Landfills in British Columbia are reaching capacity; this has sparked renewed efforts to curb the output of household waste. Extending previous quantitative studies, I use a qualitative grounded theory approach to explore what influences the perception of waste and activates the intention to recycle and compost. Participants from Ucluelet, British Columbia, accumulated their refuse, recyclables, and compost during a four week period; simultaneously, I interviewed them about the meanings and feelings they associated with the process. My results suggest that participants' attitudes about waste are strongly influenced by what they see. Because garbage is regularly hauled away and dumped out of sight, participants were relatively unaware of how much they produce and its environmental impact. Increasing awareness appears to be a key factor in changing waste diversion intentions; incorporating small pro-environmental changes may lead to further changes. This reaffirms previous findings that adopting one environmental behaviour can empower further change.

This dissertation describes the characterisation of, and development of a novel integrated waste management strategy for, hydroxide scouring effluents produced during cotton processing. Such effluents are typical of mineral salt-rich waste waters which are not significantly biodegradable in conventional treatment plants. The proposed strategy focuses on two complementary concepts: process-oriented waste minimisation adopts a systematic approach to identifying potential problems and solutions of waste reduction in the manufacturing process itself; while add-on controls reduce the impact of the waste after it has been generated, by recycling and treatment. The basic procedures for ensuring effective water and chemical management within the scouring process are described. Examples are given of factory surveys, which have resulted in significant chemical and water savings, reduced effluent discharge costs, maximum effluent concentration, and minimum pollutant loading and volume. Pilot-plant investigations demonstrate the technical and economic feasibility of a four stage treatment sequence of neutralisation (using carbon dioxide gas), cross-flow microfiltration, nanofiltration and electrochemical recovery to remove colour and impurities from the scouring effluent and produce directly reusable sodium hydroxide and water. Fouling and scaling of the cross-flow microfiltration, nanofiltration and electrochemical membranes are minimal and reversible if the operation is carried out under carefully selected conditions. A long anode coating life is predicted. Current efficiencies for the recovery of sodium hydroxide (up to 20 % concentration) are 70 to 80 % and the electrical power requirements are 3 500 to 4 000 kWh/tonne of 100 % NaOH. Pilot-plant trials are supplemented by extensive laboratory tests and semi-quantitative modelling to examine specific aspects of the nanofiltration and electrochemical stages in detail. Electromembrane fouling and cleaning techniques, and other anode materials are evaluated. The effects of solution speciation chemistry on the performance of the nanofiltration membrane is evaluated using a combination of speciation and membrane transport modelling and the predicted results are used to explain observed behaviour. Based on the results of pilot-plant trials and supplementary laboratory and theoretical work, a detailed design of an electrochemically-based treatment system and an economic analysis of the electrochemical recovery system are presented. The effects of rinsing variables, processing temperatures, and background rinse water concentrations on the plant size requirements and capital costs are determined. The implementation of the waste management concepts presented in this dissertation will have significant impact on water and sodium hydroxide consumption (decreasing these by up to 95 and 75 % respectively), as well as effluent volumes and pollutant loadings. / Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of Natal, Durban, 1994.

Co-disposal with refuse in a controlled landfill is the cheapest option for the disposal of hazardous waste and, if carefully controlled, can be an effective treatment option. In this present study a high-strength phenolic wastewater and activated sewage sludge were co-disposed with refuse. The effectiveness of phenol catabolism at two organic loading rates (500mgt1 and 1000mgtl) was assessed in the presence of various co-disposal strategies. Leachate recycle at the lower phenol organic loading rate was found to facilitate the greatest rate of phenol catabolism. Despite the effective removal of phenol, however, leachate recycle promoted the production of high concentrations of ammoniacal-N and hydrogen sulphide. At the higher phenol organic loading rate, recirculation was ineffective in reducing the residual phenol concentration due to inhibition of the phenol-catabolisers. Microcosms operated with single elution and batch co-disposal strategies at both phenol organic loading rates resulted in serious detrimental effects on the refuse fermentation and subsequent leachate quality. A high-strength leachate obtained from a closed co-disposal site was characterised to determine its chemical composition and was assessed for its susceptibility to biological treatment. If carefully controlled, co-disposal sites should produce leachates which differ little in quality to those produced by municipal waste sites. The exceptionally high specific conductivity of the leachate used in this present study was, however, uncharacteristic of a leachate from a municipal waste site. The leachate required dilution to 25 % (v/v) before responding to aerobic biological treatment due to the presence of bactericidal/bacteriostatic components. Anaerobic treatment was ineffective even at a final dilution of 10% (v/v) of the original due to the inhibition of methanogenesis caused indirectly by the high concentration of sulphate in the leachate. Following phosphate addition, aerobic biological treatment effected a significant reduction in the chemical oxygen demand (COD) but did not reduce the ammoniacal-N concentration. Scaling and precipitation occurred following addition of the phosphate, and although these did not affect the biological process they can cause operational problems in full-scale leachate treatment plants. Ion exchange, with soil, and lime treatment, were, therefore, considered for their ability to reduce the inorganic content of the leachate prior to biological treatment. However, these particular pretreatments were unsuitable due to their ineffectiveness to reduce calcium, the main inorganic element involved in scaling, to an acceptable concentration. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 1996.

