Glossary

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Contents List

A acre acute toxicity alkalinity
aerobic anaerobic anemia
astringents atmosphere
B bimetal container biodegradable biosphere
browns black water BTU
buy-back centers
C carcinogenic chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) closed loop recycling
combustion composting conservation
consumption corrosive consumptive use
corrugated materials curbside collection
D decompose degradation diatomaceous earth
dioxin d-limonene drop-off
E ecology environment EPA
evaporation
F flammable fluorescent light bulbs
G glossy paper greens grey water
groundwater
H half life hardness hazardous waste
hazardous waste collection day HDPE heavy metals
high grade paper household batteries household hazardous waste
humus
I ignitable incandescent light bulbs incineration
insecticide integrated waste management
L landfilling LDPE lead-acid batteries
leachate leaching lethal dose (LD)
linalool
M maximum contaminant level (MCL) microorganism (microbes) mulch
multimaterial municipal solid waste (MSW)
N natural resources nonpoint source pollution nutrients
O organic material
P paradichlorobenzene (p-DCB) parts-per-million (ppm) pathogen
pathogenic pesticide pH
point source pollution pollutant polyethylene terephthalate
polypropylene (PP) polystyrene (PS) polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
post-consumer materials potable water pre-consumer materials
pyrethin
R raw materials reactive rechargeable batteries
recyclables recycled content recycling
reuse
S silica aerogel single use item sodium hexametaphosphate
source reduction source separation
T tansy toxic trisodium phosphate
turbidity
U urban runoff
V virgin materials volatization
W waste stream wastewater
Y yard trimmings


acre
an area equal to 43,560 square feet, approximately 0.4 hectares; an average residential building lot might be 0.5 acres (approximately 150 feet long by 150 feet wide) or 0.2 hectares.

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acute toxicity
any poisonous effect produced within a short time after exposure to a toxic compound, usually within 24 to 96 hours.

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alkalinity
the total measurable bases (OH, HCO3, CO3) in a volume of water; a measure of a material's capacity to neutralize acids.

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aerobic
requires oxygen to survive.

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anaerobic
does not require oxygen to survive.

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anemia
a deficiency in the oxygen carrying material in the blood.

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astringents
a compound that constricts the flow of liquid through tissue. Astringents are sometimes used to make skin less oily.

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atmosphere
the gaseous layer that surrounds the earth (air).

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bimetal container
a container composed of two metals, typically refers to beverage containers with steel bodies and aluminum tops. Steel companies do recycle bimetal cans, but they are handled differently in the recycling stream than aluminum cans.

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biodegradable
the term given to a substance that can be broken down, i.e. biodegrades, by the natural processes of decomposition.

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biosphere
all living organisms (plant and animal life).

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browns
a type of food for composting microbes. It is dry, dead organic plant matter, such as straw, autumn leaves, and sawdust. Browns provide the sugars that the microbes need.

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black water
water containing liquid and solid human body waste generated through toilet use.

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BTU
British thermal unit - the amount of energy generated by burning a material. One BTU is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water one degree Fahrenheit.

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buy-back centers
centers that pay for recyclables.

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carcinogenic
event, condition or effect that produces cancer.

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chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
nontoxic, nonflammable chemicals used in the manufacture of aerosol sprays, blowing agents for foams and packing materials, as solvents, and as refrigerants. In the stratosphere, the chlorine from CFCs destroys ozone, a gas that absorbs harmful UV radiation, at the rate of up to 100,000 ozone molecules per chlorine atom. As of January 1, 1996, most CFC manufacture has been banned in 148 countries that signed the Montreal Protocol, a measure to protect the ozone layer.

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closed loop recycling
system where materials are continually recycled into the same product. For example, a glass bottle can be recycled and made into another glass bottle.

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combustion
burn; the controlled burning of municipal solid waste to reduce volume and, commonly, to recover energy.

