Environmental justice has become more of a focal point in the waste and recycling industry in recent years, especially as the Biden administration emphasizes it as a major priority. Meanwhile, states have made strides in passing environmental justice laws and regulations addressing the effects of waste management on the environment. Community advocates, many of whom have been active for decades, continue to organize around how pollution impacts their neighborhoods.
Waste and recycling professionals are wondering where they fit into the solutions and how these complex, systemic issues intersect with facility operations. Waste Dive’s ongoing Q&A series asks experts for their firsthand perspectives on who is most impacted by environmental injustices, where the industry is falling short in addressing these problems, what efforts have made positive strides, and where more data and research is needed.
Recent subjects include grassroots organizers, federal officials, lawyers and scientists. Who would you like to hear from on this issue? Email us with ideas at waste.dive.editors@industrydive.com.
