Solid waste management in the USA

Abstract

I am very pleased to have the opportunity of addressing this distinguished audience on a subject that is of increasing concern in the United States, and one which is of evident concern in Europe as well. Unlike the cultural and political differences expressed in different parts of the world--the problems created by rising populations, urbanization, and modern technology present similar challenges to the people of nearly every nation. And among the foremost of these common problems is the need to find some means for coping with the mounting volume of municipal, agricultural, and industrial solid wastes. Through such forums as the Fourth International Congress on Refuse Disposal, researchers, administrators, and those who must deal in practical ways with environmental pollution problems can share the results of their work and report successful methods in order that these advances can receive wider apphcation. We in the United States are appreciative of the many advances made in European sohd waste technology, particularly in the fields of incineration and composting. I hope that my remarks today concerning the present state of solid waste management in the United States, solid waste research in that country, and possible future trends, will suggest some areas for a continuing and fruitful exchange of information. Until the relatively recent past Americans have not seemed greatly concerned with the problems of environmental pollution, and least of all with the pollution resulting from inadequate sohd waste management. The most convenient disposal method usually an open dump--would suffice. The land was large, the population pressure small, and natural resources seemingly without limit. However, the twentieth century, and particularly the period since World War II, has witnessed dramatic changes in the United States---most importantly its transformation from a predominantly rural population of approximately 76 million in 1900 [1] to a population now over 200 million. Of particular significance is the fact that nearly 70 percent of this population was counted as urban in the 1960 census [1]. Doubtless the next census will show an even larger percentage of urban population. As striking as the increase in the population and its shift from rural to urban character, has been the growth in the productivity of American agriculture and industry.