Montgomery County residents demand immediate halt to toxic waste incineration and swift landfill transition

During the Montgomery County Council session on January 28, 2025, a significant discussion emerged regarding the county's waste management strategy, particularly the ongoing use of incineration for trash disposal. Community advocates voiced strong objections to the current plan, arguing that the county should not wait seven years to transition from incineration to landfilling. They emphasized the health risks associated with burning waste, including increased cancer rates and respiratory illnesses, particularly affecting vulnerable communities.

The advocates highlighted that the county's reliance on incineration poses a direct threat to public health and the environment. They pointed out that other communities have successfully shifted from incineration to landfilling in a much shorter timeframe, citing examples from Miami-Dade County and Hartford, Connecticut. They argued that Montgomery County could similarly expedite its transition by utilizing existing landfills, which have been vetted for safety and environmental justice.

A key point raised was the financial implications of continuing to operate the aging incinerator. The advocates criticized a proposed $100 million investment to maintain the facility, arguing that taxpayer money would be better spent on initiating the transition to landfilling and developing long-term waste reduction strategies. They also proposed that the county could begin food scrap composting immediately if a closure date for the incinerator were established.

The advocates called for the council to deny a contract extension for the incinerator's operation, urging a more comprehensive plan that prioritizes public health and environmental sustainability. They requested a public hearing to allow community voices to be heard and to ensure that the council considers alternative waste management solutions that could be implemented in a shorter timeframe.

As the council members began to engage with the advocates, the discussion underscored the urgent need for a reevaluation of Montgomery County's waste management practices, with a clear focus on protecting the health of its residents and the environment. The outcomes of this meeting could significantly shape the county's approach to waste disposal in the coming years.