But, perhaps because it is a less immediate concern to the general public, the fate of commercial and industrial waste receives less press coverage, with packaging problems occasionally deemed to warrant the odd column inch while other issues are largely ignored.
When it comes to construction waste, which accounts for almost half the waste in the UK, the Fourth Estate does not seem interested – it’s seen as a problem for the industry, not readers, listeners or viewers.
In this month’s special report, we try to go beyond kerbside recycling and charges for council collections.
Among the articles on offer are an enthusiastic look at how London’s canals could be put to good use as a conduit to funnel waste out of an increasingly congested city and a synopsis of what WRAP is doing to encourage more sustainable management of construction and demolition waste.
We also hear how battery manufacturers are being forced to take responsibility for the safe disposal of their hazardous products and the hurdles facing professional composters seeking to put the mountain of waste from food retailers to good use.
Edie would like to take this opportunity to wish all our readers a Merry Christmas and prosperous New Year, and ask you to look out for our special report on Recruitment and Training in January 2007.