion of natural resources, energy demand, and water consumption evaluating multinational processes to preach the best legislation, policies and practices.Objective 2 Objective two is to set up a framework for LCA selections. Once LCA studies are retained Meta analytical methods will be applied to synthesize the findings of selected LCAs. Further, use of Meta synthesis for the computer code of the LCA findings. Finally, statistically analysed the selective information to calculate mean effect size using Microsoft excel tool. In order to assess the environmental viability of recycling, landfilling, pyrolysis and incineration for waste plastics by dint of appraisal of include environmental indicators.Objective 3 The presentation of the systemize data sample will memorize place in this objective. Codified data will be statistically analysed using Microsoft excels (2010). To present in the form of histograms and charts, quaternion management options will be assessed under severally environmental indicator based on the results of each selected LCA study. To find out which one of the four waste management methods emerges as the best option regarding each or environmental indicator performances.1.3 Justification of the studyPlastic waste management and its environmental implications are a majorly important jazz and one of the major research topics of many administrational and environmental entities much(prenominal)(prenominal) as NAPCOR, DEFRA, housecoat, Recoup, Environmental Protection Agencies(EPAs) of majorities of countries and United Nation(UN). swan (2006) and Villanueva et al (2004). For in status,published a major preli minary environmental impact analysis of a contrastive type of waste materials including plastic and comparison of recycling, incineration and land filling by reviewing international LCAs and the conclusion of that research is recycling offers more environmental benefits than alternatives. This research considered as high quality and information shared by UN and US EPA. However, there have been many waste management option emerged since WRAP report been published such as pyrolysis and sploshification, Efw informs Jowit (2010).What is different in this study is the inclusion body of pyrolysis, which as a new method was not include in WRAP (2006) and Villanueva et al (2004). Second gap that is address is the inclusion of one of the environmental indicators -water consumption in the impact studies, this indicator preceding(prenominal)ly ignored by WRAP (2006) where the concentration is on mode miscellany, zip fastener demand and Depletion of natural resources. To investigate and address these gaps the author will seek past LCA studies. Findings of LCAs will present this in a new way. Additionally, the ending to use a meta- analysis approach originated from United Nations victimisation course (UNDP) report on review of past LCA using Meta analysis (2012).however, LCA selecting criteria were not utilize in UNDP research, which is otherwise adopted in this present study to ensure quality of the result.This study will also try to find out whether recycling is environmentally, sustainable option for plastic waste as claimed by past studies or will emerging technologies will canvas to be a better option. This report will also elbow grease to identify data gap in the literature review and recommend if there is a need for further research in the item bowl for future researchers.1.4 Organisation of the studyThe research structure includes four slits. Firstly, Literature review prick that will review the existing literature that is related to four waste m anagement options, continuously building towards the significance of environmental sustainability of plastic waste management methods. Additionally, to give broader understanding of included environmental indicators will be studied. Review of international policies, legislation and measures that are pertaining to plastic waste management methods and environmental indicators. The main purpose of this section is also to identify a data gap in the literature. Secondly, by reviewing waste management methods author will try to find out which is the ac experienced environmentally sustainable plastic waste disposal option.Secondly, methodology section will describe adapted methods for data collection where data will be collected for this study to illustrate the broader nationals of preceding sections concerning environmental impacts of existing waste management options. This section will explain rigorous criteria applied for selection of data sample. Meta analytical method steps used for codification will be outlined. Followed by systematic adaptation of statistical analysis using Microsoft excel to calculate mean effect size will be informed.Thirdly, presentation and interpretation of the results that are obtained from the analysis of data will take place. Based on the findings, discussion will take place in this section followed by recommendations to future researchers. Finally, the conclusion will employ findings of the dissertation and discussion as a reference in this section and research questions will be answered. More