这是一个不可否认的事实，因为世界人口以指数的速度增长，所以产生的废物量。与其他经济公司相比，垃圾管理公司面临着一个独特的问题，因为公司背后的基础本身就是一个道德困境，“我们怎样才能最好地处理浪费？”从消费者把产品扔到垃圾桶直到垃圾处理设施最终处置的时候，垃圾管理公司面临的大多数行动和决定都会导致他们陷入道德困境。
废物管理公司面临的第一个困境涉及到环境。如果公司选择通过垃圾填埋处理废物，水污染，空气污染，以及美观。另一方面，如果公司选择焚烧废物，它可以是一个能量的来源，会有空气污染。即使是经营不善的回收设施产生的外部环境如空气和水的污染。无论处置方法，总是有有害的化学物质和副产品，可以污染环境。
It is an undeniable truth that as the world population grows at an exponential rate so does the amount of waste produced. Waste management companies face a unique problem compared to other economic firms because the foundation behind the company is itself an ethical dilemma, "How can we best dispose of waste?" From the time a consumer throws a product in the trash until its ultimate disposal at a waste management facility, most actions and decisions a waste management company is faced with lead them to an ethical dilemma.
The first dilemma facing waste management companies relates to the environment. If the company chooses to dispose of waste via landfill there is potential for water pollution, air pollution, and poor aesthetic appearances. On the other hand, if the company chooses to incinerate waste, which can be a source of energy, there will be air pollution. Even mismanaged recycling facilities can produce environmental externalities such as air and water pollution. Regardless of the method of disposal, there are always harmful chemicals and byproducts which can pollute the environment.
Next, waste management companies need to acknowledge human health as a concern. Employees are involved with every aspect of waste management, from handling and processing all the way to ultimate disposal. This means employees are frequently exposed to potentially toxic and infectious chemicals. Examples of dangerous substances employees encounter include bodily fluids and greenhouse gases. Prolonged exposure to these chemicals can increase the chances of coronary disease, allergic pulmonary disease, parasites, hepatitis, and many more diseases.
To protect employees from diseases and infections, waste management companies can focus time on prevention, protection, and analysis. First, require vaccinations for employees to prevent the contraction of life-threatening conditions. Second, supply and require the use of protective gear such as: gloves, masks, boots, and even bio-hazard suits if necessary. Lastly, have management record employee health on a regular basis to track conditions within facilities.
Waste management companies can also improve the environment within the facilities to protect employees. They can start by creating strict policies which allow only authorized personnel near waste. For this to work well, both employees and upper management must work to prevent animals, children, friends, and family from getting near contaminates. Next, they can have air monitoring tools installed inside the facilities. The air inside facilities can become polluted by greenhouse gases and other byproducts. This can cause side-effects such as headaches, loss of consciousness, or even death. Hopefully these air monitoring measures would help prevent these side-effects.
Lastly, waste management companies have to make an effort to provide sustainability. This means making decisions today which will not burden future generations. For example, some chemicals can remain toxic for a prolonged period of time. As a result they can be expensive and time consuming to dispose of properly. If a company chooses to save a little money and dispose of such chemicals with a cheaper alternative then they are burdening future generations by forcing them to deal with the externalities of the toxic chemical as well.
Overall there are many ethical issues that the waste management industry must consider. With good planning and the proper time and resources, firms in the industry can make ethical decisions that benefit the environment and the economy.
Pressures Facing the Industry
There are many activist organizations that are pushing companies to be more sustainable and to act more e