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composting
the process of converting organic matter into humus. This is accomplished by microorganisms living under proper conditions.

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conservation
the protection and careful use of resources and the environment.

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consumption
water that is actually consumed, transpired, or incorporated into new products as it is used.

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corrosive
capable of dissolving or gradually wearing away, especially by chemical action.

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consumptive use
the total amount of water taken up by vegetation for transpiration or building of plant tissue, plus the unavoidable evaporation of soil moisture, snow, and intercepted precipitation associated with vegetal growth.

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corrugated materials
generally refers to cardboard.

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curbside collection
a method of collecting recyclable materials at individual homes or places of business by municipal or private parties for transfer to a designated collection site or recycling facility.

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decompose
to separate into constituent parts or into simpler compounds through chemical change. To rot.

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degradation
to wear down, reduce to lower quality, by erosion or reduce the complexity of a chemical compound.

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diatomaceous earth
the ground shells of fossilized single-celled diatoms, a shelled algae. Their remains drifted down to ancient sea floor, and grinding them produces sharp edges which shred the outer, protective cuticle on insects.

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dioxin
a carcinogenous compound produced, among other ways, during trash incineration.

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d-limonene
a poison, derived from citrus peels, which kills flea larvae and adult fleas.

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drop-off
a method of collecting recyclable materials where individuals transport the materials to a designated collection site.

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ecology
the science of the relationships between organisms and their environment.

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environment
the climatic, edaphic (i.e. related to soil), and biological factors that surround humans and all other animals, plants, and ecological communities, and which ultimately determines their form and survival.

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EPA
the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

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evaporation
the process in which liquid water is transferred into the atmosphere.

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flammable
capable of being burned.

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fluorescent light bulbs
bulbs that emit light as a result of electromagnetic radiation.

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glossy paper
paper with clay coating, generally used in magazines and similar publications.

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greens
a type of food for composting microbes. It is fresh (and often green) plant material such as kitchen scraps, coffee grounds, and weeds. Greens are important providers of nitrogen in the composting process.

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grey water
domestic wastewater other than that containing human excretia. Includes sink drainage, washing machine discharge, and bath water.

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groundwater
water beneath the earth's surface at varying depths in reservoirs called aquifers.

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half life
the time required for certain materials, such as persistent radioactive compounds, to lose half their original amount through chemically alteration to a new form. The half life of DDT (a banned pesticide in the USA) is 15 years, the half-life of radium is 580 years.

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hardness
a characteristic of water caused by various salts, calcium, magnesium and iron (e.g. bicarbonates, sulfates, chlorides and nitrates).

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hazardous waste
Any waste material that is potentially dangerous, including but not limited to material that is explosive, radioactive, ignitable, corrosive, toxic, or reactive.

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hazardous waste collection day
a day when local officials collect household hazardous waste and ensure safe management and disposal of the collected materials.

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HDPE
high density polyethylene - the plastic commonly used to make milk and water jugs and two liter soda bottle bases.

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heavy metals
metallic elements like mercury, arsenic, and lead - generally toxic in low concentrations to plants and animals.

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high grade paper
in general, office paper. Computer printouts (both white, and green and white), tabulating cards, copy paper, white stationary, and the cuttings from printing plants are all sources of high grade paper.

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household batteries
used to run clocks, radios, calculators, watches, toys and similar small items.

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household hazardous waste
products containing hazardous substances that are used and disposed of by individuals rather than industry. Examples include paints, solvents, and pesticides.

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humus
decomposed plant and animal material that is part of the soil. Humus is a product of composting.

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ignitable
poses a fire hazard through routine handling.

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incandescent light bulbs
light bulbs that emit light as a result of being heated.

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incineration
the process of burning trash at very high temperatures, producing heat, electricity and toxic ash.

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insecticide
any chemical used to control undesirable insects.

