The Nation - News from May 29, 1985

American industry may have to almost double spending on hazardous waste disposal in the next five years to meet new federal requirements, according to a study by the Congressional Budget Office. This could mean price increases for products made by firms that generate a lot of hazardous waste and the closing of some plants unable to meet the new costs, said the study prepared for the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. The study examined 70 broad industry groups and found three groups--wood preserving, plastic and primary metals and rubber--that would have to spend more than half their projected 1990 profits to meet the increase in disposal costs unless they can generate less waste.