Thesis (M.Sc.) - University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2008. / Full text also available online. Scroll down for electronic link.

Thesis (M. Sc.)--University of Hong Kong, 1998. / Includes bibliographical references (leaf 99-102).

Thesis (M.Arch.) - Carleton University, 2007. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 124). Also available in electronic format on the Internet.

Thesis (MSc)--Stellenbosch University, 2002. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: As the world enters a new millennium, global awareness of environmental issues have reached new heights. No longer is the environment seen as an all-absorbing and allproviding resource. Rather, there exists a greater awareness that without active management, the inherent risks and hazards - posed by both the natural environment and humankind's interaction with this environment - will be realised. In order to ensure a sustainable co-existence, humanity's interaction with the surrounding. environment must be managed in a responsible manner. In this regard, all aspects of this interaction require attention. Various frameworks, manifested in a variety of forms, have been proposed. One of the most basic aspects of species existence is the generation of waste. Human existence is no different. However, as a result of the variety of activities that characterise humans' existence on Earth, the generation of waste represents the most tangible and probably the most threatening aspect of this interaction. This study focuses on waste management from an environmental perspective at a specific institution, namely the University of Stellenbosch. In terms of its findings, the study has established the applicability of various regulatory and institutional frameworks within which the University operate. These frameworks address the role of the University both in terms of waste management and sustainable development. It has established the types of waste generated, the generating processes, the storage, and removal and disposal characteristics of waste management at the University. Waste management at the University is determined to be complex and fragmented, the result of a variety of activities occurring. It has established that limited waste minimisation and reduction activities occur, even though the University had identified effective and efficient resource use as a strategic priority. Although attempts at improving waste management are admittedly underway, the study has found that adopting an environmental management system approach to waste management will enable the University to meet pending legislative and institutional environmental commitments. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Met die binnetree van 'n nuwe millennium het wêreldwye bewustheid van omgewingskwessies nuwe hoogtes bereik. Die omgewing word nie meer bloot beskou as 'n alles-absorberende en alles-voorsienende hulpbron nie. Veel eerder groei bewustheid van die noodsaak vir aktiewe bestuursingryping om die gevare en bedreigings inherent aan die natuurlike omgewing, en die mens se interaksie daarmee, die hoof te bied. Ter wille van volhoubare saambestaan moet die mens-omgewing interaksie op verantwoordelike wyse bestuur word. Alle aspekte van hierdie interaksie vereis aandag en 'n verskeidenheid raamwerke in 'n verskeidenheid formate is hiervoor voorgestel. Die produksie van afval is een van die mees basiese kenmerke van lewensbestaan. Menslike bestaan is nie daarbo verhewe nie. Weens die verskeidenheid aktiwiteite wat menslike bestaan kenmerk, is die produksie van afval die mees tasbare en waarskynlik mees bedreigende manifestasie van mens-omgewing interaksie. Hierdie tesis fokus op afvalbestuur uit die invalshoek van die omgewing, soos dit beslag kry aan 'n spesifieke instansie, naamlik die Universiteit van Stellenbosch. Die studie het ten aanvang die implikasies van die verskeidenheid regulatoriese en institusionele raamwerke waarin die universiteit opereer, bevestig. Hierdie raamwerke omvat die rol van die Universiteit beide in terme van afvalbestuur en volhoubare ontwikkeling. Die tipes afval wat aan die instansie gegenereer word is geklassifiseer en die genererings-, opbergings-, verwyderings- en verwerkingsprosesse en verantwoordelikhede is vasgestel en gedokumenteer. Afvalbestuur aan die Universiteit blyk kompleks en gefragmenteerd te wees, hoofsaaklik as gevolg van die wye verskeidenheid afval-skeppingsbronne wat hier aangetref word. Ook is bevind dat, ten spyte van die instansie se identifisering van effektiewe hulpbrongebruik as 'n strategiese prioriteit, slegs beperkte afval-inkorting en -reduksie aan die instansie plaasvind. Hoewel daar tans 'n aktiewe proses geloods word om afvalbestuur te verbeter, beveel die studie die aanvaarding, ontwerp en implementering van 'n veel meer wydlopende en holistiese benadering in die vorm van 'n geïntegreerde omgewingsbestuurstelsel aan. Slegs hierdeur sal die Universiteit in staat wees om aan die volgende vlaag wetgewing rakende afvalbestuur te voldoen en ook verantwoordelike omgewingsverbintenis te demonstreer.