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integrated waste management
the complementary use of a variety of practices to handle municipal solid waste safely and effectively. Integrated waste management techniques include source reduction, recycling, composting, combustion, and landfilling.

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landfilling
the disposal of solid waste at engineered facilities in a series of compacted layers on land and the frequent daily covering of the waste with soil. Fill areas are carefully prepared to prevent nuisances or public health hazards, and clay and/or synthetic liners are used to prevent releases to ground water. If no hazardous materials are placed into the landfill, it may be possible to reclaim the site after the landfill is closed.

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LDPE
low density polyethylene. The plastic used in cellophane wrap, diaper liners, and some squeeze bottles.

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lead-acid batteries
used to run cars and trucks.

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leachate
liquids that have percolated through a soil and that carry substances in solution or suspension.

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leaching
the downward transport of dissolved or suspended minerals, fertilizers and other substances by water passing through a soil or other permeable material.

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lethal dose (LD)
the amount of a toxic substance required to cause death of an organism under study in a given period of time.

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linalool
a poison derived from citrus peels which kills flea eggs.

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maximum contaminant level (MCL)
the maximum concentration of specific contaminants that is allowed under the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act. Generally expressed in terms of the maximum amount of contaminant allowed in a given amount of water using units of mg/l or ppm (parts per million).

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microorganism (microbes)
microscopic organism, such as fungi or bacteria, that breaks down the organic waste in soil.

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mulch
any substance spread or allowed to remain on the soil surface to conserve soil moisture and shield soil particles from the erosive forces of raindrops and runoff.

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multimaterial
describes items that are composed of more than one material, such as plastic lined cardboard milk containers. These products cannot easily be recycled.

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municipal solid waste (MSW)
waste generated in households, commercial establishments, institutions, and businesses. MSW includes used paper, discarded cans and bottles, food scraps, yard trimmings, and other items. Industrial process wastes, agricultural wastes, mining wastes, and sewage sludge are not MSW.

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natural resources
resources that are obtained from the earth, such as petroleum, coal, and water. Some natural resources, such as wood, can be replaced while others, such as water and natural gas, are of limited supply.

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nonpoint source pollution
pollution from numerous widespread locations or sources that have no well-defined points of origin. May originate from landuse activities and/or from the atmosphere. Examples include leaching of excess fertilizer from fields and acid rain.

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nutrients
the materials that are necessary for growth and life, such as water, minerals, fats, and carbohydrates.

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organic material
substances that contain carbon, as well as other chemical elements. Plants are a primary form of organic material. Secondary forms include human and animal excrement.

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organic waste
waste derived from animal and plant materials. Waste that contains carbon compounds.

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paradichlorobenzene (p-DCB)
a chemical used to control moths, molds and mildew, and also to deodorize restrooms and waste containers. At room temperature it is a colorless solid with a strong, pungent odor, usually associated with mothballs. Very high exposures can cause dizziness, headaches and liver problems. Exposure occurs via contaminated fish consumption, breathing air around mothballs or wherever p-DCB is used or manufactured. Infants can be exposed by drinking breast milk from mothers exposed to p-DCB.

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parts-per-million (ppm)
a common basis for reporting water analysis in which proportions of substances with respect to one another are reported. One ppm equals one unit of something per million units of another substance. A concentration of 1 ppm aspirin to water is approximated by dissolving one aspirin tablet in 100 gallons of water. A concentration of 1 ppm equals one milligram/liter (mg/l).

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pathogen
a disease causing organism.

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pathogenic
capable of causing disease.

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pesticide
a chemical compound used to kill specific pests (plant or animal). Insecticides control insects; herbicides control plants.

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pH
a measure to indicate an acid or alkaline condition; pH values can range from zero (extremely acidic) to 14 (extremely basic or alkaline). pH measurements are based on a log scale such that pH 6 is 10 times more acidic than pH 7 (neutral) and pH 5 is 100 times more acidic than pH 7.

