These Are the Dirtiest States in America, Ranked
Think polluted skies, murky waters, and heaps of trash – topped off with the occasional unwanted rodent guest. Yep, welcome to some of the grimiest corners of America. Best Life magazine rolled up its sleeves and dove into the muck to compile a list of all 50 states, sorted from spick-and-span to downright filthy. They didn’t just hold their noses and guess; they looked at hard-hitting factors like carbon dioxide emissions, air quality, landfill stats, and the sheer amount of waste churned out. Here are the 25 states that are really struggling with the dirt, along with some of the environmental woes that might’ve landed them there.
#25: West Virginia
West Virginia, famed for its natural beauty, balances between its role as a top coal producer and environmental averages in emissions, pollution, and waste. But 2019 brought attention to its water pollution crisis from coal mining explosives.
In a positive turn, the EPA has stepped in, awarding a $1.8 million grant aimed at enhancing the quality of water in the state’s rivers and streams, marking a significant investment towards environmental preservation.
#24: Alaska
Alaska stands out for its low air pollution, recording a mere 6.4 micrograms of fine particles per cubic meter, surpassing the national average. Despite this, cities like Fairbanks suffer from severe short-term particle pollution, primarily due to wood-burning stoves.
Despite its vast landscapes, only 0.01% of Alaska is occupied by landfills. However, the town of Haines faces challenges with illegal waste dumping, a problem exacerbated by the high costs of legitimate waste disposal methods.
#23: Alabama
Alabama, known for its beauty, faces a stark environmental issue with 108 million metric tons of CO2 emissions. Despite low landfill area, its 35 landfill sites per million people starkly contrast New York’s fewer sites, highlighting a significant pollution challenge.
The Guardian’s 2019 report sheds light on Alabama’s Big Sky Environmental landfill in Adamsville, which remarkably accepts waste from 48 states, processing up to 25,000 tons daily. This points towards Alabama’s critical role in national waste management.
#22: Wisconsin
In 2019, Wisconsin averaged 47 tons of trash per person, adding 1.5 tons of waste annually. Despite generally good air quality, Canadian wildfire smoke increased pollution in July, prompting a statewide air quality advisory.
Cities such as Milwaukee and Sheboygan rank in the top 25 for smog pollution across the U.S., according to the American Lung Association.
#21: South Carolina
Remarkably, South Carolina has evolved from a waste haven to a cleaner state, with a minimal 0.01% landfill occupancy. Air quality also shows improvement, with a 7.4 µg/m3 particulate matter level, despite receiving mixed reviews from the American Lung Association in 2020.
Despite challenges, Florence, Myrtle Beach, and Conway shine as beacons of clean air for ozone pollution. On the flip side, Santee Cooper’s plants in Anderson, Georgetown, and Berkeley faced a $23,000 penalty for excessive air toxin emissions this summer.
#20: Tennessee
Tennessee, known as the Volunteer State, produces almost 100 million metric tons of CO2 but only 7.4 micrograms of fine particles per m3 from 2016-2018, showing significant improvement from ranking as the 11th worst in coal air pollution in 2012.
Tennessee’s waterways are facing a pollution crisis, with over half being too polluted for drinking, fishing, or swimming. This marks a significant increase from a decade ago when less than a third were deemed too contaminated.
#19: Kentucky
A decade ago, Kentucky was recognized for its severe coal pollution, holding the title for the worst toxic air pollution due to power plants. As of 2019, the state emits 114 million metric tons of CO2 and has amassed 44 tons of trash per capita.
Louisville, Kentucky’s most populous city, has exhibited significant advancements in reducing ozone and particle pollution, reports an American Lung Association study released this year. This marks a pivotal shift towards better air quality in the region.
#18: North Carolina
In 2019, North Carolina had significantly less trash per person than Michigan. However, its 115 million metric tons of CO2 emissions stem from coal power and vehicles, states the North Carolina Environmental Quality site.
Moreover, North Carolina’s pork sector produces over 10 billion gallons of waste each year. Excess from full “lagoons” is sprayed onto fields, worsening pollution, reports The Guardian.
#17: Michigan
Michigan, the leading state in U.S. car production, faces significant environmental challenges with 152 million metric tons of CO2 emissions. Water pollution scandals, including contaminated waterways from septic tank leaks, have also plagued the state.
In Michigan, 30% of homes rely on septic systems, higher than the national average. The Flint water crisis, a stark reminder of the state’s struggles with pollution, took nearly five years and almost $400 million to resolve.
#16: Georgia
Between 2016 and 2018, Georgia emitted 132 million metric tons of CO2 and recorded 8.3μg/m3 of fine particles. Atlanta’s traffic exacerbates smog, but the pandemic saw improved air quality possibly due to reduced vehicular movement.
In Covington, over 150 lawsuits target BD Bard and SRG Global for allegedly polluting air and water with carcinogens. Despite these accusations, both companies deny any misconduct.
#15: Virginia
Last year, Virginia saw 25% of its solid waste imported from other states, with Maryland contributing 2.4 million tons. Despite generally moderate air pollution, smoke from wildfires in neighboring states and Canada prompted a summer health alert.
Virginia is taking strides against water pollution, announcing a $411.5 million federal aid initiative to enhance clean water accessibility.
#14: Louisiana
Louisiana, emitting 226 million metric tons of CO2, ranks poorly for air quality. The infamous ‘Cancer Alley’ stretches between New Orleans and Baton Rouge, peppered with petrochemical plants. Reserve endures a cancer risk nearly 50 times the national average.
A planned $9.4 billion petrochemical facility could exacerbate the situation, doubling toxic emissions in the vicinity and releasing up to 13 million tonnes of greenhouse gases annually. This project might establish it as one of the world’s largest pollution-causing plastics sites.
