Waste Management

General characterization

Prerequisites

Available soon

Bibliography

Martinho, M.G.; Gonçalves, M. G., Silveira, A. (2011). Gestão Integrada de Resíduos. Universidade Aberta. Tchobanoglous, G.; Kreith, F. (2002). Handbook of Solid Waste Management. Second Edition. McGraw-Hill International Editions.
Williams, P.T. (1998). Waste Treatment and Disposal. John Wiley.
Bilitewski, B.; Härdtle, G.; Marek, K.; Weissbach, A.; Boeddicker, H. (1994). Waste Management. Springer.
White, P.; Frank, M.; Hindle, P. (1995). Integrated Solid Waste Management. A Lifecycle Inventory. Blackie Academic & Professional.

Teaching method

This discipline it organized in theoretical lessons, distributed for 9 modules, and practical lessons. The practical lessons include 7 laboratory classes, 5 lessons for resolution of problems/exercises and 1 visit at waste management infrastructures. 

Evaluation method

Continuous assessment - consists of making 2 tests (each test worth 40% of the final grade) and presence (at least 2/3 of the classes to obtain frequency) and participation in practical classes (20% of final grade) .

Subject matter

Module 1. Introduction and perspectives in wastes (Profª Graça Martinho). 1. History and evolution of waste management; 2. Components of a waste management system; 3. Current situation: management systems entities and national plans; 4. Basic concepts; 5. Current areas of concern; 6. Integrated waste management (IWM).

Module 2. Production and composition of waste.(Prof Ana Silveira). 1. Definition and classification of waste. 2. Production by type of waste. 3. Variation in production. 4. Physical composition of the waste and its variation. 5. Physico-chemical characterization of the waste. 6. Methods for the quantification and characterization of waste. 7. Campaigns waste characterization.

Module 3. Waste collection and transport systems (Profª Graça Martinho). (CTS). 1. Introduction: Collection components; Importance of the CTS; Evolution; Basic aspects. Base data - Key factors for the development of the CTS. 2. Waste handling, separation, storage and processing at the source. 3. Storage of solid wastes: Definition; Types of containers; 4. Collection: Definition; Types of collection; Collection of waste separated at the source. 5. Vehicles; Crews. 6. Transport of solid waste: 6.1. Definition. 6.2. Types of transport systems. 6.3. Critical haul distances. 6.4. Transfer Stations. 6.5/6.6. Transport of solid waste in Portugal - General rules and transport documents (national legislation). 7. Analysis of collection routes. 7.1. Importance and concepts. 7.2. Routes components/unit operations. 7.3. Analysis Macro-route: hauled container systems and stationary container systems. 7.4. Collection productivity indicators: register and monitoring. 7.5. Micro-routes analysis: optimization. 8. Transfrontier movements of wastes (Shipment of Waste): Basel Convention - Convention on the control of transboundary movements of hazardous wastes and their disposal (Council Decision 93/98/EEC); Supervision and control of shipments within, into and out of the European Community (Council Regulation (EEC) Nº 259/93). Notification and movement documents.

Module 4. Mechanical processing of waste (Prof. Graça Martinho). Objectives. Main processes: size reduction, separation and transportation densification. Examples of applications in the MRF and TBM stations in recycling industries.

Module 5. Recycling (Profª Graça Martinho). 1. Importance and concepts. 2. Components of a recycling system. 3. Main barriers to the recycling. 4. Options techniques for the recovery of the materials. 5. Material Recovery Facilities (MRF). 6. Key factors for the success of recycling programs. 7. Packaging waste. 8. Management of special wastes: Batteries and Accumulators; Used Tires; End of Life Vehicles (ELV); Waste Oils; Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE), constrution and demolion wastes (CDW). 9. Performance indicators for the collection systems. 10. Planning a program of selective collection.

Module 6. Biological recycling / composting (Prof Ana Silveira). 1. Fundamentals of composting. 2. Factors involved in the composting process. 3. Material balance. 4. Composting systems. 5. Control strategies of the composting process. 6. Quality criteria for compost. 7. Position and National Community in the field of organic recovery

Module 7. Energy recovery (Prof Ana Silveira). Incineration and other thermal processes.

Módule 8. Disposal of wastes – Landfills (Prof. Artur João Cabeças). Part I - Introduction: Concepts; National situation; EU and national politics - Directive 1999/31/CE; DL nº 152/2002 and ERB - National Strategy for the reduction of RUB destined to landfills. Part II - Landfill: General aspects; Types of landfills; Anatomy of one landfill; Basic reactions and processes; composition and production of leachate; Composition and production of landfill gases; Installations and infrastructures; Equipment; Landfill operation; Landfill closure and postclosure; Systems of environmental control: water and gases; Environmental quality monitoring at landfills.

Module 9. Social and economic issues of waste management (Prof. Graça Martinho). 1. Psychology of the reduction and recycling of waste: attitudes and behaviors towards waste; strategies for behavior change. 2. Economic instruments applied to waste: waste management fee; tariff waste; ecovalores; systems consignment.

Programs

Programs where the course is taught: