Resource conservation : social and economic dimensions of recycling

This discussion, reported in revised form from the proceedings of an international symposium held at Bellagio, Italy in November, 1976, focuses on the economic and social dimensions of the issues involved, each of which is carefully examined through cost benefit analysis. The first part (of three) of the book, containing five papers, sets forth the analytical and policy framework of recycling, including problems of inter-generational equity in resource use and trends in availability of basic materials. This is followed by in-depth discussions of specific issues such as urban waste, product-life extension, and characteristics of secondary materials markets in the Part II, (7 papers). The volume concludes with 4 papers examining recycling in a number of sectors including copper, waste oil, waste paper, and ferrous metals. A summary and overview is presented by Michel Potier, an appendix paper by Ruediger Pethig is entitled: Trade in Secondary Materials--A Theoretical Approach. (MCW)