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EPA proposes rules for chemicals and fuels made from plastic waste-based feedstocks

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The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued proposed rules under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) for 18 chemicals made from plastic waste-derived feedstocks that would ensure they are free from unsafe contaminants before they can be used to make transportation fuels.

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UN: global e-waste surging; up 21% in 5 years

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million metric tonnes (Mt) of electronic waste was generated worldwide in 2019, up 21% in just five years, according to the UN’s Global E-waste Monitor 2020. of 2019’s e-waste was collected and recycled. According to the report, Asia generated the greatest volume of e-waste in 2019—some 24.9 A record 53.6

Waste 259
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Nations agree on global, legally binding treaty on mercury emissions: Minamata Convention on Mercury

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At the conclusion of the International Negotiating Committee on Mercury ( INC5 ) meeting in Geneva ( earlier post ), nations agreed on a global, legally-binding treaty to prevent mercury emissions and releases. The scope of the new treaty which puts in controls and also reduction measures in respect to mercury is as follows: Products.

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E-Waste is a Cybersecurity Problem, Too

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million metric tons of electronic waste in 2019, up more than 21% over five years, according to the United Nations’ most recent assessment. Only about 17% of that e-waste was recycled, and what happens to the rest can be detrimental for both human health and privacy. The world generated a record 53.6 We have so, so, so many devices.

Waste 141
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EPA’s 2011 Toxics Release Inventory shows air pollutants continue to decline, releases of toxic chemicals up

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The TRI program collects information on certain toxic chemical releases to the air, water and land, as well as information on waste management and pollution prevention activities by facilities across the country. Among the HAPs showing decline were hydrochloric acid and mercury.

Pollution 231
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Tailings storage facility breach at Mount Polley copper and gold mine

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The flotation circuit separates the valuable minerals from the waste minerals. The valuable minerals, mostly in the form of sulfides, are separated from waste minerals (gangue minerals) by floating and being collected and upgraded or cleaned to produce a concentrate. Mercury (and its compounds). Manganese (and its compounds).

Mercury 225
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Final session on international mercury convention this week expected to culminate in agreement; UNEP Global Mercury Assessment 2013 finds industrial source Hg emissions may be rising

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Intentional-use sectors: Disposal and incineration of product waste, cremation emissions, chlor-alkali industry. The fifth and final session of negotiations on the establishment of an international mercury convention—International Negotiating Committee on Mercury (INC5)—is taking place this coming week in Geneva.

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