摘要: The consumption of products and services fuels the growth of markets and economies around the world. This growth, however, results in excessive consumption of natural resources and ever growing volumes of waste, which need to be managed (Hamilton 2003). Waste is generated from sources as diverse as residential households, offices, manufacturers, building sites, farms and mining sites. The management of household waste and the example of plastic shopping bags is the focus of this chapter.The generation, quantity, type and subsequent management of waste are continual issues for society. Historically waste has been buried in holes in the ground–out of sight. In recent decades, the availability of land and ‘holes’ to bury waste has reduced, and the need to address negative environmental impacts of landfills including leachate and methane generation, and redirect valuable resources (the waste) back into the economy, have been increasingly recognised. Alternative technologies have been introduced to treat and manage waste, including reprocessing facilities, composting facilities, waste-to-energy technologies and anaerobic digestion. The overarching debate is about which technologies and processes are most appropriate, and a shift in emphasis has taken place from ‘disposal’to ‘management’. However, as Hayes says:‘Waste is a construct that humanity invented at a time when industry lacked a deep understanding of ecological processes. There is no waste in nature’(cited in Imhoff 2005, p. 7). Waste management practice is seen as a way to reduce or recycle waste, but in future the generation of waste may be synonymous with …