Batteries called primary source of lead, cadmium in municipal waste
The US Environmental Protection Agency reports that lead-acid batteries, such as those used in automobiles, and rechargeable nickel-cadmium batteries used in consumer electronics equipment, are the primary sources of lead and cadmium in municipal trash and garbage. A report prepared for EPA analyzed existing data from 1970 to 1986 and made projections to the year 2000. Lead-acid batteries continue to constitute a major source of lead in garbage even though 80 percent of them are now recycled. As a result, EPA is calling for additional recycling of batteries. This study is an important step in implementing EPA's strategy for helping states and cities achieve the national goal of recycling and reducing 25 percent of all municipal garbage by 1992. The findings on batteries are the result of a study conducted for EPA because of concern over the levels of lead and cadmium found n ash (residue) from municipal waste incinerators. Lead and cadmium are two metals of particular concern in the solid waste stream. The metals can contaminate soil and groundwater when landfilled. They also may be found in some incinerator emissions.
- OSTI ID:
- 5150573
- Journal Information:
- JAPCA, International Journal of Air Pollution Control and Waste Management; (USA), Vol. 39:4; ISSN 0894-0630
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
CADMIUM
POLLUTION SOURCES
GROUND WATER
CONTAMINATION
LEAD
LEAD-ACID BATTERIES
GROUND DISPOSAL
SOILS
AIR POLLUTION
INCINERATORS
MUNICIPAL WASTES
RECYCLING
SANITARY LANDFILLS
ELECTRIC BATTERIES
ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS
ELEMENTS
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
MANAGEMENT
METALS
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
POLLUTION
WASTE DISPOSAL
WASTE MANAGEMENT
WASTES
WATER
320604* - Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization- Municipalities & Community Systems- Municipal Waste Management- (1980-)
540120 - Environment
Atmospheric- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport- (1990-)
540220 - Environment
Terrestrial- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport- (1990-)
540320 - Environment
Aquatic- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport- (1990-)