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The environment in modern times is frequently scarred by large quantities of waste. The residue of man s activity, in the form of waste, may be found in residential, commercial and industrial districts, by the roadside, in open spaces, parks,. nature reserves, forests and on beaches. This waste is made up of household, industrial, agricultural and building debris as well as scrap and disposable containers. As development and industrialization increase, the problem of waste is aggravated and the quality of the environment declines.
The accelerated rate of development and industrialization in Israel has created a serious problem of solid waste.
In Israel as in the rest of the world, special efforts have been invested in finding appropriate solutions to the problem by:
- suitable means of solid waste disposal and prevention of nuisance;
- development of waste recycling techniques;
- decreased production of disposable containers;
- education of the public toward maintenance of cleanliness in public places.
The Environmental Protection Service (EPS) in the Ministry of the Interior has invested major efforts in the search for solutions to the problems of solid waste disposal and cleanliness in public places.
In the summer of 1984, the Maintenance of Cleanliness Law came into effect.
The EPS coordinates the activities necessary to implement the law, in all its aspects. Since the law has come into force, thousands of inspectors and wardens have been appointed by the Ministers of Police and the Interior, and have undertaken enforcement activities on a voluntary basis.
On the basis of their reports, thousands of summonses have been sent to offenders. Many local authorities, have set up sites for the disposal of building debris and vehicle scrap. Large scale educational and informational activities have been conducted with the participation of the general public, youngsters and school-children.
The month of April has been declared a 'cleanliness month", as the country undertakes a national clean-up campaign with the help of local authorities and numerous bodies concerned with environmental protection.
An improved level of cleanliness in public places is an attainable objective which depends on the behaviour of each and every member of the public. The efforts of the EPS are directed toward the achievement of this goal.
