Figure 1: Domestic waste disposal for selected countries
Referring to figure 1, state the country that has the highest level of recycling/composting.
Austria
Outline two potential reasons for greater use of landfills in the United States compared to European countries.
- More available land in the USA / less available land in Europe
1 mark - High cost/privatisation of recycling in the USA / more subsidies for recycling in Europe
1 mark
Identify two problems associated with one of the waste disposal choices of Germany.
Referring to Germany's waste disposal choices
- Incineration produces air pollution / greenhouse gas emissions
1 mark - Incineration requires energy input / is not a renewable source of energy
1 mark
State two strategies for reducing the environmental impact of landfill sites.
Award
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reducing waste/employing alternative disposal methods;
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collection of methane / management to prevent spontaneous ignition;
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extraction/treatment of leachates;
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use of impermeable liner/clay/materials / - locating above impermeable rock;
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locating away from surface
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groundwater sources/residential areas/vulnerable or valuable ecosystems;
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visual screening to reduce impact of eyesore/aesthetic degradation OWTTE;
-
effective cover/containment system to prevent plastics/lightweight materials
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blowing into environment;
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limiting transport distance/emissions from collecting vehicles;
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densely compacting solid waste before dumping;
