WASTE : Linking the local and global crises WASTE : Linking the local and global crises Verona, May Dr Paul Connett Dr Paul Connett Professor Emeritus of Chemistry St Lawrence University, Canton, NY

My thanks to Rossano Ercolini (Ambiente Futuro) for organizing my 29th visit to Italy Rossano Ercolini

Il contesto generale

Alletà di 16 anni i ragazzi di oggi hanno già guardato oltre spot pubblicitari. Paul Hawken The Ecology of Commerce

Viviamo su questo pianeta come se ne avessimo un altro su cui trasferirci… Non possiamo continuare a vivere in una società usa e getta su un pianeta finito This is colonialism in time! We are robbing our own children and grandchildren Con le discariche non facciamo altro che SOTTERRARE le prove Gli inceneritori non fanno che BRUCIARE le prove Dobbiamo affrontare il vero problema …

Il problema non è: come eliminare i rifiuti, ma piuttosto come NON produrli

Our task is to fight the throwaway ethic & over-consumption

Not only is over-consumption giving us a waste crisis but also…

Over-consumption is giving us a Global crisis

A LINEAR SOCIETY We are imposing a linear society on a planet that functions in circles that functions in circles

Extraction of VirginMaterials A LINEAR SOCIETY

Extraction of VirginMaterials Production of Manufactureditems A LINEAR SOCIETY

Extraction of VirginMaterials Production of ManufactureditemsConsumption A LINEAR SOCIETY

Extraction of VirginMaterials Production of ManufactureditemsConsumptionDiscardedMaterials A LINEAR SOCIETY

Extraction of VirginMaterials Production of ManufactureditemsConsumptionDiscardedMaterials Solid waste Air pollution Water pollution Carbon dioxide ENERGY

Extraction of VirginMaterials Production of ManufactureditemsConsumptionDiscardedMaterials Solid waste Air pollution Water pollution Carbon dioxide Solid waste Air pollution Water pollution Carbon dioxide ENERGY ENERGY

Extraction of VirginMaterials Production of ManufactureditemsConsumptionDiscardedMaterials Solid waste Air pollution Water pollution Carbon dioxide Solid waste Air pollution Water pollution Carbon dioxide ENERGY ENERGY INCINERATION & LANDFILLS

Extraction of VirginMaterials Production of ManufactureditemsConsumptionDiscardedMaterials Solid waste Air pollution Water pollution Carbon dioxide Solid waste Air pollution Water pollution Carbon dioxide ENERGY ENERGY RECYCLING OF MATERIALS

Extraction of VirginMaterials Production of ManufactureditemsConsumptionDiscardedMaterials Solid waste Air pollution Water pollution Carbon dioxide Solid waste Air pollution Water pollution Carbon dioxide ENERGY ENERGY REUSE OF OBJECTS

Extraction of VirginMaterials Production of ManufactureditemsConsumptionDiscardedMaterials Solid waste Air pollution Water pollution Carbon dioxide Solid waste Air pollution Water pollution Carbon dioxide ENERGY ENERGY COMPOSTING

Global warming LandfillIncineration Composting

LandfillIncineration Composting MethaneSLOW

LandfillIncineration Composting Carbon dioxide FAST MethaneSLOW

Global warming LandfillIncineration Composting Carbon dioxide FAST MethaneSLOW Carbon dioxide & Some Methane SLOW

Global warming LandfillIncineration Composting Carbon dioxide FAST MethaneSLOW Carbon dioxide & Some Methane SLOW SequesteredCarbon

AEA executive report waste climate change (Nov. 2002) Gli studi della EU sul confronto dei sistemi di trattamenti dei RU residui Recycling Composting Mechanical biological treatment (MBT) Anaerobic Digestion (AD) Incineration Landfill of untreated waste Extract from summary report

Kg gas serra/tonnellata Rifiuti Urbani Riciclaggio e compostaggio -461 Trattamento Meccanico- Biologico e stoccaggio -366 Termovalorizzazione-10 Waste Management Options and Climate Change. AEA 2002

Arguments against incineration Emissioni tossiche nellatmosfera Produzione di ceneri tossiche Pubblica opposizione. Incineration is anti-democratic Costi finanziari. Incineration is a poor investment Produzione di energia (spreco di energia) Ci sono migliori alternative – Zero Waste 2020

1.Gli inceneritori producono ceneri tossiche

MODERN TRASH INCINERATOR CHUTE SECONDARY CHAMBER TURBINE BOILER ELECTRICITY STEAM TRASH BOTTOM ASH FLY ASH TEMP < 200oC SEMI- DRY SCRUBBER FABRIC FILTER WET SCRUBBER DE-NOX ACTIVATED CHARCOAL Ca(OH) 2SUSPENSION AMMONIA INJECTION GRATES

Politicians often approve incineration before they have any idea where the toxic ash is going to go!

