Editable-Baltimore's Fair Development Plan for Zero Waste - Flipbook - Page 28
Clean Air
For years Baltimore residents have called for relief from the city’s worst air polluter-- the BRESCO incinerator.
City Council’s unanimous passage of the Baltimore Clean Air Act demonstrated that residents’ voices were
heard. Baltimore’s leadership is on firm footing in recognizing the perils of incineration, an unacceptable
practice within the Zero Waste hierarchy. Incineration, landfilling of non-stabilized waste, illegal dumping, open
burning, and littering are all unacceptable waste management practices because they don’t allow for material
recovery, have adverse environmental impacts, and undermine the transition to Zero Waste by justifying
continued production of discards. Baltimore has a rare opportunity afforded by resident and civic heroes to
make a clear break with the failed history of trash incineration in fabor of a Zero Waste future.
THESE PRIORITY ACTIONS ARE REQUIRED TO SUPPORT CLEAN AIR:
1. Defend and enforce the Clean Air Act in Baltimore City, holding polluting incinerators to
higher standards than current state or federal government regulations.
2. End Baltimore City’s contract with BRESCO in 2021, allowing for materials to be reclaimed
using Zero Waste infrastructure.
Baltimore’s Fair Development Plan for Zero Waste
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