Pennsylvania's Solid Waste
Management Program
WILLIAM BUCCIARELLI, Chief
Solid Waste Section
Pennsylvania Department of Health
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
INTRODUCTION
The Pennsylvania Department of Health, recognizing the need for action in
solid wastes management planning, is formalizing a new program based on an area-
wide concept to provide guidance for the communities of Pennsylvania. Solid waste
management in Pennsylvania has been, historically, an intra-municipal function,
plagued with splintered and politically separated management practices.
The Plan will set forth the overview of solid waste management in the present
and the future. It provides a framework within which Pennsylvania may manage its
total inventory of solid wastes which is an essential element for determining a safe
and clean future environment.
Finally, the Plan will emphasize the need for a continuous planning effort to
overcome the many complexities revealed in this first attempt to plan for effective
solid waste management. The Plan also sets forth objectives to guide the development
of solid waste management systems and recommends further study, investigation and
research in specific areas.
SUMMARY
Goal
The ultimate goal to be achieved under this Plan by 1990 is the elimination of
existing and prevention of future environmental pollution, health hazards and
nuisances resulting from inadequate and improper solid waste storage, collection,
transportation, processing and disposal practices in Pennsylvania.
Objectives
Creation, at the state and local government level, of an administrative
framework for the control of solid waste management practices.
Implementation of all solid waste management programs based on approved
local, county, and regional plans.
Development of administrative and technical methodology to enable the consolidation of solid waste management activities at the local government level.
Coordination of federal, state and local government sponsored research,
demonstration and investigation studies into the effects of disposal on air, water and
land resources.
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