Industrial Waste: Saving the Worst for Last?

Abstract:     
This article explains why industrial waste that is not legally hazardous must be given greater attention and regulatory oversight. Industrial waste (including coal ash) may represent as much as 94 percent of municipal, hazardous, and industrial wastes combined. The article explores the existing federal framework for industrial waste and looks at innovative state approaches, particularly the approach taken in Pennsylvania. The article recommends four national goals for addressing industrial waste: energy and materials conservation, environmental protection at waste management facilities, prompt and significant results, and genuine state and federal partnerships. The author suggests changes to the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act that would help achieve these goals.

Number of Pages in PDF File: 19

Keywords: [comma separated] industrial waste, industrial solid waste, coal ash, bottom ash, fly ash, disposal impoundment, solid waste, waste disposal, groundwater contamination, groundwater pollution, Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, residual waste, Pennsylvania

JEL Classification: K19, K23, K32, K39, 013, Q24, Q25, Q28, Q38, Q48, Q01

Accepted Paper Series