Thesis (MScEng)--Stellenbosch University, 2013. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The aim of this thesis is to address the need for sustainable development within waste management. It explores how sustainability can be assessed and used as the basis for high level decision making within waste management. Stellenbosch University (SU) was used as a case study to demonstrate how information can be gathered and used for decision support. The literature reviewed, showed a wide area of focus within which sustainability is defined and how businesses and organisations shift towards a model of corporate responsibility. The concept of sustainability was then presented within waste management. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA), were presented as management tools that could facilitate the assessment and decision making process within a sustainable waste management framework. The two management tools, Sustainable Life Cycle Analysis (SLCA) and Analytical Hierarchal Process (AHP) (branches of LCA and MCDA respectively), were used to develop a framework to be applied to SU Waste Management System. By integrating the two tools, a framework was established that could measure the sustainability of current waste management practices and provide a decision support tool. The framework was validated by applying it to the Stellenbosch University waste system. The framework that was developed delivered a set of sustainable results from which decision makers could base policy decisions. The framework then facilitated the decision making process and a sustainable waste management policy was selected. The application modelled the decision makers preferences and resulted in a policy being selected which favoured high levels of recycling and waste prevention. The results represented an approach which, when compared to the current practice, was more expensive but more environmentally friendly and socially acceptable. The findings provide an exciting basis for future research, where decisions are based on sustainable principles. The framework has potential to be expanded into other areas of management and is not limited to a university environment. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die doel van hierdie tesis is om die behoefte aan volhoubare ontwikkeling binne afvalbestuur aan te spreek. Die tesis ondersoek hoe die volhoubaarheid in afvalbestuur bepaal kan word, en hoe dit dan gebruik kan word as basis vir beleid besluitneming binne afvalbestuur. Die Universiteit Stellenbosch (US) is as ’n gevallestudie gebruik om te demonstreer hoe inligting versamel kan word en as ondersteuning vir beleidbesluitneming gebruik kan word. Die literatuurstudie dek ’n wye veld waarbinne daar op volhoubaarheid gefokus word. Dit wys ook hoe maatskappye en organisasies na ’n model van korporatiewe verantwoordelikheid beweeg. Die konsep van volhoubaarheid word dan binne die mileu van afvalbestuur aangebied. Die Lewenssiklus Assesering (LSA) en Multi-Kriteria Besluitnemings Analise (MKBA) wat gebruik is, kan dien as bestuur hulpmiddel om die assessering van, en besluitneming binne ’n volhoubare afvalbestuur te vergemaklik. Vanuit die twee hulpmiddels, is Volhoubare Lewens Siklus Analise (VLSA) en Analitiese Hierargiese Proses (AHP), gebruik om ’n raamwerk te ontwikkel wat toegepas is op die US. Deur die twee hulpmiddels te integreer kan ’n raamwerk geskep word wat die volhoubaarheid van die huidige afvalbestuur praktyke en wat kan dien as ‘n ondersteunende hulpmiddel met die besluitnemingsprosesse. Die waardasie van die raamwerk wat ontwikkel was, het ‘n stel volhoubare resultate opgelewer, wat besluitnemers gebruik het om hul beleidsbesluite op te baseer. Die besluitnemers se voorkeure is gebaseer op die bevindinge van die VLSA en het bepaal watter beleid gekies is. Die bevindinge het ’n duurder, maar meer omgewingsvriendelike en sosiaal aanvaarbare beleid verteenwoordig. Hierdie bevindinge bied ’n opwindende basis vir toekomstige navorsingwerk, waar besluitneming op volhoubare beginsels gebaseer is. Die raamwerk het potensiaal vir uitbreiding na ander gebiede van bestuur en is nie beperk tot ’n universiteitsomgewing nie.

