Talking trash: five solid waste pros tell you what they think you should know

As federal and state regulations concerning the land, air, and water gradually change and strengthen, cities and counties must be financially prepared for the changes to continue offering viable solid waste services to residents. The Dalton and Whitfield County, Georgia's solid waste authority depends solely on those user fees to meet often expensive obligations in operations, development, and landfill closure and post-closure. Solid waste handling and disposal have become 2 of the more complex services provided by San Bernadino County, California. Some of the critical elements of the solid waste business not often adequately explained or understood include: 1. solid waste facility permits, 2. landfill capacity, and 3. closure costs. New OSHA ergonomic standards will have a significant effect on the business of solid waste collection. Solid waste programs should be begun or expanded only with a full realization of their costs and benefits, as well as the lost opportunities associated with providing such programs.