Overview

The world is using natural resources at an unprecedented rate, often with little thought given to the efficient use of those resources or the consequences of disposal. The current trend has led to generation of significant volumes of waste. This often represents a loss of potentially valuable product, in addition to causing a wide range of issues related to pollution and health, greenhouse gas emissions, and limited landfill availability. Governments and society now have to meet increasingly stringent targets for reducing waste volumes; indeed, effective waste management and utilisation is now regarded as an inherent part of sustainable development. This module will explore the implications of our present behaviour around waste generation and materials utilisation, will look at the options and issues surrounding different strategies for dealing with waste, and will consider the changes needed to manage and utilise waste and materials in a sustainable manner.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -Threshold (D- to D+)Fundamentals of key points covered, some serious inaccuracies, misunderstandings and misconceptions, no evidence of supplementary reading. An adequate but low understanding of the concepts presented in the course. Little provided in the way of factual information to support statements. Little evidence of a structured approach to essay writing. No attempt to use diagrams to support the concepts introduced in the essay, where such use would be of benefit.

-good -Good (C- to B+)A good grasp of the subject matter, evidence of some supplementary reading, few errors of facts, evidence of misunderstanding of some of the subject matter. Statements supported by factual information, but not in a fully consistent and comprehensive manner. Essays having structure, but not being structured in a fully logical or consistent manner. Use of diagrams to support concepts where appropriate and where they add to the understanding of the points being made, but not always used appropriately.Very Good (60-70%)A very good understanding of the subject matter, evidence of a moderate amount of supplementary reading, with very few errors of facts, little misunderstanding of the subject matter. Statements supported by factual information in a largely consistent and essentially comprehensive manner. Essays structured in a logical or consistent manner, but with some inappropriate development of thought or arguments. Use of diagrams to support concepts where appropriate and where they add to the understanding of the points being made.

-excellent -Excellent (A- to A**)Excellent grasp of subject matter and knowledge of subject, evidence of substantial supplementary reading with no errors of facts, no misunderstanding of the subject matter. Statements supported by factual information in a consistent and comprehensive manner. Essays structured in a logical or consistent manner. Imaginative and appropriate use of diagrams to support concepts where they add to the understanding of the points being made.

Learning Outcomes

• Appreciate the benefits and problems (scientific and socio-economic) associated with different waste management strategies.

• Be able to consider the criteria that should be used to determine the environmental credentials of materials usage (LCA's, renewable energy generation, etc.).

• Have an understanding of the drivers of materials consumption and waste generation in both developed and developing countries.

• Have knowledge of the various legislative procedures concerning disposal and recycling.

• Understand the various problems associated with end of life disposal of materials.