Waste and Recycling : Theory and Empirics

Waste generation, source reduction and recycling are matters of concern in today''s world. The book discusses how economics can contribute to solve environmental problems and studies the waste reduction and recycling problems both theoretically and empirically, covering not only traditional resource economics and waste management, but also recent problem of Electric waste (E-waste) and recycling. 

As "business as usual" has become the mantra of today''s world, it''s unlikely to see a decrease in hazardous waste generated from greater economic growth. Written by renowned experts, the book suggests a solution, supported by theoretical arguments to this waste problem. The book discusses how main problems for waste management can be addressed through appropriate policies adopted by governments in OECD countries.

The book also raises thoughtful questions on how household waste management services should be privatized and who should pay for the disposal and recycling costs. It attempts to answer these questions. The book considers several factors hindering the first-best optimal outcome and highlights two crucial ones. It elaborates further with models and the solutions on how to overcome these obstacles.

The book covers not only traditional resource economics and waste management, but also the recent problem of Electric waste (E-waste) and illustrates in details, how the environments of developing countries are inevitably polluted even with the Basel ban Amendment in place. The book proposes an alternative international trading regulation to address E-waste. This book will certainly appeal to industry decision-makers, policy makers and legislators.