Around the world, waste generation rates are rising. With rapid population growth and urbanization, annual waste generation is expected to increase to 3.40 billion tonnes in 2050. For example, millions of tonnes of old electronic goods are illegally exported to developing countries, as people dump luxury items, which results in counterfeit goods and pollution in these countries. These are electronic goods made up of hundreds of different materials and containing toxic substances such as lead, mercury, cadmium, arsenic and flame retardants.
Global Waste Management examines the international trade of waste between countries for further treatment, disposal, or recycling, where toxic or hazardous wastes are often exported from developed countries to developing countries. It presents the multiple factors affecting which countries produce waste and at what magnitude, including geographic location, degree of industrialization, and level of integration into the global economy. Global Waste Management presents data and statistics on the waste crisis, examines possible causes, and introduces different discourses and strategies. Author Kamila Pope presents current business models that are being used to deal with the waste crisis. Online supporting resources include powerpoints for students with chapter summaries and key data.