Wasteland

When we throw things 'away', what does that actually mean? Where does it go, and who deals with it when it gets there? In Wasteland, award-winning journalist Oliver Franklin-Wallis takes us on an eye-opening journey through the global waste industry. From the mountainous landfills of New Delhi to Britain’s overflowing sewers, from hollowed-out mining towns in the USA to Ghana’s flooded second-hand markets, we meet the people on the frontline of our waste crisis – both those being exploited, and those determined to make a difference.

Franklin-Wallis delves deep into the intricate and often hidden world of rubbish, introducing readers to the individuals and communities who grapple with society’s relentless output of waste. Each chapter interweaves personal stories with investigative journalism to reveal startling truths. From the genesis of infinitesimal microplastics to the toxic legacy of electronic waste, Franklin-Wallis leaves no stone unturned. His narrative exposes the murky underbelly of corporations that disguise harmful practices under the guise of sustainability and recycling. Moreover, the book uncovers the alarming realities of our second-hand donations and brings readers face to face with the 10,000-year legacy of our nuclear waste.

Wasteland is not just a chronicle of what happens to our waste; it’s a compelling examination of human ingenuity, resilience, and the urgent need for change. With vivid storytelling and a wealth of meticulously researched facts, Franklin-Wallis portrays a complex picture, one that is as fascinating as it is alarming. The book highlights the innovative efforts being made to combat the waste crisis and provides a sober reflection on the consequences of our consumption-driven lifestyles.

Longlisted for the 2024 Wainwright Prize for Conservation Writing
One of The New Yorker’s Best Books of 2023

"A gripping read that will anger as much as it fascinates." — Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall

"An incredible journey into the world of rubbish, full of fascinating characters and mind-bending facts." — Oliver Bullough, author of Moneyland

"Urgent, probing and endlessly interesting." — Cal Flyn, author of Islands of Abandonment

"There are stories in all our discarded things: who made them, what they meant to a person before they were thrown away. In the end, it all ends up in the same place – the endless ingenuity of humanity in one filthy, fascinating mass."

Both shocking and hopeful, Wasteland is the timely and ultimately human story at the heart of an urgent global issue, offering readers not just a window into the depths of our waste problem, but also inspiring a sense of responsibility and a call to action.