In many rural areas of NY people burn waste in barrels as a way to keep their garbage of the streets. However the Department of Environmental Conservation is considering putting a ban on this act of waste removal because of the consciousness of global warming and greenhouse gases. The burning of the garbage is ruining the air and could potentially only hurt the people of the area causing lung problems, like asthma and cancer.

The DEC is not completely sure of the full details on the ban because it is too soon to call but they know their intentions. Their issue is really just how much pollution gets into the air when the waste is burned, the DEC believes that a burning open barrel of garbage gives off 17 times more dioxins and pollutants than a permitted incinerator.

They are very happy with the push they’re making however, some town supervisors already feel a resistance to the ban coming. Gene Merlin a town supervisor feels that if people do not burn you will find their garbage on the side of the roads instead. Merlino admits even he burns at his home, he feels that brining is the fastest and most efficient way to get rid of tree limbs and branches.