To kick off I would firstly like to say what a pleasure it has been taking on my new role as editor of Waste Management World. I have thoroughly enjoyed the events I have attended this year, IFAT 2008 in Munich and CIWM in the UK, and my time spent writing articles, meeting industry professionals and immersing myself in the wonderful world of waste.
As I look forward to RWM in Birmingham, UK, this month I will be particularly interested to see some of the latest and greatest recycling technologies and systems. It has been fascinating putting together the information for our recycling special this issue, looking at the ways waste management companies aim to get the best from their waste streams and maximise the number of materials that can be recycled.
A particularly encouraging thing to note from our features this issue is that paper recycling in the USA has hit an all-time high as Donna Harman of the American Forest and Paper Association explains on page 26. Also in terms of recycling features this issue, Alan Potter looks at the carbon footprint of recyclable materials considering when it is more economically viable to export material for recycling and when it is better to recycle at home, and our esteemed ex-editor Guy Robinson gives an overview of recycling trends.
I look forward to bringing you the best of the waste-to-energy news and stories in our special next month. Until then enjoy this issue.
Claudine Capel,
Editor, Waste Management World
P.S. Our range of on-line videos is growing all the time – log on to www.waste-management-world.com to take a look.
