WASTE MANAGEMENT APPROACHES TO ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE

Waste has two aspects of impact on environmental justice: disproportionately locating waste facilities in proximity to disadvantaged socio-economic communities and communities of color, and access to waste systems. The disproportionate location of all types of waste facility in vulnerable communities is a global and well-recognized aspect of waste gathering and processing (Martuzzi, et al. 2010). This includes environmental pollution and hazardous waste. One in six Americans live within three miles of an EPA Superfund proposed or approved toxic waste site (EPA). Research estimates the number of African Americans in fence-line communities, living near a waste facility, incinerator, or toxic waste site ranges from 75%, to 79% to 89%. Emissions contaminate air, local watersheds, and leave toxins in the soil. These facilities are the source of significant health issues for populations living in close proximity from particulate matter (PM2.5), lead, mercury, methane, sulfur dioxide, nitrous oxide, and carbon monoxide which increase rates of respiratory diseases such as asthma, cancers, and a cardiovascular disease. The numbers of health disparities are staggering with minority communities experience 38% more exposure to polluted air. Federal, state, and local policies overlain on a history of redlining contribute to this ongoing challenge. Illegal dumping is also a chronic issue for underrepresented communities. Fee for waste is a prohibitive model for low income populations restricting access to waste systems creating alternative dumping, and negatively incentivizing commercial dumpers. Vulnerable populations in proximity to waste facilities are subject to chronic illegal dumping by businesses and individuals not wanting to pay dumping fees. Neighborhoods with illegal dumping give the appearance of places where dumping is acceptable or at least not prosecuted. These outcomes reflect decision making, policies, and legal frameworks as well as consumption and waste behaviors. Addressing environmental justice impacts of waste requires inclusion of the impacted communities in adjusting the policy and legal frameworks, addressing society consumption and waste patterns, and accelerating a circular waste stream economy. Case studies of locations working toward zero waste are pointing the way forward.