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point source pollution
pollution of ground or surface water supplies at well-defined points or locations, typical of accidental chemical spills and waste discharge outlets.

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pollutant
any substance of such character and in such quantities that upon reaching the environment (soil, water or air), is degrading in effect so as to impair the environment's usefulness or render it offensive.

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Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)
polyethylene terephthalate. The plastic used in two liter soda bottles. It is resistant to moisture and provides good insulation.

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polypropylene (PP)
a light, thermoplastic resin used in packaging, coating, pipes, and tubes.

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polystyrene (PS)
commonly called styrofoam.

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polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
a plastic used in flooring, records, vinyl siding, shower curtains, and garden hoses.

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post-consumer materials
recovered materials from a consumer-orientated recycling collection system or drop-off center.

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potable water
water that is fit to drink.

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pre-consumer materials
recovered materials ontained from manufacturers

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pyrethin
a relatively safe botanical poison derived from a species of chrysanthemum, it breaks down quickly in the environment. It kills by interfering with the pattern of insect nerve transmissions.

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raw materials
materials in their natural, unmanufactured state.

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reactive
tends to react spontaneously, to react vigorously with water or air, to be unstable when exposed to shock or heat, to generate toxic gases, or to explode during routine management.

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rechargeable batteries
batteries that can be electrically recharged at home. They can be repeatedly recharged.

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recyclables
products or materials that can be collected, separated, and processed to be used as raw materials (inputs) in the manufacture of new products. Newspaper, cardboard, glass, steel, plastic, used oil, and aluminum are common recyclables.

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recycled content
the portion of a product's or package's weight that is composed of materials that have been recovered from waste; this may include pre-consumer or post-consumer materials.

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recycling
separating, collecting, processing, marketing, and ultimately using a material that would have been thrown away.

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reuse
the use of a product more than once in its same form, either for the same purpose or a different purpose, such as reusing a soft-drink bottle when it is returned to the bottling company for refilling, or reusing a coffee can as a container for nuts and bolts.

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silica aerogel
a sorptive dust.

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single use item
an item that is used once, then thrown away. For example, a facial tissue.

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sodium hexametaphosphate
a chemical added to water to increase the solubility of certain ions and to deter the precipitation of certain chemicals. For example, it is used to prevent calcium from precipitating out of water and clogging pipes. Its thin, passivating film protects metals from corrosion.

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source reduction
the design, manufacture, purchase, or use of materials to reduce the amount or toxicity of waste. Because it is intended to reduce pollution and conserve resources, source reduction should not increase the net amount or toxicity of waste generated throughout the life of the product. Source reduction techniques include reusing items, minimizing the use of products that conatin hazardous compounds, using only what is needed, extending the life of a product, and reducing unneeded packaging.

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source separation
separating materials (such as paper, metal, and glass) by type at the point of discard so that they can be recycled.

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tansy
an aromatic plant with button-like yellow flowers.

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toxic
ability (or property) of a substance to produce a harmful or lethal effect on humans and/or the environment.

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trisodium phosphate
a chemical that is available in crystal form that acts as a disinfectant when rehydrated in water.

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turbidity
a measure of water cloudiness. Cloudiness is caused by suspended solids which scatter and absorb light rays.

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urban runoff
surface water runoff from urban areas such as lawns, streets, parking lots and residential developments. Such runoff can pick up, transport, and deposit a variety of pollutants including oil, gasoline, pesticide and heavy metals.

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virgin materials
resources extracted from nature in their raw (unprocessed) form, such as timber or metal ore.

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volatization
loss of a substance through evaporation or sublimation.

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waste stream
the waste output of any area.

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wastewater
Literally, water that has been used for some purpose and discarded, or wasted; typically liquid discharged from domestic, business and industrial sources that contains a variety of wastes (fecal matter, byproducts).

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yard trimmings
the component of solid waste composed of grass clippings, leaves, twigs, branches, and garden refuse.

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