importantly, main aim and all the objectives in connection with the findings of this dissertation will be addressed in the conclusion section.SummaryThis section provides information that undertaken study area is vital and problematic. Justifications have been given for undertakings of this study on with the gap in existing knowledge have been addressed where evidence has been given of previous studies further role of this dissertation finding s was informed. Organisation of this study has been informed. This section also informed the significance sustainability to justify inclusion of environmentally sustainability in this study area. Following section will review the known literature in accordance with existing plastic waste management methods and identify its environmental implications. It will also assess proposed policies, evoken strategies those are originally introduced to care enhance present environmental conditions summarisation of real life caseful studies and learned examples will be renowned in the following section by introducing and reviewing items of previous research in the area.LiTeRATURE REVIEWThis section is an attempt to achieve the objective one. The following section divided into leash parts, First section addresses plastic waste management methods landfilling, recycling, pyrolysis and incineration. Secondly, environmental indicators climate Change, depletion of natural resources, energy demand s and water consumptions that are used in the study as a benchmarking to compare each waste management method performances. Finally, provides an overview of the international strategies and policies applied in practice.Key sources used for this study are reports of political science Agencies WRAP, DEFRA and EU and internationally United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) on with published international scientific databases and journals from Springer, International Journal of Life cycle per second Assessment and ScienceDirect. This represents a combination of sources including Governmental Agencies and academic authors. In addition, the webpage of the European Commission was searched for studies commissioned as input to EU policies.Plastic waste problem descriptionBroulidakis Martnez (2012) noted that waste is not toughened as worthless garbage anymore, it is instead believed as a re. Nevertheless, what is happening with the resources? Treating waste sustainably is a of the e ssence(p) issue. Identifying whether or not waste is been managed in a way that is betterment for environment, society and it should be economical as well. This chapter will find an answer to those questions by reviewing already known literature. It will also try to identify which one is the known environmentally sustainable method for plastic waste by reviewing published articles, studies and set of research.It was give tongue to by Tehrani et al., in 2009 that there is no a solitary knowledge of a single technology that can resolve the waste associated issues. In order to provide a broader understanding of this issue, following section will discuss the existing plastic waste management options to gain a better understanding of the processes related to waste management and their environmental effects.2.1 Waste management methods and their environmental impactsThe following section addresses methods that are in use for the management of plastic waste include Landfill, Incineration, Pyrolysis and Recycling along with their environmental impacts are discussed now in details.2.1.1 LandfillA landfill is a one of the waste management methods in which solid wastes are disposed in a manner that limits their encounter on the environment. According to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) Landfilling is the daedal system of interrelated material and sub system that act unitedly to break down and stabilize disposed waste overtime (2004). Landfill is highly old disposal method, but yet one of the utilized one for Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) management.Apart from taking large area of land it also generate odour, bio-aerosols, visual disturbance and transmit to the reverse of hazardous chemicals through the leachate which is the liquid that drains or leaches from a landfill sites. Emission of nursery gas through landfill is referable to organic breakdown of disposal of biodegradable including bio plastic waste. European Union Low informed in 2008s issue on the management of bio-waste in the EU countries that Landfill of waste usually entails non-recoverable handout of resources and land. Since landfill, sites can normally not be used after mental block for scientific engineering and/or health risk reasons and in the strong suit to long term. This review of literature found that landfilling is not considered a sustainable waste management solution.2.1.2 IncinerationIncineration is a significant method that avoids the problem of landfilling quad problems. In this method, thermal waste treatment procedure takes place where sore or unprocessed plastics waste can be utilized as feedstock. Plastic waste is combusted in different temperature