Page 47 - Solid Waste Analysis and Minimization a Systems Approach

A BRIEF HISTORY OF SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT 25

Materials Recovery Association, in 1942. This waste exchange was created to con-
serve materials for the war effort during World War II. During this time frame, the first
landfills were established to dispose of wastes and the initial recycling efforts began
to aid with the war effort. Following is a timeline of the major events:

1904––The nation’s first major aluminum-recycling plants open in Cleveland and
Chicago.

1909––More than 100 incinerators close in the United States due to noxious smoke.

1914––After a shaky start, incinerators increase in popularity in North American
cities. About 300 incinerators operate in the United States and Canada.

1916––Cities begin switching from horse-drawn to motorized refuse-collection
equipment.

1920s––Using wetlands located near cities as a garbage-disposal facility becomes
popular. Garbage is placed in the wetlands in layers, with ash and dirt layers on top
as cover.

1934—The Supreme Court bans the dumping of municipal waste into the ocean, a
common practice until this time.

1940s––The Fresno, California, Director of Public Works leads the effort in devel-
oping sanitary methods for disposing of trash in large urban areas.
1942—Great Britain establishes the first materials exchange to converse resources
for the war effort.

1942 to 1945—Americans collect and industry recycles rubber, paper, scrap metal,
fats, and tin cans—about 25 percent of the waste stream—to help the war effort.
During the war, Army troops bury trash in the ground, providing the initial idea
for the sanitary landfill.

1945––Almost 100 cities in the United States are using sanitary landfills.

2.2.4 THE INFORMATION REVOLUTION AND THE SPACE AGE:
1950s THROUGH THE 2000s
Upon the end of World War II, world economies began to shift back toward normal
production. Also, during this time, more information became available on the dan-
gers of pollution and contamination. The information revolution served as a catalyst
to quickly disseminate environmental data around the world and pinpoint issues for
further analysis. The solid waste movement shifted from a public health and wartime
conservation focus to an environmental protection and natural resource conservation
focus. During this time, initiatives and focus on the environment exploded, with
many governments taking a very active role in establishing polices and regulations.
The creation of environmental regulations during this time frame greatly surpassed
all previous time periods immensely. Following is a timeline of the major events