Trash is political. That's the conclusion of a growing number of communities around the world that are examining conventional notions of waste. They are demanding - and winning - rules to reduce waste creation and to mandate safer handling of waste that is generated. A growing global network of activists is opposing incineration of waste, pointing out that incineration releases dioxin, mercury, lead, PCBs and other pollutants that endanger public health. Advocates for non-incineration approaches also emphasize the high cost of incinerators when compared to waste prevention, composting and recycling.