Solid Waste Management in New York City : Developing a Realistic Plan
Title
Solid Waste Management in New York City : Developing a Realistic Plan
Date
1997
Publisher
New York Institute of Technology
Language
English
Format
PDF
Type
Thesis (M.S.)--New York Institute of Technology
School
School of Engineering and Computing Sciences
Major
Department of Energy Management
Advisor
Robert N. Amundsen
Abstract
The purpose of this report is to relay to the reader the various aspects of solid waste management (SWM) within New York City and the surrounding region.
The history and importance of a solid waste management plan for New York City are discussed in the introduction of this paper. Outlined are some of the circumstances that have made Americans the "ThrowAway Society" they are. New York City does have a solid waste plan and is altering it as we head into the next century due to the proposed closing of Fresh Kills Landfill. However, the concepts thus far presented to the public about this plan are not realistic. If other factors change, such as current legislation on interstate waste shipment, the proposed plan for New York City to transport most of its waste out of state will not work. This concept leads into the next section of the thesis, titled "Reasons for a Solid Waste Management Plan". Highlighted, are the current and future legislative factors why New York City needs a viable solid waste management plan.
A present analysis of New York City's Solid Waste Management Plan is next discussed in this paper. Key stages in a strategic plan are annotated with a brief analysis on whether or not New York City has the fundamental components of a workable plan. Following the analysis is a summary on the newest proposal New York City has designated for the closing of Fresh Kills Landfill. Specifically illustrated, are the municipality's plans for waste exportation, additional recycling and composting.
Lastly discussed, is an alternative plan New York could research in order to solve its solid waste issue. This plan lists several alternatives to citing for waste to energy (WTE) plants; lists the importance of good recycling and source reduction programs; and summarizes the importance of a landfill. The plan is only a brief synopsis to other options available to New York City. Education, research, legislation, enforcement, and other alternatives, along with a detailed description of how the plan would work are also prerequisites. One important fact to know about planning is that the plan must be flexible and be able to be changed when outside conditions change. New York City has not yet done this with its more recent plan. However, a more detailed city report is due out in 1998. Hopefully, the city will take care of its citizens and come up with a realistic, strategic solid waste management plan.
The history and importance of a solid waste management plan for New York City are discussed in the introduction of this paper. Outlined are some of the circumstances that have made Americans the "ThrowAway Society" they are. New York City does have a solid waste plan and is altering it as we head into the next century due to the proposed closing of Fresh Kills Landfill. However, the concepts thus far presented to the public about this plan are not realistic. If other factors change, such as current legislation on interstate waste shipment, the proposed plan for New York City to transport most of its waste out of state will not work. This concept leads into the next section of the thesis, titled "Reasons for a Solid Waste Management Plan". Highlighted, are the current and future legislative factors why New York City needs a viable solid waste management plan.
A present analysis of New York City's Solid Waste Management Plan is next discussed in this paper. Key stages in a strategic plan are annotated with a brief analysis on whether or not New York City has the fundamental components of a workable plan. Following the analysis is a summary on the newest proposal New York City has designated for the closing of Fresh Kills Landfill. Specifically illustrated, are the municipality's plans for waste exportation, additional recycling and composting.
Lastly discussed, is an alternative plan New York could research in order to solve its solid waste issue. This plan lists several alternatives to citing for waste to energy (WTE) plants; lists the importance of good recycling and source reduction programs; and summarizes the importance of a landfill. The plan is only a brief synopsis to other options available to New York City. Education, research, legislation, enforcement, and other alternatives, along with a detailed description of how the plan would work are also prerequisites. One important fact to know about planning is that the plan must be flexible and be able to be changed when outside conditions change. New York City has not yet done this with its more recent plan. However, a more detailed city report is due out in 1998. Hopefully, the city will take care of its citizens and come up with a realistic, strategic solid waste management plan.
Files
Collection
Citation
Johnson, Andrea Marie, Solid Waste Management in New York City : Developing a Realistic Plan. New York Tech Institutional Repository, accessed April 28, 2024, https://repository.nyitlibrary.org/items/show/2751
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