CERP LogoThis is Gray Montage of photos of environmental conditions
Montage of photos of environmental conditionsHomeBrownfieldsVacant BuildingsLeadRefuse/Waste
Serving the East Saint Louis and Saint Louis Communities!

  Definition

  Background
  - History
  - Conditions
  - Health
  - Literature

  Identification

  What to Do

  Programs
  - St. Louis
  - East St. Louis

  Data & Maps 		 
Refuse/Waste - Background: Conditions

Solid waste today contains many materials, such as plastics, that are not readily degradable, and toxic materials -- primarily various types of chemical waste produced by industry -- that can contaminate soil and groundwater indefinitely if not properly disposed of.

The United States produces more municipal solid waste and hazardous waste per capita than any other industrialized nation. On average, each person in the United States produces 1,000-1,500 pounds of municipal solid waste, including almost 100 pounds of plastics per year. In addition, industry produces the equivalent of over one ton of hazardous waste per person each year.

About 80 percent of the solid waste produced in the United States goes to sanitary landfills.