Life cycle
Waste issues can be better understood by examining the life cycle of the materials that compose it, from extraction to final disposal. Materials are transformed into waste as a consequence of various production and consumption processes. Residual by-products from these transformation processes that are discharged directly into air and water are called emissions. Residuals that are further handled before being discharged are referred to as waste. Once generated, waste may be reused, recycled, transferred for treatment (to reduce its toxicity), incinerated (to reduce its volume) or buried in landfills.
The assessment of the material life cycle is a methodology for assessing the environmental impacts associated with all stages of the life cycle of a commercial product, process or service. For example, in the case of a manufactured product, the environmental impacts are assessed from the extraction and processing of raw materials, through the production, distribution and use of the product to the recycling or final disposal of its constituent materials. The assessment shall include an in-depth inventory of the energy and materials used in the product, process or service, as well as the emissions and wastes emitted throughout the life cycle. In this way, potential environmental impacts are fully assessed.
