Problems with Canadian Trucks

Michigan bound garbage trucks containing tons of Canadian trash continue to line up at the bridges every day and have more than doubled from 180 to 415 a day since 2003 according to a survey from the Department of Homeland Security.

The increasing numbers of Canadian garbage trucks have some major implications for Michigan residents. These include the wear and tear on Michigan’s roads and bridges, threat to homeland security, state image along with the ability to attract new business and the overall quality of life are all being compromised with each new load of trash entering the state.

            In regards to Homeland Security, the Department of Homeland Security -Office of Inspector General (DHS-OIG) released an unclassified summary of their Audit of Screening Trucks Carrying Canadian Municipal Solid Waste. They have contended that improvements need to be made. There is no Central Examination Station in Michigan, which is vital in making sure that the U.S. borders are safe. Ports do not have any standard way to conduct examinations to ensure the Canadian garbage trucks are secure.

            According to the report, Customs and Border Protection Agents physically inspect fewer than 10 of the 415 trucks that come into Michigan each day. Terrorists could easily smuggle chemical or biological materials into the state. Those within the state hope to shut down garbage importation as soon as possible, but in order for any change to take place, the U.S. Congress has to approve it. So far, legislation involving the trash issue has been an uphill battle for the Michigan government.

            Locally, residents are getting of tired of all this garbage. Many cases of spills in downriver communities have been reported and ignored, the strong odor of waste emanates from landfills on hot summer days, and in general, we are fed up with taking in everyone’s garbage.

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Last modified: 05/23/06