according to the type of plastic and in this period plastic waste modified to carbon dioxide, water and non-combustible materials alongside solid residue state leaves incinerator bottom ash (IBA) that eer has contain a small amount of carbon residual (DEFRA, 2012). produce report of the Environme nt Agency (2002) on the safety of incinerator ash confirms that IBA can be safely used as an aggregate in structure as it contains dioxin levels similar to those found in s anoints. However, friends of earth review reports argued that the brass should give guidance on acceptable contamination levels in kink materials (2002). International Journal of Environment in Comparative study of municipal solid waste treatment technologies using life cycle mind method stated that incineration as one of the competent strategies to resolve waste association problems (Zaman, 2010) and its ability to generate heat and energy from the plastic waste. However, considering incineration of plastic waste is solely depending on whether or not energy is vulcanised (Weiss et.al ,2012)along with other aspects such as quality of give the sack and efficiency of energy which varies considerably depending on whether incineration plant delivers electricity, heat or both along with the used technology, for instance, higher efficiencies can be achieved in fuel gas condensation method.However, according to the EUs report (2010) on waste management, the environmental impacts of incinerating plastic waste included greenhouse gas liberations. Furthermore, Pilz, et al. (2010) in their report on The impact of plastics on life cycle energy consumption and greenhouse gas emission in Europe informed that in rough circumstances, incineration of plastic waste in MSW can result in a net increase in CO2 emissions. It is certain that this process can be helpful in avoided nigh of the plastic waste problems, but it also has environmental impacts.2.1.3 PyrolysisPyrolysis is an advanced thermal treatment. Interest in pyrolysis has heightened over the past decade, and there is considerable anticipation that this technology will prove to be viable alternatives for dealing with residual fractions municipal waste to service in compliance with the Landfill diversion elements of the EC Landfill Directive (DEFRA, 2004). Pyrolysis is the thermal abasement of waste in the absence of air to produce gas, diesel motor like pyrolysis oil) or solid (mainly ash, char, and carbon). Zhiru (2001) patched out difference in pyrolysis oil and diesel and noted that diesel cannot be assumed compatible with pyrolysis fuels (p.80) and remarkably about reports related to the behaviour of materials in pyrolysis fuels are available. Findings of research by Alston and Arnold (2011) informs that pyrolysis is a strong compromise method as compared to Landfill, Recycling and Incineration with their environmental impact categories. As the gases and oil produced in pyrolysis could be used as fuel and so provides significant resource pitch without high impact on climate or landfill space. Additionally, Scheirs and Kaminsky (2006) noted, the main advantage of pyrolysis is that allows process of plastic waste which is otherwise difficult to recycle. This process produces reusable products with unlimited mar t betrothal (p24). This book is helpful in understanding pyrolysis process. However, does not assess environmental impacts of pyrolysis, nevertheless, it has been noted that unlike incineration, there are no environmentally noxious emissions in pyrolysis process (p.598).2.1.4 RecyclingRecycling is considered as one of the upright goals in sustainable waste management system (Bohma et, al 2010). stash away waste plastic are being sent to heterogeneous market ,due to growing market for recycled plastics which includes closed loop systems for PET bottles. Plastics are also exported to abroad for recycling purpose (Defra, 2012), but it is argued environmental benefits of export reign the impact of transportation. Environmental impacts of transportation involved in exportation are high. Recycling can prevent an enormous amount of virgin production, which leads to saving energy, depletion of raw material, reducing GHG emissions including acidification even after considering transpor tation. However, WRAP (2006) argued that, The accurate impacts are depending on the virgin material being replaced and life span of replaced product. PET is one of the plastics types which is collected the most for recycling (DEFRA,2011b) this type of plastic is been included in the present study. Recycling protects resources embodied in waste plastic however, it is argued by many about the requirement of energy inputs for the transformation process, this lead to environmental impacts. Besides that, not all of plastic types can be recycled. The PET bottle has strong advantages in recycling, however, complex products like composites, low free weight articles or those that are contaminated with other products are less favourable to recycling.2.2 Health impacts of plastic waste recyclingThere is a risk involved in plastic waste recycling affect local populations in countries with less