Ash disposal in other countries Germany puts fly ash into nylon bags and buries them in salt mines (like nuclear waste) Germany puts fly ash into nylon bags and buries them in salt mines (like nuclear waste) Some Japanese incinerators vitrify the ash Some Japanese incinerators vitrify the ash Denmark has a wonderful solution … it Denmark has a wonderful solution … it sends its ash to Norway! sends its ash to Norway! The Netherlands puts the fly ash into asphalt and the bottom ash into road building! The Netherlands puts the fly ash into asphalt and the bottom ash into road building!

2. Gli inceneritori emettono gas tossici

AIR EMISSIONS CO2 + H2O ACID GASES: HCI, HF, SO 2 NO x TOXIC METALS: Pb, Cd, Hg, As, Cr etc NEW COMPOUNDS: PCBs PCDDs (DIOXINS) PCDFs (FURANS) ETC NANOPARTICLES

Chlorinated hydrocarbons Brominated/chlorinated dioxins and furans Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons Catalytic oxidizers

The dangers of nanoparticles Nanoparticles are not efficiently captured by air pollution control devices, Nanoparticles are not efficiently captured by air pollution control devices, travel long distances, travel long distances, penetrate deep into the lungs penetrate deep into the lungs

Nano Pathology Nano particles are so small they can easily cross cell membranes Nano particles are so small they can easily cross cell membranes Including the blood brain barrier and the nuclear membrane Including the blood brain barrier and the nuclear membrane Ferry toxic metals into the brain Ferry toxic metals into the brain Stabilized free radicals cause oxidative stress - inflammation - many degenerative diseases Stabilized free radicals cause oxidative stress - inflammation - many degenerative diseases

Aggregati di Piombo, Bario, Cromo, Ferro e Silicio in Cervello.

Dioxins - major concerns Dioxins accumulate in animal fat Dioxins accumulate in animal fat One liter of cows milk gives the same dose of dioxin as breathing air next to the cows for EIGHT MONTHS (Connett and Webster, 1987). One liter of cows milk gives the same dose of dioxin as breathing air next to the cows for EIGHT MONTHS (Connett and Webster, 1987). Dioxins steadily accumulate in human body fat. The man cannot get rid of them BUT A woman can… Dioxins steadily accumulate in human body fat. The man cannot get rid of them BUT A woman can… …by having a baby! …by having a baby! The highest dose of dioxin goes to the fetus and then to the new born infant via breastfeeding, and The highest dose of dioxin goes to the fetus and then to the new born infant via breastfeeding, and dioxins interfere with hormones which control sexual and mental development dioxins interfere with hormones which control sexual and mental development

OUT OF OUR BABIES! WE WANT DIOXIN

Institute of Medicine, 2003 Fetuses and breastfeeding infants may be at particular risk from exposure to dioxins due to their potential to cause adverse neurodevelopmental… and immune system effects… Fetuses and breastfeeding infants may be at particular risk from exposure to dioxins due to their potential to cause adverse neurodevelopmental… and immune system effects…

Institute of Medicine, 2003 …The committee recommends: …The committee recommends: 1) the government place a high public health priority on reducing dioxin intakes by girls and young women in the years well before pregnancy is likely to occur 1) the government place a high public health priority on reducing dioxin intakes by girls and young women in the years well before pregnancy is likely to occur 2) (By) substituting low-fat or skim milk, for whole milk…and other foods lower in animal fat 2) (By) substituting low-fat or skim milk, for whole milk…and other foods lower in animal fat

Thermal treatment is dangerous In cities because the fine particles can get deep down into our lungs In cities because the fine particles can get deep down into our lungs In rural areas because the dioxins can get into our food In rural areas because the dioxins can get into our food

While modern incinerators have reduced dioxin emissions there is no real accountability in most countries

YOU NEED THREE THINGS TO PROTECT THE PUBLIC FROM TOXIC EMISSIONS. STRONG REGULATIONS ADEQUATE MONITORING TOUGH ENFORCEMENT IF ANY LINK IS WEAK THE PUBLIC IS NOT PROTECTED

3. Incineration is extremely unpopular In the US over 300 incinerator proposals defeated since 1985 In the US over 300 incinerator proposals defeated since 1985 US has not permitted a new trash incinerator since US has not permitted a new trash incinerator since 1995.

