Beyond NIMBY: Hazardous Waste Siting In Canada And The United States

The virtual inability to open new hazardous waste management facilities in Canada and the United States stems directly from a form of community opposition known as NIMBY (Not In My Back Yard). Communities often oppose proposed facilities through collective action, blocking poorly planned facilities and encouraging waste reduction strategies. However, such opposition also hampers the adoption of new technologies and creates geographic inequities. Beyond NIMBY examines positive alternatives, including strategies that have led to successful siting agreements, public support, and comprehensive waste management systems. These include continuous public involvement, voluntary siting through extended democratic dialogue, economic compensation, assurances of safe long-term management, and integrating new facilities into broader waste strategies. These approaches can be applied to other NIMBY-blocked projects such as prisons, treatment centers, and nursing homes.