The Waste Crisis: Landfills, Incinerators, and the Search for a Sustainable Future

Patrick Colgan is the former executive director of the Canadian Museum
of Nature.

Tammemagi, a geophysicist, describes why waste is such a problem and
examines its roots in the population explosion and in historical
perspective. The review of integrated waste management is creditably
aided by financial analysis and recognition of the need to expand
economic models. Recycling and composting are well described, as are the
natures of different wastes and associated risks. The topics of
landfilling and incineration lead to a more general consideration of
disposal methods. An international set of case studies include the
recycling facility at Guelph, Ontario, and that for hazardous waste at
Swan Hills, Alberta.

Throughout there is a blend of geographic and technological issues, and
supporting detail, such as international conventions on pollution and
the fact that a Staten island landfill has 25 times the volume of the
Great Pyramid at Giza. Tammemagi’s final vision of a bright and clean
future is not only (regrettably) unjustified, but also unconvincing
given the preceding discussion. Each chapter ends with discussion topics
and assignments. There is a glossary, and the tables and illustrations
are helpful. Recommended as a reference for students of urban planning
and related fields.