SAQs
Now that you have completed this study session, you can assess how well you have achieved its Learning Outcomes by answering these questions.
Rewrite the paragraph below using terms from the list provided to fill the gaps.
effective (more than once!), efficient, equity, sustainable.
The waste management system should ensure everyone in the community can benefit from the service provided. This is the principle of ……………… An ……………… system will function well and meet the needs of all the people. It will also be ………………, which means it will make the best use of available resources and ………………, meaning it will continue to be ……………… into the future.
The waste management system should ensure everyone in the community can benefit from the service provided. This is the principle of equity. An effective system will function well and meet the needs of all the people. It will also be efficient, which means it will make the best use of available resources and sustainable, meaning it will continue to be effective into the future.
Explain why Integrated Solid Waste Management is described as ‘integrated’.
ISWM is described as integrated because it is a combination of different approaches. Rather than just recycling, for example, or any other single approach, ISWM depends on using many of the methods of waste management together. It is also integrated in the sense that it requires all stakeholders to work together in a collaborative way to achieve the goals of improved solid waste management.
Which of the following statements are false? In each case explain why it is incorrect.
- ISWM has benefits for public and environmental health.
- ISWM is a simple, inexpensive approach to waste management.
- ISWM reduces the amount of plastic and other waste dumped in the streets.
- ISWM reduces the lifespan of the local landfill site.
- ISWM provides opportunities for production of compost and other valuable materials.
2 is false. ISWM has many advantages but it is a complex long-term approach that needs financial and other resources.
4 is false. ISWM will reduce the quantity of waste that goes to the landfill site because some will have been removed for reuse or recycling. Less waste means that the landfill site will take longer to fill up so its lifespan will be extended, not reduced.
Give three examples of ways of encouraging or supporting an ISWM approach.
You may have mentioned any three of the following possible ways of encouraging and supporting ISWM:
- the national government can allow greater flexibility in budget spending by municipalities
- extra funds may be allocated to adopt or extend ISWM
- start-up funding can be provided for new initiatives such as waste collection, composting and recycling schemes
- special awards could be given to individuals and organisations to celebrate successful projects
- providing effective training for people who wish to start new schemes and supporting them in the early stages of development
- organising promotional campaigns to raise awareness of the 3 Rs among all members of the community.