ABSTRACT
Regulatory and market uncertainties are seen as limiting factors. Considering the substantial investment and risk of resources needed for an incinerator, commercial firms are hesitant to make any commitment on the basis of a possible "ghost" market. Despite considerable research and effort, several firms admit that they have trouble determining what will be an effective response to major market-shaping regulations. The origins of the commercial incineration industry are being revisited today with the emergence of the mobile incineration industry or transportable incineration industry. This industry also has been developed primarily by entrepreneurs and being actively developed by risk investors and small firms. The commercial hazardous waste management industry owes much of its past success and profitability to federal and state regulatory requirements. This phenomenon was illustrated most dramatically by the development of the polychlorinated biphenyl rules under the Toxic Substances Control Act.
