The unwanted items are mostly PCBs. A 30-year old law which prohibited the manufacture of polychlorinated biphenyls was cited by residents opposed to the petition of Veolia Environment Services to allow the toxic items in for burning.
In 1996, the EPA allowed the entry of PCBs in the country, but its ruling was overturned by a federal Appeals Court. EPA officials maintain it is safer to burn the PCBs via incinerators than allow it to stockpile in Mexico and other countries.
Residents pushed for cleaner and more safe disposal methods for the PCBs, which when burned, produce dioxin, linked to cancer, brain damage, problems with the reproductive system and other ailments.
Garbage has been a burning issue in the state. Austin recently passed a law that mandated a 20 percent cut in its waste in 4 years and aimed for zero waste by 2040. But many city residents questioned the ability of the city to implement the ambitious goals. Residents pointed out it would be difficult to achieve these lofty targets unless recycling options are available to apartment residents and Downtown dwellers.
