In a state known for its varying sceneries and quick urban sprawl, Arizona struggles to keep up with the demand effectively. The larger population creates more waste that needs recycling, which can stress the current system. Poor waste management in Arizona has created a detrimental environmental footprint, as well as economic consequences and health scares that threaten the overall sustainability of the state.
Environmental Impact
Environmental degradation is one of the gravest garbage problems in Arizona which may be directly blamed towards inefficient waste management. The largest method of waste disposal in the state is landfills, which also produce a number environmental consequences.
In the event where waste is not properly treated, landfill can let out toxic chemicals into the soil and ground water irradiating them. In Arizona where water is a precious and scare resource, this becomes an even more concerning issue. This contamination puts the environment at risk, and also threatens people who utilize water sources.
When organic waste decomposes in landfills it emits methane – a much more powerful greenhouse gas that is up to 25x worse for the planet than CO2. The warming climate is already being felt by us in Arizona, including increased likelihood of drought and heat extremes — we cannot afford to make either worse with irresponsible waste disposal. Improved recycling programs and the technology to separate waste materials only bolster these environmental concerns, as potentially useful material are buried in landfills instead of re-being purposed.
Another environmental issue is the illegal disposal of waste. Some areas are serviced inefficiently by waste management systems, leaving residents and businesses to simply resort to dumping their garbage in unauthorized locations. This practice can poison the environment and endanger wildlife (animals consuming or being caught in improperly disposed waste). However, the majestic beauty of these deserts, forests and parks is marred with litter along roadsides while open spaces which cover thousands of square miles are used as illegal dumping sites.
Economic Consequences
Bad waste management is an expense for the state of Arizona. The expenses related to waste collection, delivery and disposal also can mount up quickly at the same time using a poorly designed or controlled system. If waste is not separated and treated appropriately, the volume of landfill increases which will normally come at a high rate in terms of operational. These costs often fall back to the taxpayers, placing a fiscal constraint on their society.
Recycling and waste-to-energy programs are jobs-rich ventures also lost to the state. Recycling programs that work not only save a lot of money by balling up recyclable materials, but also create jobs in the recycling and manufacturing sectors.
Unfortunately, the recycling rates in Arizona are still below national averages which means that the state is not plugging into these benefits enough. Another potential and underused revenue stream are waste-to-energy initiatives that convert trash into power. If these programs are not placed in action properly, the loss of potential revenue to Pennsylvania is more than just unfortunate, seeing as landfills are too inefficient and outdated for continued use into the future.
Public Health Concerns
The impact of poor waste management and dumpster rentals on public health is substantial and extends well beyond infectious disease. Poorly operated landfills can result in noxious odors and emissions of dangerous gases, such as methane (which may be a greenhouse gas) or hydrogen sulfide that are harmful to the air we breath near these facilities. Exposure to these toxic substances can cause respiratory symptoms, irritations, headaches and other health effects – especially for people with compromised immune systems (children, elderly or sick).
Poor waste management, even brings more chances of pest infestation. Urban areas, on the other hand, usually draw rodents and insects to inadequately discarded Garbage. These animals often spread diseases and are a direct threat to all of our health. In addition, mosquito breeding zones are created in illegal dumping sites with West Nile virus bearing insects.
The accumulation of waste in cities like Tucson, especially poor areas, is an example. It could be termed environmental injustice as indicated above These are the same communities that often experience disproportionately high levels of exposure to waste-related health hazards since landfills or illegal dump sites can be located near by. This further perpetuates health inequality, but it also exposes a glaring need for equitable waste solutions to be implemented state-wide.
There are so many ways that inefficient waste management in Arizona impacts our environment, economy and public health.
A holistic approach that tackles not only waste collection and disposal systems, but recycling rates, as well as programs for converting waste into energy is needed to address these difficulties. A good foundation of public education and involvement in unison will establish a culture based on sustainability as well as ensure responsible waste management. If we act now, Arizona can avoid the tremendous negative consequences of forest burning and eventually develop into a more economically resilient and environmentally sustainable state.