4. Incineration is a poor investment Most of the money spent on incinerators goes into complicated machinery and leaves the community, whereas Most of the money spent on incinerators goes into complicated machinery and leaves the community, whereas The money spent on the alternatives goes into jobs and stays in the community. The money spent on the alternatives goes into jobs and stays in the community.

5. Incineration is a waste of energy! 3-4 times more energy saved by reusing objects and recycling materials in waste stream. 3-4 times more energy saved by reusing objects and recycling materials in waste stream. In Italy a law passed in 1996 allows incinerators to sell electricity at three times the price from other sources. The public pays! In Italy a law passed in 1996 allows incinerators to sell electricity at three times the price from other sources. The public pays! This explains the current rush to build new incinerators in Italy even though they are so unpopular. This explains the current rush to build new incinerators in Italy even though they are so unpopular. The Alberta government has just provided a $20 million subsidy for a new incinerator in Edmonton The Alberta government has just provided a $20 million subsidy for a new incinerator in Edmonton

Energy Comparison: Recycling versus incineration (ICF consulting, 2005) material Energy savings from recycling GJ/tonne Energy output from incineration GJ/tonne Energy savings recycling versus incineration Newsprint Fine paper Cardboard Other paper HDPE PET Other plastic

6. Incineration is not sustainable

sicuro lincenerimento, Anche rendendo sicuro lincenerimento, sensata Esso non sarà mai una cosa sensata. Semplicemente non ha senso spendere così tanti soldi Per distruggere risorse che dovremmo Risparmiare per il futuro Risparmiare per il futuro. (PC)

7. THERE ARE BETTER and SUSTAINABLE ALTERNATIVES TO INCINERATION

The ZERO 2020 strategy

SPOSTARSI A MONTE Progettare i rifiuti allesterno del ciclo produttivo NO ALLA SOCIETA USA E GETTA SÌ A UNA SOCIETA SOSTENIBILE RIFIUTI ZERO 2020 NO ALLINCENERIMENTO NO ALLE DISCARICHE

I rifiuti non sono un problema tecnologico sono un problema di progettazione industriale

Per ottenere Zero Rifiuti Occorrono tre cose 1) 1) RESPONSABILITA INDUSTRIALE (a monte) 2) 2) RESPONSABILITA della COMUNITA (a valle) 3) Una BUONA LEADERSHIP POLITICA (per saldare insieme entrambe)

RESPONSABILITA INDUSTRIALE 1. PROGETTO INDUSTRIALE DI SOSTENIBILITA 1. PROGETTO INDUSTRIALE DI SOSTENIBILITA 2. PRODUZIONE PULITA - riduzione di elementi tossici nei prodotti e nella produzione 2. PRODUZIONE PULITA - riduzione di elementi tossici nei prodotti e nella produzione 3. RESPONSAILITA DELLA CATENA DI PRODUZIONE (EPR = EXTENDED PRODUCER RESPONSIBILITY) 3. RESPONSAILITA DELLA CATENA DI PRODUZIONE (EPR = EXTENDED PRODUCER RESPONSIBILITY)

Extended Producer Responsibilty In futuro le imprese produttrici dovrebbero considerare di dover ritirare I propri prodotti e confezioni, dopo luso In futuro le imprese produttrici dovrebbero considerare di dover ritirare I propri prodotti e confezioni, dopo luso leggi si stanno gia muovendo in questa direzione. leggi si stanno gia muovendo in questa direzione.

