IV-344 



SOLID WASTES 



Solid wastes, particularly those associated with urban areas and 

 concentrations of industry, must be recognized as major hazards 

 to the maintenance of a desirable estuarine environment. The 

 problem of disposal of solid wastes becomes particularly acute as 

 available land surrounding central cities is built up. Tradition- 

 ally, wetlands have been considered convenient sites for the 

 disposal of all types of unwanted material, from demolition wastes 

 to tricycles. It is estimated that the amount of land necessary 

 to store and/or process solid wastes for ultimate disposal will 

 nearly double from 1966 to 1976. 



A recent report conducted for the Regional Plan Association studied 

 the New York Metropolitan area generation and handling of wastes. 

 The study found that in 1965 the residential solid wastes generated 

 per capita per year averaged from about a half a ton to nearly 

 two- thirds of a ton. Thus, nearly eleven million tons of residen- 

 tial solid wastes were generated in the New York Metropolitan area 

 in 1965. By the year 2000, it is estimated that residential solid 

 wastes may triple. 



Solid waste by business was also found to be significant. An 

 estimated six and a half million tons were generated in the study 

 area in 1965 and the high projection for 2000 indicates a solid 

 waste load for that year of over 22 million tons. 



