The problem of environmental pollution with hazardous wastes is growing steadily with the development of various industries and chemical production. People rarely pay attention to the labels on their lamps, batteries, cleaning powders, and hobby materials. Nevertheless, all these products can contain hazardous chemicals that can harm animals and plants, and pollute the environment. The purpose of this paper is to analyze two discussions about household hazardous wastes and their treatment in the U.S.
The Environmental Protection Agency (2017) defines hazardous waste as “a waste with properties that make it dangerous or capable of having a harmful effect on human health or the environment” (par. 4). In the modern world of developing industries and chemical production, any artificial materials used by people in their everyday life can contain hazardous substances or produce a harmful effect on the environment if they are not properly utilized. The first discussion pays attention to the treatment of hazardous wastes in the City of Tucson. The authorities of the city use several approaches to address the issue of hazardous wastes utilization. The distribution of information about potentially harmful materials on the Internet helps to enhance the awareness of the citizens about the potential dangers of their household materials. The website of the City of Tucson lists the common products that can contain hazardous substances. People can learn about potential dangers in their homes and use Household Hazardous Waste Program to get rid of hazardous wastes for free without harming the environment. Citizens from other locations can utilize their potentially harmful products for a small payment. Companies and individuals organize hazardous waste collection among their workers or neighbors.
The second discussion examines the treatment of hazardous wastes in Jasper County. The authorities of the county also encourage the citizens to utilize their potentially harmful materials safely on landfills specially designated for this purpose. To reduce the threat of pollution, the county has initiated a Solid Waste Management Plan. According to Jasper County (2012), “The Plan was developed as a planning tool for solid waste management in Jasper County to cover a planning period of at least twenty (20) years” (par. 20). The citizens can utilize only a limited range of hazardous wastes using landfills. Nevertheless, the authorities of the county strive to give opportunities for the safe disposal of a wide variety of products.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (2017) claimed that “in the mid-twentieth century, solid waste management issues rose to new heights of public concern in many areas of the United States because of increasing solid waste generation, shrinking disposal capacity, rising disposal costs, and public opposition to the siting of new disposal facilities” (par. 27). The disposal of hazardous wastes alone cannot solve the problem of the pollution caused by the growing amount of chemical substances in modern households. The existing industries should explore the green technologies of production including recycled materials. The rising popularity of organic products can have a positive influence on the current environmental situation.
The pollution of the environment with hazardous wastes is far from being resolved in modern society. Nevertheless, the authorities of the U.S. cities and counties try to encourage their citizens to pay more attention to the materials they use in their households. Various hazardous waste disposal plans can help to raise the awareness of people about potentially harmful materials and give them the possibility to get rid of hazardous wastes.
References
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (2017). Learn the basics of hazardous waste. Web.
Jasper County. (2012). Jasper County Solid Waste Management Plan. Web.