Extended Producer Responsibilty XEROX CORPORATION EUROPE recupero di vecchie macchine fotocopiatrici da oltre 16 paesi XEROX CORPORATION EUROPE recupero di vecchie macchine fotocopiatrici da oltre 16 paesi Raccolte in enormi depositi in Olanda, dove vengono smontate Raccolte in enormi depositi in Olanda, dove vengono smontate Oltre il 95% dei materiali viene riutilizzato o riciclato! Oltre il 95% dei materiali viene riutilizzato o riciclato! Con un risparmio di $76 milioni nel 2000!! Con un risparmio di $76 milioni nel 2000!!

ONTARIO, CANADA The Beer industry has used refillable glass bottles for over 50 years 98% recovered on average each bottle reused 18 times Refillable glass bottles 11 cents cheaper per serving than disposable bottles jobs in collection and cleaning No cost to municipality Packaging costs internalized

COMMUNITY RESPONSIBILITY Classification of Discarded materials 1. Avoidables (e.g. throwaway plastic objects) 1. Avoidables (e.g. throwaway plastic objects) 2. Reusables (e.g furniture, appliances) 2. Reusables (e.g furniture, appliances) 3. Toxics (e.g paint, oil, batteries) 3. Toxics (e.g paint, oil, batteries) 4. Compostables (e.g. food scraps) 4. Compostables (e.g. food scraps) 5. Recyclables (e.g. paper, glass, metals) 5. Recyclables (e.g. paper, glass, metals) 6. Residuals 6. Residuals Residuals = bad industrial design Residuals = bad industrial design

RESPONSABILITA della COMUNITA Community responsibility begins with Source Separation (porta a porta) Community responsibility begins with Source Separation (porta a porta) One container for compostables (i.e. the organic fraction) One container for compostables (i.e. the organic fraction) One (or more) containers for the recyclables One (or more) containers for the recyclables One container for the residuals One container for the residuals

1

1 2

1 2 3

Impianto di Compostaggio Compostaggio 1 2 3

Aerazione forzata Aerazione Forzata

Compostaggio rurale

Impianto di Compostaggio Compostaggio Centrale di Riciclaggio 1 2 3

Impianto di Compostaggio Compostaggio Centrale di Riciclaggio ? 1 2 3

Impianto di Compostaggio Compostaggio Centrale di Riciclaggio ? Reuse & Repair Centers 1 2 3

Impianto di Compostaggio Compostaggio Centrale di Riciclaggio ? Reuse & Repair Centers De-costruire

Impianto di Compostaggio Compostaggio Centrale di Riciclaggio ? Reuse & Repair Centers De-costruire AVOIDABLESWasteReductioninitiatives

Italy A supermarket chain near Florence is providing dispensers which allow customers to refill shampoo and detergent bottles… A supermarket chain near Florence is providing dispensers which allow customers to refill shampoo and detergent bottles…

Alcune iniziative italiane per la riduzione

Impianto di Compostaggio Compostaggio Centrale di Riciclaggio ? Reuse & Repair Centers De-costruire AVOIDABLESWasteReductioninitiatives

Come gestiamo la frazione residua: un momento cruciale della filosofia Rifiuti Zero Incineration attempts to make the residuals disappear Incineration attempts to make the residuals disappear Zero Waste 2020 needs to make the residuals VERY VISIBLE, because… Zero Waste 2020 needs to make the residuals VERY VISIBLE, because… Frazione Residua = cattiva progettazione industriale Frazione Residua = cattiva progettazione industriale We need better (sustainable) industrial design for the 21st Century We need better (sustainable) industrial design for the 21st Century

Nova Scotia, Canada They have built IMPIANTO DI SEPARAZONE della FRAZIONE RESIDUA They have built IMPIANTO DI SEPARAZONE della FRAZIONE RESIDUA These buildings are built in front of the landfill - NO residuals can go to landfill without being screened. These buildings are built in front of the landfill - NO residuals can go to landfill without being screened.

