| A | B |
|---|
| absorb | ability of a solid to assimilate gas or liquid |
| accumulative poison | toxin whose level increases with repeated exposure |
| biodegradable material | capable of being decomposed into simpler molecules |
| BTU | british thermal unit - amount of heat required to raise 1 lb of water 1 degree fahrenheit |
| commingled | mixed together |
| composting | controlled biological decomposition of organic solid waste |
| corrosive | substance that dissolves metals and burns skin |
| degradable material | capable of decomposition through biological, chemical or physical means |
| delisted | taken off the list of hazardous materials |
| dioxin | highly carcinogenic organic molecule found in petroleum, herbicides |
| flammable | easily ignited and rapid burning |
| hazardous waste | harmful to living things including humans |
| heavy metals | metals with high molecular weight (Hg, Pb, Ag, As) |
| incineration | burning of waste under controlled high temperatures and oxygen levels |
| integrated waste management | disposing of waste using several methods |
| joule | 1 watt second |
| leachate | solution that results when a liquid passes through a solid |
| methane | product of anaerobic decomposition in landfills |
| MRF | materials recovery facility |
| municipal solid waste | solid waste from homes and businesses |
| NIMBY | Not In My Back Yard |
| Nonrenewable resources | materials that are not quickly or easily replaced by natural systems |
| PCB | polychlorinated biphenyl - no longer allowed because of instability and toxicity |
| recycling | reuse within a system |
| sanitary landfill | solid waste disposal on land using clay or a synthetic barrier to prevent leachates from entering aquifers |
| slag | vitreous mass left as a residue by smelting metallic ore |
| source reduction | reducing amount of waste generated |
| stabilization | securing a toxic heavy metal ion in a solid matrix |
| threshold limit | level at which an effect occurs |
| tipping fee | charge for disposal at sanitary landfills in dollars per ton |
| toxic | poisonous |
| waste | a useless or worthless by-product |
| waste hierarchy | source reduction- recycling- incineration- landfills |
| waste stream | liquid, solid, or gas products that are produced as wastes |
