 |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
To find out more about one of the different technologies click on the following links.
|
Integrated Solid Waste Management (ISWM)
Integrated Solid Waste Management (ISWM) is the concept that solid waste management technologies like recycling, composting, and landfilling must work in conjunction with each other in order to meet state waste abatement goals. ISWM assumes that more than one program or technology is or will be useful in managing solid waste. ISWM systems include alternatives to landfilling such as recycling or composting but also recognize that some wastes are most appropriately managed via landfilling.
Early ISWM emphasized recycling and waste processing at all costs. Today, ISWM involves not only the development of processing and disposal options, but also considers the economic and political requirement of waste management. Brief overviews of some key technologies and issues are presented on the following pages. These issues are being addressed in greater detail at Focus Group meetings.
Iowa Waste Management Hierarchy
In order to implement ISWM across the state, in 1987 the legislature and Department of Natural Resources (DNR) established a hierarchy of preferred solid waste management technologies. This first hierarchy contained the following steps in descending order:
- waste reduction at the source
- recycling and reuse, including composting
- incineration for energy recovery (waste-to-energy)
- incineration for volume reduction
- landfilling
As the regulatory environment changed and economics began to play an increasingly large role in determining waste flows to facilities, the DNR modified the hierarchy. The new hierarchy, in descending order, includes:
- waste reduction at the source
- recycling and reuse, including composting
- other approved techniques, including incineration for energy recovery, incineration for volume reduction and landfilling
|
|
|
|
