Problem

Waste Management doesn't seem to be the most interesting topic but it is a massively important topic that needs more attention. Two main issues with waste management, both locally and globally, are recycling contamination and illegal dumping. Recycling Contamination is when materials that are non-recyclable are combined with recyclable materials. Putting a greasy pizza box into a container of recyclable materials can contaminate them and make recycling difficult or impossible. Illegal Dumping is when waste is dumped or left in places other than waste areas. Illegal dumping often involves people dumping trash on the side of roads and that trash polluting our waterways. Both issues are damaging to our ecosystem and taking the necessary steps to fix the problem has to start now.

Recycling contamination plays a huge part in making recycling more difficult and less efficient. The City of Mesa has a list of what can and can’t be recycled. Much of this list goes ignored or isn’t widespread knowledge. Because of that, so many of the recycles that we have can not be recycled due to contamination from trash. The contaminated recycles that can still be used have to be sorted through, making the process time consuming and inefficient. Illegal Dumping in Arizona is a huge issue for many reasons. Illegal dumping can contribute to wildfires, waterway contamination, damage to our dams, and harming or killing our wildlife.