Plastic wastes in the municipal solid waste (MSW) stream and in the industrial sector are discussed in this book. Quantities of plastic wastes generated, characterization of the wastes, their environmental impact, and management of the waste stream are described. Also covered are costs of recycling processes, technology, and energy considerations.Part I. Wastes in the Municipal Solid Waste Stream Introduction Production, Use, and Disposal of Plastics and Plastic Products Impacts of Plastic Debris on the Marine Environment Impacts of Post-Consumer Plastics Waste on the Management of Municipal Solid Waste Options to Reduce the Impacts of Post-Consumer Plastics Wastes Objectives and Action Items Appendix A: - Statutory and Regulatory Authorities Available to EPA and Other Federal Agencies Appendix B: - State and Local Recycling Efforts Appendix C: - Substitutes for Lead and Cadmium Additives for Plastics Part II. Recycling in the Industrial Sector Introduction Plastic Waste Projections The Energy Content of Plastic Wastes The Cost of Recycling Versus Disposal An Update of Recent Institutional Changes that May Promote Recycling Recent Legislative and Regulatory Actions The Potential for Divertable Plastic Waste Plastics Recycling from the Current Industry's Perspective Conclusions Appendix: - Plastic Waste Projections: Methodology and AssumptionsPlastic wastes in the municipal solid waste (MSW) stream and in the industrial sector are discussed in this book.