Alternative Definitions Accumulated quantity of solid waste from energy
production
Agenda 21 Chapter 21: Environmentally sound management
of solid wastes and sewage-related issues
Chapter 4: Changing consumption patterns
POLICY RELEVANCE (a) Purpose: The main purpose of this indicator is to provide information on the
amount and type of solid waste generated each year by the energy sector and for
which proper disposal facilities are needed. (b) Relevance to Sustainable Development: From extraction of energy through to
final use, the energy sector generates specific types of waste; for example, waste from
coal mining, waste from processing of fuels and from combustion of fuel, etc.
Volumes of mining waste tend to be large, and the nature of the waste makes it a
safety hazard. If not properly secured, it can be susceptible to fire, to landslide and to
the leaching of heavy metals and other pollutants into water and soil. In developing
countries, scavenging on coal slag tips is common, leading to accidents and other
health problems. In addition, large volumes of waste take up considerable space,
blight the landscape and can spoil local wildlife habitats. For all waste types,
inadequate storage and disposal can also lead to contamination of water bodies and
soil through runoff and leaching. Moreover, much of the waste can potentially be used
as a raw material — for example, as a building aggregate, which could reduce the
need for quarrying, etc. — so that the non-use of this potential raw material represents
a waste of resources.
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(c) International Conventions and Agreements: There are no specific international
agreements addressing the issue of solid waste from energy production or use. Agenda
21 calls on developed countries to take the lead in promoting and implementing more
sustainable consumption and production patterns, which are also priority areas for the
Johannesburg Plan of Implementation.
