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.