rigorous regulations than in the EU (Mudgal et.al 2010). Wong et.al noted that the majority of the c ases companies fail to provide appropriate facilities protecting the environment and charitable health (2007). Such as chipping and melting of plastics in dyspneal areas that are not seen in European practice can have negative consequences on human health. One specific case study showed due to incomplete combustion of Waste Electrical, and Electronic Equipment(WEEE) from plastic materials such as PVC and plastic chips there was higher concentrations of heavy coat found in the air of the China (Guiyu region). The study showed high concentrations of Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PDBEs) in the air, released from the melting of polymers that contain brominated flame-retardants. Admittedly, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences of the States have informed that high exposure to PDBEs, which found in the human body, has been linked to, hormone disruption, thyroid permanent learning and memory impairment, behavioral changes, hearing deficits, fatal malformations and poss ibly cancer (Herbstman et al., 2010). However, human toxicity issue is ignored by environmental impact studies those are based on qualitative studies and the same confirmed by Wollny and European Environmental place (EEB) Brussels(2013)2.3 Environmental Impacts IndicatorsThe following table explains each of indicators that are included in this study it also critically analyse policies and measures taken to prevent environmental impact.IndicatorDescription of Environmental IndictorDescription, impact and related worldwide policiesClimate ChangeClimate change is also addressed as clod warming. Globe warming is the rise in the average temperature of the earth surface, due to a possible rise in the greenhouse impacts, provoked by anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases.Research published in the journal PLoS care for (2012) informs according to a group of European public health experts that climate change could alter patterns of food availability, physical activity and in some ca ses might bring direct physical harm. Friends of Earth (2007) reported that waste prevention is the most beneficial option from a climate point of view, followed by reuse and recycling Warhorse and Watson confirm (2006) landfill and incineration are the worsened options (p.6)The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC, 2013) an international treaty joined by 195 countries, except America. To follow up from Kyoto protocol green house gas emission is seen as the most crucial issue within the field of climate change policies. BBC informed back in 2009 that The America accounts for almost 25% of the worlds total CO2 emission and have received a large amount of criticism for its stance on climate change.Depletion of natural resourcesResource depletion described as the miscue potential of all natural resources. The resources believed in this study are mineral and fossil resources. Plastics are made from oil, coal and gas, which are limited natural resources (Austral ia EPA,2013).majority of plastic bags are made from polyethylene, made up of natural gas, and Plastic is not biodegradable, so all the plastic that has ever been made is stilexist around us today. Most of it is in landfills, if not then floating in the sea. University of Cambridges report on plastic recycling informed that the production of 1 kg of polyethylene (PET or LDPE), requires the equivalent of 2 kg of oil for energy and raw material. Although plastics only consume around 4% of the worlds oil, supplies are becoming depleted. Once depleted these resources cannot be replaced.The depletion of natural resources is becoming a key focus(Karen,2008) This is evident in the UNs Agenda 21 Section 2 which provides the necessary steps to be taken by all countries to sustain their natural resources (2002) Schilling chiang confirms the depletion of natural resources is a sustainable development issue (2011).furthermore, Salvati and Marco (2008) noted in regards to natural resources, depl etion is of concern for sustainability as it poses the ability to discharge current environments(p.218) and potential to impact the needs of future generations(p.523)Energy demandPrimary energy is obtainable raw energy in nature and is separated into renewable and non renewable primary energies. The non renewable are atomic energy, usual gas, coal, and oil, Renewable is wind energy, solar, biomass and hydraulic. UK department of Energy and Climate Change (2012) informed that the UK has developed Pathways analysis and calculator tool which will help insurance makers. Gervet (2007) in his captivating report on the use of in the buff oil in plastic making contributing to the global warming pointed out that energy consumption in total worldwide plastic production from 1939 till 2004 is 0.59 10 14 kWh (p.5). Plastics Europe informed in order to produce plastic products, energy resources are consumed(2013). Currently energy resources are majorly obtained from non-renewable sources, and when used greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are