Solid Waste Indicators
- Per Capita Waste Disposal
- Hazardous Waste Disposal
- Illegal Dumping
Introduction
Solid waste is an indicator of refuse generated and landfilled. Per capita
measurements are used to account for differences in county populations
while measuring the amount of solid waste disposed. Solid waste fills
up existing county landfills and increases demand for more greenspace
to dispose of trash and waste. Fortunately, Gaston County's landfill that
meets all environmental regulations has at least 30 years capacity.
The EPA ranks the most preferable ways to address solid waste. Source reduction or waste prevention is the best approach, followed by recycling. Waste that cannot be prevented or recycled can be incinerated or landfilled according to proper regulations. Source reduction and recycling prevents emission of greenhouse gases and water pollutants, saves energy, supplies raw materials for industry, creates jobs, and conserves resources for our children and grandchildren.
The 1991 amendments to the Solid Waste Management Act of 1989 established a statewide goal to reduce the disposal of waste in landfills by 40% by the year 2001. Every county in the Gaston County region has failed to meet this goal, and the statewide average waste disposal rate increased 14% from 1.07 tons per capita in 1991-1992 to 1.21 tons per capita in 2000-2001.
Solid Waste Indicator: Per Capita Waste Disposal
About the Indicator
Gaston County's per capita solid waste disposal rate increased 22% from
1991-1992 to 2000-2001. Per capita waste disposal includes all sources,
residential and commercial. This increase was smaller than the rate of
increase in most neighboring counties. The per capita rate of 1.13 tons
per capita was significantly lower than Mecklenburg, Union, and Cabarrus
Counties and slightly higher than Cleveland and Lincoln Counties. Overall,
Gaston County was among the ten largest waste producing counties per capita
in 2000-2001.
| County | Base Year Per Capita 1991-1992 |
Per Capita Rate 2000-2001 |
% Waste Change from 1991-1992 to 2000-2001 |
| Gaston | .93 | 1.13 | 22% |
| Cabarrus | .94 | 1.43 | 52% |
| Cleveland | .86 | .91 | 5% |
| Lincoln | .87 | 1.10 | 27% |
| Mecklenburg | 1.29 | 1.77 | 38% |
| Union | .90 | 1.39 | 54% |
QNRC Goals and Recommended Actions:
| Indicator | 2008 Goal | Actions to achieve the goal |
| Per capita waste disposal |
|
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Solid Waste Indicator: Household Hazardous Waste Disposal
About the Indicator
Some products used around the house contain hazardous components. Such products
may include certain paints, cleaners, stains and varnishes, car batteries,
motor oil, and pesticides. The leftover contents of such consumer products
are know as "household hazardous waste."
The average home can accumulate as much as 100 pounds of household hazardous waste in the garage or basement. When household hazardous wastes are improperly disposed of by being poured down the drain, on the ground, into storm sewers, or put in the trash, risks to human and animal health and the environment are created.
The reduction of risks associated with household hazardous waste can be accomplished by reducing and recycling. Leftover materials can be shared with neighbors or donated to charity. For example, leftover pesticides can be donated to a garden center, and leftover paint can be donated to theater groups. Recycling is an economical and environmentally sound way to handle some types of household hazardous waste, such as used automobile batteries and oil.
Gaston County sponsors household hazardous waste collection days for citizens
to recycle materials that may cause harm if disposed of improperly. In 2001-2002,
the county collected 107.5 tons of household hazardous waste, up from 91.4
tons the previous year.
QNRC Goals and Recommended Actions:
| Indicator | 2008 Goal | Actions to achieve the goal |
| Household Hazardous Waste Collected |
|
|
Solid Waste Indicator: Illegal Dumping
About the Indicator
In addition to being unsightly, public health and environmental quality can
be affected by illegal dumping. Standing water in old tires is an excellent
habitat for mosquitoes. Trash piles can harbor snakes and rats. Food scraps
draw stray animals such as dogs, raccoons, opossums and, of course, rats.
Trash that makes its way into waterways is unsightly at the least, but it may also contain fluids that impair water quality. Trash combined with organic material can form dams that lead to flooding.
Gaston County and the municipalities respond to numerous complaints each year from concerned citizens. Tough enforcement along with educational efforts have led to fewer citations in the last three years. The number of citations are based on the combined totals of citations issued by the Environmental Crimes Units of the Gaston County Police Department and the City of Gastonia.
QNRC Goals and Recommended Actions:
| Indicator | 2008 Goal | Actions to achieve the goal |
| Illegal Dumping |
|
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