The huge amount of litter on Arizona’s borders has prompted the government to launch a new website devoted to combating the 2000 tons of trash discarded among the 370 miles of their border. The sheer amount of trash is attributed primarily to illegals and human smuggling across the border as they discord thier junk as they cross the border. That doesn’t even count the human waste.
The website is azbordertrash.gov
Apprehensions of individuals by the U.S. Border Patrol as a result of illegal immigration vary every year. Current Border Patrol statistics indicate that about 110,000 border crossers will be captured during the current fiscal year, which ended Sept. 30, and doesn’t count the many others who get through. The border crossers leave approximately six to eight pounds of trash in the desert during his or her journey. The cost of disposing of this trash is high for local communities. Landfill fees range from $37 to $49 per ton in Southern Arizona. These fees do not include costs for materials, equipment, labor and transportation for the collection and transfer of the trash to the landfill.
Everything but the kitchen sink is left behind, from cars to pack packs to plastic containers.
Accumulated border trash has been shown to affect human health, the environment and economic wellbeing. Impacts include:
- Strewn trash and piles
- Illegal trails and paths
- Erosion and watershed degradation
- Damaged infrastructure and property
- Loss of vegetation and wildlife
- Campfires and escaped fires
- Abandoned vehicles and bicycles
- Vandalism, graffiti and site damage (historical and archaeological)
- Occurrence of bio-hazardous waste
Cleanups have been conducted by volunteers, property owners and the government, but no matter what they need help, you can find volunteer resources on the site.
But this is not just about Arizona, Texas and California have the exact same problem.
I think this is a great idea. In fact, I think every state should have website for illegal dumping and litter, with a documentation of how much trash is picked up, what it costs the taxpayers per every pickup. Anything to draw attention to this preventable cost saving measure.
Kudos to Arizona!
Resources
Trash and Pollution Cost of Tijuana Estuary
Illegal and Cost of litter in Desert
Cost of Illegal Immigrates in Texas www.thecattlemanmagazine.com/archives/2010/12/no-man’s-land.html