Understanding Environmental Justice’s Role in the Waste and Recycling Industry

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines ​​environmental justice as “the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.” That definition is the backbone of the environmental justice movement within the waste and recycling industry, which has been ongoing since the 1980s. Learn about the current environmental justice efforts and goals, the challenges that come along with meeting those goals and which states have proposed and engaged regulations and policies related to environmental justice.