When did hazardous waste generation begin in the United States?

Hazardous waste generation in the United States is closely associated with the rise of the petroleum industry and its widespread application, which marked the beginning of significant industrial activities that produced a variety of toxic byproducts. During the Petroleum Era, which started in the late 19th century and expanded throughout the 20th century, the exploration, extraction, refinement, and utilization of petroleum products led to increased production of harmful substances. This era witnessed a surge in industrial processes that not only expanded economic growth but also resulted in a growing awareness and concern regarding waste management and environmental impacts.

The industrial processes emerging from the petroleum industry introduced numerous hazardous materials into the environment, including chemicals and byproducts that posed significant risks to human health and the ecosystem. Therefore, this period is rightly recognized as a pivotal time when hazardous waste generation became noticeable on a larger scale in the United States.

While the Industrial Revolution laid the groundwork for increased manufacturing and waste production, it is during the Petroleum Era that the nature of hazardous waste concerns began to evolve more distinctly, setting the stage for future regulations and environmental policies.