Waste Management: A Reference Handbook covers the topic of waste management from the earliest pages of human history to the present day.

Chapters One and Two provide a historical background of the topic and a review of current problems, controversies, and solutions. The remainder of the book consists of chapters that aid readers in continuing their research on the topic, such as an extended annotated bibliography, a chronology, a glossary, lists of noteworthy individuals and organizations in the field, and important data and documents.

The variety of resources provided, such as further reading, perspective essays about waste management, a historical timeline, and useful terms in the industry, differentiates this book from others in the field. It is intended for readers of high school through the community college level, along with adult readers who may be interested in the topic.