Not In My Backyard: The United States’ Struggle to Find Appropriate Hazardous and Toxic Waste Dump Sites

Abstract

Introduction: Consumption is accompanied by waste. Some individuals try to create as little waste as possible by recycling, reusing, or buying products with environmentally friendly packaging. On the other end of the spectrum, there are people who do not care about the waste they create and simply throw their trash in garbage, hoping someone else will take of the problem. Whichever side you more closely identify with, the fact is everyone produces toxic and hazardous waste. While “toxic” and “hazardous” may conjure thoughts of nuclear weapons, these types of wastes are used in an average day. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) lists common items such as pesticides, fertilizers, x-ray waste, home-cleaning products, and dry cleaning chemicals as toxic waste. Additionally, EPA classifies ordinary businesses such as hospitals, automobile repair shops, exterminators, and chemical refineries as hazardous waste generators. The public generates such waste directly by using these goods, or indirectly by using products that were manufactured or assembled with hazardous or toxic waste. Toxic and hazardous waste has potentially been linked to cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and central nervous system disorders. Additionally, the long-term effects of being around such waste are not yet fully understood, but the consequences could include death. With unknown long-term effects and potential deadly effects, the proper location for toxic and hazardous waste disposal is an issue that has sparked heated debates between socioeconomic classes, races, and political parties.