In response to growing concern about the impact of environment on our lives, this unique book identifies the problems and opportunities of converting waste into useful material or fuel. Written by distinguished experts in this emerging field, cutting-edge research is provided on such issues as: waste utilization and recycling; plastics, polymers, tires, and automotive wastes; biosolids, biomass, and municipal solid wastes; and potential usage of coal conversion by-products. Information is also available on selected conversion processes, as well as the characterization, mitigation, and the use of by-product streams.