The final aspect of land is waste. Over 400,000 tons of municipal solid waste are generated daily in the United States. We have many ways to control the waste, but to date recycling is the best. A ton of waste can be recycled for thirty dollars compared to the fifty dollars per ton it costs to landfill waste, and the seventy-five per ton to incinerate. In addition to the cost benefit, by using recycling the waste is put to good use, whereas landfills take up precious land space, and much of the waste never decinegrates.
Incineration of waste produces harmful chemicals that are released into the air.
Before the 1970's, public awareness was minimal on the topic of air pollution. Factories were omitting harmful toxins into the air without any laws or restrictions. Cities were filled with smog, making the air dense and causing the ozone layer to deteriorate. Due to this noticable change in the environment, people started to become concerned. The high tide of public environmental concern occurred from 1970-1972 when the Clean Air Amendment was enforced.