The Course Unit aims to give the student an in-depth understanding of the technical, economic and environmental aspects of waste management in an industrialized and economically developed society. In particular, students should develop skills in identifying and characterizing the various types of waste and their management and recovery methods, including the whole chain of waste management, from collection to recovery or final disposal. They should also acquire knowledge of the physical, chemical and biological processes of waste treatment and recovery, as well as of the environmental costs associated with them. That way, it is foreseen that students will acquire the skills to quantify processes and to size and optimize operations and facilities.