Life is often considered to be a journey. The lifecycle of waste can
similarly to be a journey from the cradle (when an item becomes be
considered is placed in the dustbin) to the grave (when value valueless
and, usually, is restored by creating usable material or energy; or the
waste is transformed into emissions to water or air, or into inert
material placed in a landfill). of this book This preface provides a
route map for the journey the reader will undertake. Who? Who are the
intended readers of this book? Waste managers (whether in public service
or private companies) will find a holistic approach for improving the
environmental quality and the of managing waste. The book contains
general principles economic cost based on cutting edge experience being
developed across Europe. Detailed data and a computer model will enable
operations managers to develop data-based improvements to their systems.
oj waste will be better able to understand how their actions can
Producers influence the operation of environmentally improved waste
management systems. oj products and packages will be better able to
understand how Designers their design criteria can improve the
compatibility of their product or package with developing,
environmentally improved waste management systems. Waste data
specialists (whether in laboratories, consultancies or environ- mental
managers of waste facilities) will see how the scope, quantity and
quality of their data can be improved to help their colleagues design
more effective waste management systems.