Noble Naing - s8119441

Enis Torgay - s4637856

Noah Ghasemimanesh- s8136774

Amitoj Gill - s8129168

Purav Chand -s8134390

https://www.unep.org/explore-topics/resource-efficiency/what-we-do/cities/solid-waste-management#:~:text=Open%20and%20unsanitary%20landfills%20contribute,urban%20dwellers%20and%20the%20environment.

Waste contributions from businesses as a result has massive consequences. "The Environment Agency (2009) estimates 614 million cubic meters of available landfill capacity at existing permitted sites in England and Wales, enough to accommodate landfill requirements (for non-hazardous waste) for nearly eight years, at 2009 rates of disposal" (Bautista-Lazo& Short, 2013).

Introducing the All Seeing Eye of Business: a model for understanding the nature, impact and potential uses of waste - ScienceDirect

SPOTLIGHT : Plastic Pollution Awareness and Prevention Program for Coastal Businesses - EBSCO

These inaccuracies may have led to incorrect governmental data which could cause the government to be spreading misinformation to the public due to inaccuracies caused by one firm. Phoenix’s actions do not align with the UNSDG 12 to ensure sustainable production and consumption.

Another positive of effective waste management is that it will increase a companies positive reputation and shows that it takes CSR seriously. This could bring interest to environmentally conscious customers, business partners and investors

https://envirowaste.com.au/the-importance-of-waste-management-for-businesses/

   - Target 12.4: Achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle.

   - Target 12.5:*Substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse.

   - Target 14.1: Prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, particularly from land-based activities, including waste management and plastic debris.

   - Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.

1. Legal Risks: Many countries have strict regulations on waste management and exporting, hence why businesses can face fines and reputational damage for non-compliance.

2. Reputational Impact: Consumers are becoming increasingly aware of sustainability issues, so companies seen exporting waste irresponsibly may face consumer backlash, damage to brand image, and loss of business.

3. Operational Costs: Transitioning to more responsible waste management systems can increase short-term operational costs. However, the long-term savings from efficient resource use and the avoidance of fines or penalties outweigh these costs.

https://www.dcceew.gov.au/environment/protection/waste/publications/national-plastics-plan-summary#:~:text=Australians%20used%203.4%20million%20tonnes,leaks%20into%20the%20marine%20environment.

1. Circular Economy Adoption: Companies can invest in processes that prioritize reusing materials and eliminating waste altogether. This involves rethinking supply chains to ensure materials are kept in use for as long as possible. Research has shown that businesses adopting circular models are not only more sustainable but also improve operational efficiency and profitability.

2. Sustainable Packaging and Waste Minimization: Redesigning products and packaging to be biodegradable or made from recycled materials can reduce the need for waste disposal. Innovations in biodegradable plastics and eco-friendly materials are helping businesses move away from wasteful practices.

3. Technological Innovation in Waste Processing: Investing in advanced waste processing technologies, such as plasma gasification and chemical recycling, can reduce the volume of waste needing to be exported. Technologies that can convert waste to energy or back into raw materials support sustainability efforts .

2. Public-Private Partnerships for Waste Management: Research done by Pan et al., (2020), shows that co-development between businesses and governments can better waste-management systems that are capable of meeting a global standard. By joining resources, it would be beneficial for both parties, rather than attempting to fix this issue individually.

3. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Schemes: According to the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, (2022) EPR programs are an approach to better managing the impact a product or resource has on the environment. EPR programs hold manufacturers accountable for the lifecycle of their products, including post-consumer waste. This would incentivize businesses to design products that are easier to recycle or dispose of ethically.

Pan, D., Chen, H., Zhou, G., & Kong, F. (2020). Determinants of Public-Private Partnership Adoption in Solid Waste Management in Rural China. Determinants of Public-Private Partnership Adoption in Solid Waste Management in Rural China, 17(15), 5350–5350. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17155350

Rauert, C., Harrad, S., Stranger, M., & Lazarov, B. (2014). Test chamber investigation of the volatilization from source materials of brominated flame retardants and their subsequent deposition to indoor dust. Indoor Air, 25(4), 393–404. https://doi.org/10.1111/ina.12151

Song, Y. K., Hong, S. H., Jang, M., Han, G. M., Jung, S. W., & Shim, W. J. (2017). Combined Effects of UV Exposure Duration and Mechanical Abrasion on Microplastic Fragmentation by Polymer Type. Environmental Science & Technology, 51(8), 4368–4376. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.6b06155