Abstract
ABSTRACT
This article examines the problem of illegal disposal of hazardous wastes by small quantity generators (SQGs) and evaluates technical and policy alternatives for improving compliance. We show that illegal disposal is widespread and has three principal causes -- lack of enforcement, the high cost of disposal, and lack of information, in order of importance. Among the four technical alternatives -- expanded route services, on-site recycling, off-site treatment and recycling (including mobile treatment), and transfer stations -- expanded routes services and onsite recycling rank highest in terms of our evaluation criteria. The most promising policy alternatives for reducing illegal disposal are subsidies for expanding route services, and economic incentives using deposit-refund systems. As part of a comprehensive program to reduce illegal disposal increased enforcement will be essential. Enforcement programs should be coordinated at the local level, but they will need substantial state or federal funding to be effective.
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