Public acceptance and siting of hazardous waste disposal facilities

Abstract

During the late 1970's the Love Canal hazardous waste site in New York State, U.S.A. became a benchmark for negative feelings towards the siting of future hazardous waste landfills and facilities. At the present time social and political factors often dominate the siting process. There is growing anxiety being shown by the public about the location of waste facilities, and especially for hazardous materials. There are repeatable socio-political patterns associated with siting events and disposal agencies need to identify the appropriate «cast of characters» in the siting «play». There is an increasing need for the communication of disposal information to the community as well as their inclusion in the decision making process. More sympathetic consideration needs to be given to compensation strategies.