Table 15.1 - Potential environmental impacts of waste management practices

Source: EEA-TF

  Air Water Soil Landscape Ecosystems Urban areas
Landfill Emissions of CH4, CO2; odours. Leaching of salts, heavy metals, bio-degradable and persistent organics to groundwater Accumulation of hazardous substances in soil Soil occupancy; restrictions on other landuses Contamination and accumulation of toxic substances in the food-chain Exposure to hazardous substances
Composting Emissions of CH4, CO2; odours   Soil occupancy; restrictions on other landuses Contamination and accumulation of toxic substances in the food-chain  
Incineration Emissions: SO2, NOx, HCI, HF, NMVOC, CO, CO2, N2O, dioxins, dibenzofurans, heavy metals (Zn, Pb, Cu, As) Deposition of hazardous substances on surface water Landfilling of slags, fly ash and scrap Visual intrusion; restrictions on other landuses Contamination and accumulation of toxic substances in the food-chain Exposure to hazardous substances
Recycling Emissions of dust Wastewater discharges Landfilling of final residues Visual intrusion   Noise
Trans-
portation
Emissions of dust, NOx, SO2; release of hazardous substances from accidental spills Risk of surface water and groundwater contamination from accidental spills Risk of soil contamination from accidental spills Traffic Risk of contamination from accidental spills Risk of exposure to hazardous substances from accidental spills; traffic