Municipal Solid Waste Management: Making Decisions in the Face of Uncertainty

Richard G. Kuhn is an assistant professor of geography at the University
of Guelph.

This is a collection of 35 papers that were presented at the 1990
Municipal Solid Waste Management conference organized by the Institute
for Risk Research, University of Waterloo. As noted by the editor, the
primary aim of the symposium was to explore alternative waste-management
options from a risk-assessment and management perspective. For the most
part, the first half of the aim has been achieved. A number of
alternative options are proposed, discussed, and evaluated. The focus on
risk assessment and management, however, is more uneven; at times, it is
the central theme of a paper, but more often than not it is implicit or
tangential to the discussion.

The excellent organization of the volume is a tribute to the editor.
There are five main sections (introduction, landfilling, incineration,
the 3 R’s, and summary). Each section is organized into identical
subsections focusing on the principles of operation, economics,
environment and health, and future direction. A diverse field of
contributors adds to the volume’s breadth and utility.

This book will appeal mainly to those directly involved in the
management of municipal solid waste, either as researchers, managers,
promoters, or dissenters. It provides a wealth of current factual
information, alternative management options, and conceptual models that
should have wide applicability.