ABSTRACT
Solid waste has finally received some respect, or at least some serious attention in recent years. US municipalities are generating solid wastes at record quantities, over 200 million tons per year. Local governments are interested in managing solid waste collection and disposal in an efficient, economical, and environmentally acceptable manner with least controversy. Many state and local legislative actions have been taken since the mid-1980s to encourage recycling of various components of municipal solid wastes. In many instances, the “recycling plan” does not explicitly require recycling, but waste reduction is required. Many states have instituted tax credits to support recycling and waste reductions. Some states have even encouraged state-wide market development programs for secondary material. Most incentives come in the form of income tax credits; corporate tax credits for purchases of equipment. In the United States, sanitary landfills have been the most popular method of municipal solid waste disposal.