IMPIANTO DI SEPARAZONE della FRAZIONE RESIDUA

PIU RICICLABILI

TOSSICI IMPIANTO DI SEPARAZONE della FRAZIONE RESIDUA PIU RICICLABILI

TOSSICI IMBALLAGGI E OGGETTI NON RICICLABILI IMPIANTO DI SEPARAZONE della FRAZIONE RESIDUA PIU RICICLABILI

TOSSICI IMBALLAGGI E OGGETTI NON RICICLABILI IMPIANTO DI SEPARAZONE della FRAZIONE RESIDUA PIU RICICLABILI DISCARICA TEMPORANEA

TOSSICI IMBALLAGGI E OGGETTI NON RICICLABILI IMPIANTO DI SEPARAZONE della FRAZIONE RESIDUA PIU RICICLABILI FRAZIONEORGANICASPORCA DISCARICA TEMPORANEA

TOSSICI IMBALLAGGI E OGGETTI NON RICICLABILI IMPIANTO DI SEPARAZONE della FRAZIONE RESIDUA PIU RICICLABILI FRAZIONEORGANICASPORCA DISCARICA TEMPORANEA STABILIZZAZIONE BIOLOGICA

We need to improve on these facilities by adding a RESEARCH CENTER for the non-recyclable fraction

TOSSICI IMBALLAGGI E OGGETTI NON RICICLABILI IMPIANTO DI SEPARAZONE della FRAZIONE RESIDUA PIU RICICLABILI FRAZIONEORGANICASPORCA DISCARICA TEMPORANEA STABILIZZAZIONE BIOLOGICA

TOSSICI IMBALLAGGI E OGGETTI NON RICICLABILI FRAZIONE RESIDUA, CENTRO DI RICERCA PIU RICICLABILI FRAZIONEORGANICASPORCA DISCARICA TEMPORANEA STABILIZZAZIONE BIOLOGICA CENTRO DI RICERCA RICERCA

IMBALLAGGI E ALTRI RIFIUTI NON RICICLABILI RICERCA SCIENTIFICA SU NUOVI IMPIEGHI DEI MATERIALI OTTENUTI DA RIFIUTI E MIGLIORE PROGETTAZIONE INDUSTRIALE FRAZIONE RESIDUA, CENTRO DI RICERCA Università locale

TOSSICII RICERCA SCIENTIFICA FOR CLEAN PRODUCTION Università locale FRAZIONE RESIDUA, CENTRO DI RICERCA

Impianto di Compostaggio Compostaggio Centrale di Riciclaggio ? Reuse & Repair Centers De-costruire AVOIDABLESWasteReductioninitiatives

Impianto di Compostaggio Compostaggio Centrale di Riciclaggio Residual Screening & & ReseachFacility Reuse & Repair Centers De-costruire AVOIDABLESWasteReductioninitiatives

Impianto di Compostaggio Compostaggio Centrale di Riciclaggio Residual Screening & & ReseachFacility Reuse & Repair Centers De-costruire AVOIDABLESWasteReductioninitiatives Household Toxics

Consiglio: La creazione di un Istituto Nazionale per una Società Sostenibile Con funzione di coordinamento della ricerca locale e regionale presso il Centro per la Ricerca e lo Screening sulla Frazione Residua (= cattiva progettazione industriale)

Incenerendo … … si convertono 3 tonnellate di rifiuti in: 1 tonnellata di ceneri tossiche che nessuno vuole!!!

Con la strategia Rifiuti Zero Si convertono TRE tonnellate di rifiuti in: 1 tonnellata di risorse compostabili 1 tonnellata di risorse riciclabili 1 tonnellata di risorse riciclabilie 1 tonnellata di consapevolezza!

Messaggio allindustria: Se non possiamo riutilizzarlo, riciclarlo o compostarlo, Se non possiamo riutilizzarlo, riciclarlo o compostarlo, lindustria non dovrebbe produrlo!!! lindustria non dovrebbe produrlo!!! We need better industrial design for the 21st Century We need better industrial design for the 21st Century

Will Italy be the first to build an impianto di separazone e centro di ricerca della frazione residua? Will Italy be the first to build an impianto di separazone e centro di ricerca della frazione residua? IMPIANTO DI SEPARAZONE e CENTRO DI RICERCA della FRAZIONE RESIDUA

Progress towards Zero Waste around the world Note over 50% of communities in New Zealand have declared a Zero Waste strategy Note over 50% of communities in New Zealand have declared a Zero Waste strategy

San Francisco Popolazione = Popolazione = Carenza di spazio Carenza di spazio 50% raccolta differenziata entro il % raccolta differenziata entro il % raccolta differenziata entro il % raccolta differenziata entro il % raccolta differenziata entro il 2010 (obiettivo) 75% raccolta differenziata entro il 2010 (obiettivo) 100% (or very close!)entro il 2020 – Zero Rifiuti 100% (or very close!)entro il 2020 – Zero Rifiuti

I Fantastici 3

The green container Receives the clean compostables (all organic discards) Receives the clean compostables (all organic discards)

Impianto di Compostaggio

UN RICCO COMPOST, PRONTO PER LA VENDITA

I PRODOTTI BIOLOGICI TORNANO SUI MERCATI E NEI RISTORANTI DI SAN FRANCISCO

I Fantastici 3

The blue container Receives ALL the recyclables... Receives ALL the recyclables...

