Date of Award

1992

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Community Planning (MCP)

Department

Community Planning and Area Development

First Advisor

Howard H. Foster, Jr.

Abstract

Many household products contain chemicals that are considered hazardous. These products become hazardous waste when discarded, posing potential harm to both human health and the natural environment. With increasing frequency, local governments are being pressured by residents to provide special household hazardous waste management programs. Planners are often the most qualified personnel to construct such programs. At a minimum, planners are requested to assist other staff members or act as the state’s liaison to the community. Increasing the planner’s knowledge of hazardous waste mitigation is essential to addressing the household hazardous waste problem.

The project analyzes the current household hazardous waste issues faced by many communities. It first defines HHW and documents the causes of, and problems resulting from, present disposal methods, both legal and illegal. Next, it examines municipal liabilities by reviewing legislation and legal decisions, manifesting the need for community action. Finally, policy recommendations are given to help guide planners in devising a strategy to address the household hazardous waste issue in their community. These policy recommendations include education, collections, disposal, community involvement and program evaluation.

Share

COinS
 
 

To view the content in your browser, please download Adobe Reader or, alternately,
you may Download the file to your hard drive.

NOTE: The latest versions of Adobe Reader do not support viewing PDF files within Firefox on Mac OS and if you are using a modern (Intel) Mac, there is no official plugin for viewing PDF files within the browser window.