Public participation provides citizens with a forum to express their concerns over the construction of a new facility. The public may discuss environmental problems and concerns over waste management with their local or state government waste management division. Another resource for solid and hazardous waste issues is your EPA Regional office. In 1995, approximately 208 million tons of municipal solid waste was generated in the United States. This means each person generated an average of 4.3 pounds of solid waste per day.
Many types of businesses generate hazardous waste.
Some are small companies that may be located in your community. Some hazardous waste generators are larger companies like chemical manufacturers, electroplating companies, and petroleum refineries. Hazardous wastes that are generated in the home, like mineral spirits and old paint, are not regulated by the federal RCRA program. Many communities provide collection centers or pick-up services for the management of household hazardous waste. Landfills that collect household garbage are predominately regulated by State and local governments.