5. Non-technological dimensions of waste

It is now accepted that waste management cannot be confined to the technological dimension alone. Other considerations are becoming increasingly important, and deserve a place of their own in the analysis of the waste system. We will confine ourselves to mentioning them here.

• Legislative and regulatory dimension

The legislative and regulatory framework is now dense and restrictive, from the very nomenclature of waste, to the transparency required with regard to the quantities generated and the fate of waste, to the conditions under which it is traded and transported. The European and even international framework is now commonplace.

• Economic dimension

The cost levels required for proper waste treatment have given waste management...