O conhecimento das melhores alternativas para segregar os Resíduos de Serviço de Saúde e o reconhecimento da importância do correto gerenciamento, são fundamentais para melhorar as medidas de segurança e higiene nos serviços de saúde, reduzir o volume de resíduos contaminados e estimular a reciclagem dos resíduos comuns. O presente estudo teve como objetivo sensibilizar os Profissionais que trabalham em Unidades Básicas de Saúde (UBSs), localizadas na cidade de Foz do Iguaçu/PR, quanto ao gerenciamento adequado dos Resíduos Sólidos de Serviços de Saúde (RSSS). Na primeira etapa foi concebido e aplicado um levantamento (survey) para diagnosticar a percepção dos profissionais que atuam em dez UBSs. Em seguida, foi realizado um Evento Municipal para os Profissionais das UBS, utilizando palestras e várias atividades lúdicas, visando ensinar sobre a segregação correta e ecoeficiente de resíduos. Na continuidade da pesquisa, foi realizada uma avaliação in loco da situação do gerenciamento de RSSS em três UBSs, sendo constatadas algumas irregularidades. Foram realizados, para os profissionais das três Unidades, atividades de sensibilização visando o correto gerenciamento e a redução dos RSSS. Na pesquisa de percepção, o sentimento predominante dos respondentes, quanto à separação dos RSSS, foi o de insegurança, justificando a necessidade de maior conhecimento. A forma lúdica, utilizada nos eventos de sensibilização, foi aprovada pelos participantes para transmissão de conhecimentos. Isso pode ser confirmado pelas manifestações de risos e alegria, que puderam ser observadas, durante todas as atividades. As sensibilizações realizadas nas três Unidades foram avaliadas positivamente pelos participantes (55% dos Profissionais das Unidades), sendo que, a palestra e o teatro, foram as atividades consideradas mais interessantes pelos participantes. Os resultados desta pesquisa ratificam a importância e a evidência, que ainda, há muito por fazer no campo de informação, sensibilização e Educação Ambiental com relação a temática de RSSS. É importante que novos momentos de orientação e Educação Continuada sejam proporcionados aos trabalhadores na tentativa de torná-los sensíveis a importância que práticas corretas podem vir a trazer para a saúde, população e Meio Ambiente. / Knowledge of the best alternatives to separate Health Service Waste and the recognition of the importance of proper management are the key to improving security and hygiene measures in health services. It is also important to reduce the volume of contaminated waste and encourage recycling common waste. The present study aimed at raising awareness among professionals working in Basic Units of Health (BHU), located in the city of Foz do Iguaçu, state of Paraná, regarding the proper management of Solid Waste in Health Services (SWHS). The first stage of the study involved the design and implementation of a survey to diagnose the perception of professionals working at ten BHU. Then, vas held a Municipal Event for the professionals of BHU. This event comprising lectures and various recreational activities aiming at teaching about the proper and eco-efficient waste segregation. In continuing research, a spot evaluation of the SWHS management at three BHU where some irregularities were noted. In three BHU, were performed activities to raise awareness for proper management and reduction this geration of SWHS. The prevailing sentiment of the survey respondents in relation to the separation of SWHS was insecurity what justifies the need for greater knowledge on the subject. Participants to transmit knowledge adopted a playful way, used in awareness-raising events. This is can be confirmed by the manifestations of laughter and joy that could be observed during all activities. The sensitization raising at the three Basic Units of Health were positively evaluated by participants (55% of the professionals of the units), and the lecture and the theatrical activities were the actions considered more interesting by the participants. These results confirm that yet, there is much to be done in the field of information, awareness and environmental education regarding the topic of medical wastes. It is important that new moments of Continuing Education and guidance are provided to workers in an attempt to make them sensitive to the importance of correct practices are likely to bring health, population and environment.

