ABSTRACT
As discussed in this chapter, waste in general requires careful management, lest human and ecological consequences ensue. Of particular note is the problem of two contemporary kinds of waste: e-waste (electronics products) and plastics. As described in this chapter, plastics are a major threat to marine life and coastal ecosystems. Moreover, as an alarming human and ecological health portent, one source forecasts that global waste is on pace to triple by year 2100. In addition to a description of U.S. waste management policies, the policies of the EU are presented. Several U.S. statutes concerning waste are described, including the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976, the Superfund Act of 1980, and the Pollution Prevention Act of 1990. Additionally, details are presented about contemporary issues of waste management of discarded electronic products, plastics, and food. Of particular note is a presentation of methods and policies for waste reduction.
