Chapter 1, Problem 1.1P

To determine

(a)

To compare and evaluate : The percentage and total generation to national averages and report on the solid waste generated.

Explanation of Solution

The statement that includes a comparison of the total generation and percentage compared to the national averages is as below.

The national average of the waste above the percentage of the waste refuse produced by a single person in the house is $200$ per cent and the waste coming out of a family of $5$ members is about $10.25\text{lb/person}$ .

The weights of solid waste are classified below.

	Weight$\left(\text{lbs}\right)$	Per cent of the total weight
Paper	$9.0$	$17.5$
Plastics	$6.0$	$11.70$
Aluminium	$4.0$	$7.80$
Steel	$<1.0$	$<1$
Glass	$28.75$	$55.60$
Food	$3.5$	$6.82$
Other	$<2.0$	$<1$
Total	$51.25$	$100$

About $8.56\text{lb/day}$ waste is generated by a per person according to the (EPA) Environmental Protection Agency’s $2018$ facts and figures assessment.

To determine

(b)

The amount of waste that is reusable and to identify the amount of waste that might be reduced.

Explanation of Solution

Glass waste can be reused in various ways such as mixing the glass powder with concrete for the replacement of sand. Since the demand for sand is more, glass powder can be used as a partial replacement for sand. Plastic bags can be used as plastic bottles; supply cups can be used for keeping pens, pencil and the plastic watering cans can be used as pots for gardening.

To determine

(c)

The various items in the refuse that is recoverable and to identify the process that is carried out.

Explanation of Solution

Recovery is defined as process by which the refuse can be converted into new products. Recovery of the materials such as waste plastic bottles can be converted to new plastic bottles, steel cans are converted to new steel cans, steel beams or recycled bicycles.