Waste Management Glossary

A highly recyclable metal with significant resale value when repurposed. Commonly found in beverage cans, aluminum is a lightweight, silvery-white metallic element constituting roughly 7 percent of the Earth's crust. It is extracted from bauxite ore, often bound with oxygen as alumina. Aluminum finds application in numerous industries, most notably in the production of beverage cans.

A renewable energy resource derived from biomass, which comprises recently living elements like animals, plant life, or wood. Biofuel can be produced from unexpected sources, such as landfill gas. One prominent form of biofuel is biodiesel, which reduces dependence on gasoline for vehicles.

A method to compensate for carbon emissions produced by a particular activity by investing in environmental projects that counteract these emissions. Planting trees is a common form of carbon offsetting since trees absorb carbon dioxide.

An extended period of reduced water levels, typically due to inadequate rainfall. Droughts are linked to issues like deforestation and global warming, altering ecosystems and water supplies.

A process similar to calculating a carbon footprint, aimed at assessing the energy consumption of specific activities to identify opportunities for reduction. Energy audits are often conducted in collaboration with utility companies, monitoring a building's energy use over time.

Remnants of plant and animal life used for energy production through combustion, including coal, oil, and natural gas. Fossil fuels are non-renewable resources and emit carbon dioxide when burned.

A construction approach that considers environmental impact. Buildings may be certified by organizations like the U.S. Green Building Council, which assigns levels of certification based on sustainability criteria.

A type of vehicle that combines a traditional gasoline engine with a rechargeable energy storage system to enhance fuel efficiency. Hybrids charge while in motion and do not require external charging.

A global agreement involving 137 developed countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. It was adopted in 1997 in Kyoto, Japan, and sets targets for reducing emissions. Despite signing the agreement, the United States did not ratify it.

A term used for water-using products designed to minimize water consumption. Examples include low-flow showers and low-flow toilets.

A metal with the symbol Hg, is commonly found in thermometers and electronic switches. Mercury is toxic when inhaled or ingested and must be disposed of properly. Like aluminum, mercury can be recycled.

A finite resource that cannot regenerate or replenish naturally. In general, these are non-renewable energy sources, such as coal and oil.

Products that use fewer harmful chemicals, such as pesticides, are often considered more environmentally friendly. It is also possible to refer to organic products as carbon compounds produced by living organisms that are commonly associated with food.

A type of plastic used for making soft drink bottles and various food containers. PET is also used in fabric production.

Using reprocessed materials to make new products rather than dumping them in landfills. Symbolized by the recycling symbol, it is one of the Three R's.

A landfill designed and engineered to accept municipal waste while minimizing environmental impact.

The amount of harmful substances in a material, which can be naturally occurring or man-made and often poses risks to water quality.

Decomposition of organic materials (e.g., vegetable scraps) in a controlled environment by worms.

A device that harnesses wind energy through a propeller system, converting it into renewable energy. Wind turbines are commonly used to generate electricity from wind power.

Xeriscaping is a landscaping practice that conserves water and reduces green waste. It involves designing gardens and landscapes to minimize the need for irrigation, which can reduce water waste and the disposal of yard clippings.

Yard waste encompasses organic materials like grass clippings, leaves, branches, and other plant debris generated from yards and gardens. Proper yard waste management involves composting or mulching to divert these materials from landfills.

A waste management goal that aims to send absolutely no waste to landfills. Instead, materials are recycled, composted, or otherwise managed to avoid disposal in landfills.