Waste Policy

Generating waste is a human condition. There is, however, very little real knowledge about this important issue, as the mishandling of wastes threatens lives and the environment. Therefore, I strongly recommend Professor Gillespie's book, as it is an in-depth, extremely competent holistic overview of waste which covers both its management, and its economic impact. The language is accessible to all interested in these issues, and the book gives a unique insight into waste policy, with great attention to detail that showcases Gillespie's vast knowledge in all environmental matters.' - Malgosia Fitzmaurice, Queen Mary University of London, UK'Nature knows no waste, only humans do. The modern industrial world seems to have forgotten that natural and human systems are inextricably linked. Waste has been externalized causing huge environmental, economic and social costs. This book aims for reversing the trend. Taking a comparative and contextual perspective, Gillespie shows how smart policies can lead to minimizing waste and to creating material flows consistent with ecological flows. An important book, rich in detail, very accessible and with a powerful message.' - Klaus Bosselmann, University of Auckland, New Zealand From human waste to nuclear waste, the question of how we must manage what we no longer want, in terms of either recycling or disposal, is one of the most pressing issues in environmental law. Alexander Gillespie addresses the gaps in previous literature by incorporating economics, philosophy and the ideal of sustainable development in order to provide context to the surrounding legal and policy considerations for the management of waste. The book's premise is that all forms of waste are expanding exponentially, and are often of a hazardous nature. The author examines the size of the problem, considers how it is evolving, and assesses the legal and political implications. He then shows that existing solutions to reducing consumption and recycling are limited, and concludes by discussing potential ways forward. Students and scholars with an interest in environmental law at the national, regional and international level will find this book to be of use. The book will also be of interest to practitioners looking to solve the issues surrounding waste and recycling.