@ Molo 96 Centrale di Riciclaggio

Ontario The city of Markham (north of Toronto) has diverted 70% from landfill in 2 years. The city of Markham (north of Toronto) has diverted 70% from landfill in 2 years.

Italy Porta a Porta (no Vespa!) Litalia ha uno dei migliori centri di ricerca al mondo per la progettazione di una raccolta porta a porta efficace ed efficiente di rifiuti riciclabili e organici Litalia ha uno dei migliori centri di ricerca al mondo per la progettazione di una raccolta porta a porta efficace ed efficiente di rifiuti riciclabili e organici Scuola Agraria del Parco di Monza Scuola Agraria del Parco di Monza Enzo Favoino Enzo Favoino

Italy Over 600 communities in Italy are achieving over 50% diversion using door to door collection systems Over 600 communities in Italy are achieving over 50% diversion using door to door collection systems

Comunità in Lazio che hanno riciclato più del 50% dei rifiuti attraverso il sistema di raccolta porta-a-porta in un solo anno! ComunePopulazione % rifiuto differenziato Sonnino7,15454% Sermoneta7,00064% Lenola4,20065% Monterosi3,02954% Bassiano1,67050% Castelforte4,70052%

Italy Novara - (near Turin, population = 100,000) achieved 70% diversion in just 18 months! Novara - (near Turin, population = 100,000) achieved 70% diversion in just 18 months!

Italy In the Treviso region… In the Treviso region…

RISULTATI QUANTITATIVI AUMENTO % RACCOLTA DIFFERENZIATA

RISULTATI QUANTITATIVI AUMENTO % RACCOLTA DIFFERENZIATA

DIFFERENZIATA COSTA DI PIU? Costi di gestione senza raccolta differenziata Costi di gestione con raccolta differenziata

La gestione dei rifiuti nei Comuni del Consorzio Priula Paolo Contò Consorzio Intercomunale Priula - Villorba (TV)

Another three reasons why ZW 2020 is better than incineration Jobs! Jobs! Jobs !! Jobs !! Jobs !!! Jobs !!!

Nuova Scozia (Canada) 50% dei rifiuti sottratto alle discariche in 5 anni (Halifax ~ 60%) 50% dei rifiuti sottratto alle discariche in 5 anni (Halifax ~ 60%) 1000 posti di lavoro creati dallaprile posti di lavoro creati dallaprile 1996 Altri 2000 posti di lavoro creati in industrie che usano i materiali separati Altri 2000 posti di lavoro creati in industrie che usano i materiali separati Nearly all the separated materials are re- used in Nova Scotias own industries. Nearly all the separated materials are re- used in Nova Scotias own industries.

UNA BUONA LEADERSHIP Abbiamo bisogno di leader politici e industriali dotati di grandi visioni immaginazione e … CHE NON SIANO NOIOSI

Le persone noiose … risolvono i problemi nel posto sbagliato !

Chi tenta di risolvere il problema A VALLE pensa … 1. UNA TAZZA 2. UN SECCHIO 3. UNA POMPA A PEDALE 4. UNA POMPA ELETTRICA

Chi tenta di risolvere il problema A MONTE pensa …

Einstein A clever person solves a problem A genius avoids it!

