Effective waste management is one of the most complex and problematic environmental challenges facing us. There is no magic wand or soft option. Delivery of waste services and infrastructure are, in many respects, inherently more complex than the delivery of other environmental services. Waste streams are very diverse and their management requires consideration of a wide range of environmental, economic and market-related issues. At the same time, waste treatment options are controversial, and there is strong public opposition to proposals for any significant waste infrastructure. As recent cases illustrate, even proposals for relatively small bottle banks and recycling centres attract criticism.