This note GEN 21, was originally published in August 1998, and was reviewed by Nigel Bell in July 2003. This summary page includes recent updates to the topic since publication. The traditional concern with waste management has moved in recent years towards waste minimisation and, most recently, resource recovery and management - thus placing it centrally into concerns with sustainable futures. This Note outlines the changes in ‘waste’ policies required by governments and the impacts these are creating for the building industry and design professionals.