Examines the cost of municipal waste management in the UK. Outlines factors that have affected the municipal waste management industry in recent years including the outsourcing of waste management activities by local authorities and the introduction of the EU Landfill Directive and landfill tax. Estimates the total annual turnover of the industry as £3.5bn per annum and highlights the turnover and assets of leading waste management companies. Considers how the industry can meet the financial burden of developing alternative waste treatment methods and suggests that the City regards solid waste management as a risky sector. Concludes that the current period of radical change for the industry is likely to see some casualities. Graphs. Full report "Financing sustainable waste management: the challenge for the new millennium" available from Caledonian Economics, t +44 (0)131 552 8786 or [email protected].