Recycling, international trade and the environment: An empirical analysis

Book abstract:

This book is a study of the economic and environmental importance of international recycling. It analyses developments in trade and recycling and the effects of the globalisation of the recycling market in economic and environmental terms. Its aim is to provide recommendations to prevent the negative environmental economic effects of trade in recyclables.

The book is divided into two parts. Part 1 is entitled Theory and Methods. Divided into three sections it looks at theories of international trade in secondary materials, models of international recycling, and the development of a method for the evaluation of the external effects of recycling. Having identified that the trade flow in recyclables tends to be from developed to developing countries, Part 2 is divided into four case studies. Empirical evidence on recycling and trade in paper and lead in developed and developing countries; Recycling and trade of waste paper in India; Recycling and trade in waste plastics in China; Trade and recycling of used truck tyres in Western and Eastern Europe.

The book is derived from a PhD project undertaken by the author at the Institute of Environmental Studies, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam. It will be of interest to those with an academic interest in international trade, material flows and waste management.