Un pizzico di creatività a monte può far risparmiare milioni a valle Un pizzico di creatività a monte può far risparmiare milioni a valle

Conclusioni The Zero Waste Strategy addresses four key issues: 1. Individuals must be more careful about what they buy 1. Individuals must be more careful about what they buy 2. Industries must be more careful about what they make 2. Industries must be more careful about what they make 3. Communities must be more responsible in the way that discarded materials are collected and handled 3. Communities must be more responsible in the way that discarded materials are collected and handled 4. Education has a key role in linking waste management to sustainability and the fight against Global Warming 4. Education has a key role in linking waste management to sustainability and the fight against Global Warming

Conclusioni The throwaway society contributes to global warming by wasting finite resources and wasting energy The throwaway society contributes to global warming by wasting finite resources and wasting energy Landfills and incinerators do not solve the problem but only hide the symptoms Landfills and incinerators do not solve the problem but only hide the symptoms The Zero Waste strategy by intensifying reuse, recycling, and composting and by tackling overconsumption and poor industrial design, reduces global warming and the other impacts of primary processing The Zero Waste strategy by intensifying reuse, recycling, and composting and by tackling overconsumption and poor industrial design, reduces global warming and the other impacts of primary processing

Zero Waste 2020 Education Sustainable Economic Development Sustainable agriculture Community development Sustainable Energy Industrial design Architecture

Conclusioni Non abbiamo bisogno di inceneritori! Non abbiamo bisogno di inceneritori! Esistono alternative Esistono alternative migliori più sicure, migliori più sicure, migliori per leconomia, migliori per leconomia, migliori per i vostri figli, e migliori per i vostri figli, e migliori per il pianeta. migliori per il pianeta.

But in Italy there remains a major obstacle:

THE BAD LAW Level of corruption Level of Pollution

Public participation THE GOOD LAW

Dioricicla, il diavolo brucia

The Battle Hymn of Garbage (Chorus) We dont want incineration We know theres a better way!

The Battle Hymn of Garbage While we recognize our landfills All are swelling with the waste This doesnt justify A bad decision made in haste! Let us put our heads together So the problem may be faced And we must do it now!

The Battle Hymn of Garbage (Chorus) We dont want incineration We know theres a better way!

The Battle Hymn of Garbage Mine eyes have seen the garbage Thats a smoldering on the grate We must stop incineration Before it is too late Unless we wish the dangers We had better separate And we must do it now!

The Battle Hymn of Garbage (Chorus) We dont want incineration We know theres a better way!

Extra slides

No accountability Typically incinerators tested once or twice a year using 6 hour tests to check dioxin in flue gas. Typically incinerators tested once or twice a year using 6 hour tests to check dioxin in flue gas. These are collected with advanced notice to the operator These are collected with advanced notice to the operator Thus, 18 (36?) hours of IDEAL data is being used to ESTIMATE 8000 hours of REAL operation. Thus, 18 (36?) hours of IDEAL data is being used to ESTIMATE 8000 hours of REAL operation. THIS IS NOT SCIENTIFIC! THIS IS NOT SCIENTIFIC! Two week sampling (The Amesa system) is now available. This system allows collection of 26 X two- week samples per year - i.e. continuous sampling Two week sampling (The Amesa system) is now available. This system allows collection of 26 X two- week samples per year - i.e. continuous sampling Most incinerator operators are not using the two week sampling system or other scientific monitoring. Most incinerator operators are not using the two week sampling system or other scientific monitoring.

Hiding the name! Waste Incineration is so unpopular with the public that incinerator promoters have used a variety of names for plants that burn trash: Waste Incineration is so unpopular with the public that incinerator promoters have used a variety of names for plants that burn trash: In US, they were called Resource Recovery Facilities and Waste to Energy plants. In US, they were called Resource Recovery Facilities and Waste to Energy plants. In UK they were called Energy from Waste (EfW) facilities. In UK they were called Energy from Waste (EfW) facilities. In Italy and France they are called Thermal Valorization and Thermal Optimization In Italy and France they are called Thermal Valorization and Thermal Optimization Now all the rage are the descriptions: gasification, pyrolysis and plasma arc facilities. Now all the rage are the descriptions: gasification, pyrolysis and plasma arc facilities.

The most appropriate name for incinerators RDF RDF Resource Destruction Facilities! Resource Destruction Facilities!

Dobbiamo copiare la natura La natura non produce rifiuti! La natura non produce rifiuti! I rifiuti sono uninvenzione delluomo I rifiuti sono uninvenzione delluomo Società sostenibile = società a rifiuti zero Società sostenibile = società a rifiuti zero Zero Waste is an idealistic goal, Zero Waste is an idealistic goal, but Zero Waste 2020 puts this goal into a realistic time frame but Zero Waste 2020 puts this goal into a realistic time frame