Garbage Wars

This is one of the most original, thought-provoking works on environmental justice that I have seen in some time. Its significance lies in Pellow's unique ability to get at the often unspoken issues that affect the movement and its future direction.

Jim Schwab, American Planning Association, author of Deeper Shades of Green

Garbage Wars provides a detailed and fascinating historical account of an important environmental issue. David Pellow demonstrates that links between waste disposal and environmental injustice are not a recent phenomenon but rather have existed for a century and more. He shows that environmental inequalities result from a complex struggle among multiple stakeholders with varying interests and access to power. This is a truly groundbreaking work that uncovers the roots of an important environmental and social problem.

Paul Mohai, School of Natural Resources and Environment, University of Michigan

Pellow employs the notion of the 'treadmill of production' along with theoretical insights from race and ethnic studies to reveal the contradictions and complexities of the urban recycling and waste management economy. With the publication of Garbage Wars, David Pellow has established himself as one of foremost theorists and researchers on environmental inequalities and enviornmental justice.

Frederick H. Buttell, Professor of Rural Sociology and Environmental Studies, University of Wisconsin, Madison

David N. Pellow has written a unique study. Garbage Wars examines environmental racism and environmental justice from a variety of vantage points, including those of workers and whole neighborhoods. In doing so, he raises important questions about how society confronts its waste problems, and who ultimately pays for the choices made.

Martin V. Melosi, Distinguished University Professor, University of Houston, Author of The Sanitary City: Urban Infrastructure in America from Colonial Times to the Present

This is one of the most thoughtful and best-written works ever produced on environmental justice and injustice.

William R. Freudenburg, Professor of Rural Sociology and Environmental Studies, University of Wisconsin Madison

...insightfully assesses the ability of those at the bottom of the heap to mount an effective resistance for environmental justice.

Environment

...An indispensable book for anyone interested in waste...or the continued effects of racism and classism in American society.

The Public Historian