Fumes and Fears: The Ongoing Concerns Surrounding the York Sharon Waste Incinerator

on November 5, 2025

The York Sharon Waste Incinerator, located in the heart of York County, Pennsylvania, has been a source of concern for local residents and environmental groups for years. The incinerator, which burns trash and waste to generate electricity, has been plagued by issues related to air pollution, health risks, and lack of transparency. Despite efforts by the facility’s operators to address these concerns, the community remains wary of the incinerator’s impact on their health and the environment.

A History of Controversy

The York Sharon Waste Incinerator has been in operation since the 1980s, and over the years, it has faced numerous complaints and lawsuits related to air pollution and health risks. In the early 2000s, the facility was fined by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for violating air quality standards, and in 2010, it was forced to shut down temporarily due to a malfunction that released toxic chemicals into the air.

Health Risks and Air Pollution

One of the primary concerns surrounding the York Sharon Waste Incinerator is the potential health risks associated with the air pollution it generates. The incinerator emits a range of toxic chemicals, including particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, and volatile organic compounds, which can cause respiratory problems, cancer, and other health issues. According to the EPA, the incinerator is one of the largest sources of air pollution in the county, and its emissions have been linked to an increased risk of asthma, lung disease, and other health problems in nearby communities.

Studies have shown that communities located near waste incinerators like the York Sharon facility are at a higher risk of developing health problems due to exposure to toxic air pollutants. For example, a study published in the Journal of Environmental Health found that children living near waste incinerators were more likely to develop respiratory problems and experience reduced lung function.

Lack of Transparency and Accountability

Another concern surrounding the York Sharon Waste Incinerator is the lack of transparency and accountability on the part of the facility’s operators. Despite repeated requests from local residents and environmental groups, the facility has failed to provide adequate information about its emissions, waste management practices, and safety protocols. This lack of transparency has made it difficult for the community to hold the facility accountable for its actions and has fueled concerns about the incinerator’s impact on the environment and public health.

Community Resistance and Activism

In response to the ongoing concerns surrounding the York Sharon Waste Incinerator, local residents and environmental groups have organized to demand greater transparency and accountability from the facility’s operators. Community activists have held protests, rallies, and town hall meetings to raise awareness about the incinerator’s impact on the environment and public health, and have pushed for stricter regulations and more stringent enforcement of environmental laws.

One local organization, the York County Environmental Alliance, has been at the forefront of the effort to hold the incinerator accountable. The group has worked with local residents, businesses, and government officials to promote sustainable waste management practices and to advocate for policies that prioritize environmental protection and public health.

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The York Sharon Waste Incinerator remains a source of concern for local residents and environmental groups due to its potential health risks, air pollution, and lack of transparency. While the facility’s operators have made efforts to address some of these concerns, more needs to be done to ensure that the incinerator is operating in a safe and responsible manner. As the community continues to push for greater transparency and accountability, it is clear that the fight to protect the environment and public health is far from over.

By working together, local residents, environmental groups, and government officials can ensure that the York Sharon Waste Incinerator is held to the highest standards of environmental protection and public health, and that the community is protected from the harmful effects of air pollution and toxic chemicals.