produced. Nevertheless, it was established in a study undertaken by GUA/denkstatt in 2004/2005 even more energy would be consumed along with more GHG emission, if plastic products were to be substituted by alternative materials. Pilz et al., 2005.Water consumptionWater consumption symbolizes to the removal of water from the various origins (rivers, seas, and groundwater) for use by humans. This water is not returned to the origins and sources. According to the UN World Development Report, up to 500 Million Tons of wastes accumulate each course of instruction from Industry most of it goes into the fresh water supply. Also informed some of the developing countries dump 70 % of industrial waste into untreated amniotic fluid where drinking water gets polluted (2013). Professor Grossman noted back in 2004 that Industrial water use is about 22 %. According to content for Science and environment- India, countries all over the world set stand ards and target for water consumption for industries. China, For instance government push companies to save as much as 6 billion cubic meters of water per year informed in China water conservation Agency report in 2005.Proposed and implemented governmental strategies and policies targeting plastic waste will be discussed in details in the following part of this chapter.2.4 Policies on plastic wastePlastic waste management goes across a numerous policy fields along with sustainable management of resources and habitat protection, climate change, agriculture, smirch protection and energy, biodiversity. Purpose of this section is to provide an overview of measures taken by Government agencies and environmental protection bodies to reduce the environmental impacts of plastic waste.According to Science for environmental policies ,European commission, (2011) Municipal waste collection and separation is a vital part in all waste management methods, for countries such as Germany, Austria an d Sweden where waste management systems are more advanced, and source separated collection rates are already high(Waste Management World, 2013 b).waste management world (2013) reported European Union as the most advanced waste management system. The European exports of plastic waste rose by 250%, reaching 2.27 million tonnes near 5 million tonnes are annually recycled in Europe.Some selected counters, policies and measures related to the waste management are discussed in following table body politic and Government AgencyIntroduced, Implemented Policies, Legislation and measuresNetherlandsDutch Waste Management affiliation (DWMA)The Netherland recycle no less than 64% of its waste and the balance are incinerated with generation of electricity, and a small percentage ends up in landfill. This is a country that is practically unique when consider recycling. Separating waste is the familiar environmental measure activity among Dutch people that account for more than 90% of Dutch peo ple involved in this sort of activities. line of descent http//www.dwma.euUnited State of AmericaNational Solid Wastes Management Association (NSWMA)According to a recent study by NSMWA Privatised, waste operate signifies salute savings and lower financial risks for municipalities than public sector counterparts dExperiment of using fly ash(recycling toxic)as an additive to produce light weight composite that can be used in the automotive persistence is taking place in the New York university. The university researchers claim that it has the potential to remark tons of toxic waste out of landfills while lowering the cost of some of the expensive raw materials. denotation www.environmentalistseveryday.orgQatarMinistry of Environment(MOE)An integrated solid waste treatment in the Qatar, that is the first of its kind in the Middle East. This initiation centre has a capacity of treating 2300 tonnes of solid waste per day, along with 5000 tonnes of CD waste. acknowledgment www.moe. gov.qaUnited KingdomDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural personal business (DEFRA)UK is home to the worlds largest plastics recycling plant. The 15 million venture by Coca-Cola, WRAP and ethical plastic bottle recycle, ECO Plastics is going to be the worlds largest plastics reprocessing facility. The plant will save about 33, 5000 tonnes of carbon dioxide per Annum that is the equivalent of taking 15,715 cars off the road.Source www.defra.gov.ukTaiwanEPATaiwan is planning to excavate about 400 landfills for energy and material recovery, additionally, add bio-energy capacity to its incineration facilities.Environmental Protection administration (EPA)TaiwanSource www.epa.gov.twAustraliaDepartment of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and CommunitiesStewardship Bill have been introduced by the Australian government and of the aim of helping to manage the environmental, and human health. This will demand manufacturers and importers of computers, and TVs to fund and im plement national collection and recycling of these products. Source www.environment.gov.auExample of stroke of advanced waste management systemsThe increasingly recognized problem of plastic floati