This essay examines the NIMBY phenomenon, its social roots, and the resulting gridlock that has imperiled hazardous waste remediation efforts. Through a discussion of current technocratic practices, we present the need for a more comprehensive "social learning" strategy that places afflicted host communities at the political nucleus of site remediation efforts. We stress the centrality of meaningful, educational dialogue between communities, public agencies entrusted with overseeing cleanups, and business vendors selected to accomplish site remediations, where technological means are deliberately subordinated to respecting community norms.
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