A perda histórica das terras e dos recursos naturais e os constantes contatos interétnicos têm transformando pelo menos uma parte das economias indígenas dependentes da lógica econômica de mercado capitalista e alterado o padrão de consumo nas aldeias. Há certa dependência em relação aos alimentos consumidos, em sua grande maioria comprados, o que aumenta o número de embalagens e rejeitos para se desprezar. No entanto, a coleta de lixo nas aldeias é precário o que emana problemas no seu descarte. Em visita a Terra Indígena Mangueirinha observou-se a presença de lixo ao redor das casas contendo embalagens de produtos industrializados, tais como garrafas de plástico, latas de refrigerante, pacotes de salgadinho e fraldas descartáveis. Neste contexto, a pesquisa teve como objetivo principal analisar a percepção da população da Terra Indígena Mangueirinha em relação ao descarte do lixo e seu impacto na saúde e no ambiente da aldeia. Os objetivos específicos da investigação foram: traçar o perfil da cultura alimentar e sócio econômico dos entrevistados; identificar o método de descarte do lixo utilizado pela população investigada e identificar a percepção dos indígenas sobre meio ambiente e seus impactos na saúde. Para a investigação deste estudo de caso realizou-se uma pesquisa qualitativa com treze indígenas. Foi utilizado um roteiro pré-elaborado para nortear as questões referentes ao perfil do entrevistado, quais os métodos utilizados para o descarte do lixo e como percebem a relação do ambiente com a saúde. As entrevistas foram realizadas na escola Kokoj Ty Han já e em visitas domiciliares. Os resultados da pesquisa mostram que os indígenas realizam atividades culturais com o objetivo de manter vivos os costumes e aspectos tradicionais da aldeia, porém no cotidiano, diversos segmentos são afetados pela influência não indígena, tais como educação, saúde e hábitos alimentares. No que se refere à percepção sobre os problemas ambientais na área indígena ou no entorno dela, formaram-se 3 grupos diferentes, dos moradores que identificam o desmatamento como o principal problema ambiental, o segundo grupo que identifica como a poluição e o terceiro grupo que acredita não existir problema ambiental nas Terras Indígenas. Os contatos interétnicos modificaram a percepção do que consideram itens necessários ao seu bem estar. Na procura por ter acesso aos bens de consumo diversificam seus meios de vida, conciliando o trabalho assalariado a outras fontes de renda. O que tem implicado na liberação de resíduos não orgânicos no meio ambiente e sido fonte de agravos à saúde. Os moradores elencaram soluções para os problemas enfrentados, como aumentar a frequência de coleta e os pontos em que passa o caminhão de lixo, construir depósitos para o armazenamento correto e a realização de orientações à comunidade para o reaproveitamento do lixo orgânico, separação do lixo e descarte correto. Portanto, percebem a importância de preservar o meio ambiente para sua qualidade de vida, porém no cotidiano lhes faltam estrutura e disponibilidade de serviços públicos de coleta de lixo e ações educativas sobre o manejo dos resíduos sólidos. / The historical loss of earth and natural resources and the constant inter-ethnic contacts had changed at least some part of the Indian economies dependents on the capitalist market logic and transformed the consumption pattern of the villages. There‟s some dependence related to their consumed food, in general bought, that raises the number of packaging and tailings to dispose. However, the garbage collect on the villages is still precarious, that originates problems on this discard. In visit to the Indian earth Mangueirinha, it was observed the presence of trash around the houses with industrialized products packaging, like plastic bottles, cans of soda, packets of chips and some disposable diapers. In this contest, the research had as central objective analyze the perception of the local people about the garbage discarding and It‟s impact on village‟s healthy and environment. The specific objectives of the research were: to do the cultural food and social-economic profiles and to identify the Indian methods of garbage discarding utilized by the investigated community and to identiy perception about environment and It‟s impact on healthy. For the investigation of that case we carried out a qualitative study with thirteen indigenous. A pre-prepared script was used to guide the questions regarding the respondent profile, what methods are used to dispose of trash and how they perceive the relationship between environment and health. The interviews were conductedat Kokoj Ty Han Já School and home visits. The research results show that the Indians perform cultural activities aiming to keep alive the customs and traditional aspects of the village, but in daily life, several segments are affected by non-indigenous influence, such as education, health and eating habits. With regard to the perception of environmental problems in the indigenous area or around it, formed three different groups of residents that identify the main environmental problem as deforestation, the second group that identifies as pollution and the third group that believes that no environmental problem exists on indigenous lands. Interethnic contacts changed the perception of what they consider items necessary for their well-being. In seeking to gain access to consumer goods they diversify their livelihoods, combining wage labor to other sources of income. What is involved in the release of non-organic waste on the environment and been a source of health problems. Residents listed solutions to the problems faced, such as increasing the frequency of collection and the points in passing garbage truck, build warehouses for the correct storage and conducting community guidelines for the reuse of organic waste, waste separation and correct disposal. Therefore, they realize the importance of preserving the environment for their quality of life, but in everyday life they lack structure and availability of public services of garbage collection and educational activities concerning the management of solid waste.