A recent study has revealed a disturbing trend in the placement of trash incinerators across the United States, highlighting significant environmental injustice. The research shows that these facilities are disproportionately located in areas with higher populations of Black and Hispanic residents, exposing these communities to harmful pollutants and exacerbating existing health disparities.
The study, conducted by the Tishman Environment and Design Center at The New School, found that a staggering 79% of all municipal solid waste incinerators in the country are situated in environmental justice communities. These are areas where residents are predominantly low-income and people of color.
The impact of these incinerators on public health is severe. They emit a cocktail of toxic substances, including particulate matter, lead, mercury, and dioxins. Exposure to these pollutants has been linked to various health issues, including respiratory problems, cardiovascular diseases, and certain types of cancer.
The research paints a grim picture of the scale of this issue. Approximately 4.4 million people live within a three-mile radius of an incinerator in the United States. Of this population, about 1.6 million are people of color, bearing the brunt of the pollution burden.
Environmental justice advocates argue that this pattern of locating incinerators in minority neighborhoods is a clear example of environmental racism. They call for stricter regulations on incinerator emissions and a shift towards more sustainable waste management practices that don’t disproportionately affect vulnerable communities.
As the debate over waste management and environmental justice continues, this study serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing health disparities faced by Black and Hispanic communities in the United States.
See “Trash Incinerators Disproportionately Harm Black, Hispanic People” (January 2, 2025)
