Recycling reconsidered : the present failure and future promise of environmental action in the United States /

One of today's great challenges is the reuse, recycling, and management of materials. This is especially true as the world moves along the path toward sustainability. MacBride (Columbia Univ.; waste governance professional) presents the history of recycling and materials management, along with commentary and discussions of policy, regulations, and governance. The author focuses on the US but includes good practices from other parts of the world to illustrate alternatives that have merit. Significant progress has been made in municipal materials management, with recycling and reuse through retail outlets for secondhand products. However, industries need to make a greater effort to enhance reuse and recycling of their materials. The author recommends the implementation of systematic solutions through governance and national policies. The book includes numerous citations and references and excellent appendixes with quantitative information. All citizens need to take action to change policies and implement better management practices for dealing with solid waste. Summing Up: Recommended. All levels/libraries. L. E. Erickson Kansas State University