&EPA
Unrted States
Envtronmental Protection
...
Waste nd
Environmental
Fact Sheet
EP*530-SW.90.058A
June 1990
THE SOLID WASTE DILEMMA
UPDATING THE AGENDA
FOR ACTION
BACKGROUND
a symbol of our solid
e became
the strategy a 11*1011' ^^ tO
objectives and goals EPA
the Federal^orS of ^
as well as facilitating prog
been taken by other
groups and private
and focus national
Agenda for Action.
Progress toward the
tO imP'ementing
Significant actions have
corP°r^ons. public interest
build on this progress
now revisiting the
ACTION
(over, please)
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enhance toe nauon's strategy for
an ' enmled The ^'^ Waste ^TOra Solutions for
the 90s. will emphasize the Importance of the integrated waste
management approach set forth in the original Agenda. Under this
approach, communities tailor waste management systems to meet
toeir distinctive needs, drawing on the elements of a three-tiered
hierarchy of waste management options. The first and preferred
option is source reduction, which reduces the amount and toxicitv of
waste before it is produced. The second option in the hierarcnTis
recycling and reuse of waste materials. Finally, combustion and
kuidfilllng of nonrecyclables should be considered. A complementary
mix of the elements ot this hierarchy will effectively meet the waste
management needs of communities nationwide.
Solutions/or the 90s will also explore how our society can reach the
following specfic objectives:
• fostering integrated solutions;
• reducing the quantity and toxicity of waste generated-
• enhancing markets of secondary materials;
• increasing the supply of recovered materials available
for recycling;
• ensuring environmentally sound waste management
facilities; and
• instilling an environmental ethic In our children and in
our society as a whole.
Thhi1? Pr0em> 3n WC ^ ^ bC P3* Of t»» Solution.
The responsibUity for meeting our national solid waste management
goals rests collectively with all levels of government, the waste
management Industry, consumers, public interest groups
fosses, manufacturers. and ^tributors. In our role of national
leadership EPA is working to facilitate efforts made by each of these
groups and to foster Information sharing and cooperation as we work
toward lasting solutions for our environmental problems.
CONTACT
EPA expects Solutions for the 90s (EPA/530-SW-90-058) to be
available in early fall. For copies, or for more Information about EPA's
2 r!?, Wa,S, management programs, contact the RCRA/Superfund
SS£l^ftay £h Friday' 8:3° a'm- to 7:3° P'm- EST- ^e
national toll-free number Is (800) 424-9346. or TDD (800) 553-7672
IT^^^ cln ^ashin8ton- D-C- the number is 382-
Rn^, 52> ^J"1"60 orde« to: RCRA Information
.'i E"^omnental Protection Agency. Office of Solid Waste
1 M Stree
f*r\s\ ^, « -T »vr»*.v,fc»wii xigciuy, WlUCe C
-305). 401 M Street S.W., Washington D.C. 20460.
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