ates state and federal laws by pollution groundwater, particularly the nearby Arthur Kill waterway with 4 million gallons of toxic liquid each day (Hershkowitz, 1987). Even though it accommodates much waste, it will soon be forced to accept all 25,000 tons of solid waste produced by the residents of New York each day because of the closure of other landfills in New York. When it is realized that U.S. towns and cities create more than 410,000 tons of solid waste each day, it is obvious that we are running out of room for the garbage. Compared to Sweden, which creates about two pounds of garbage per person per day, U.S. residents create from four to six. Deciding what to do to get rid of the growing waste is a problem that needs immediate evaluation-and attention.
One suggested way to get rid of the waste is through waste to-energy plants. Over 40 states so far have begun operating, building, or considering waste-to-energy plants, which turn garbage into energy (Hershkowitz, 1987). This is done when waste is burned at a very high temperature in a furnace lined with water-filled tubes. Heat produced from burning generates the steam, which is then used to heat or cool buildings or homes, or to create electricity. Through this process, the plants reduce the volume of the solid trash up to 90 percent, making the trash more compact. What does not burn is
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