21st Century Policy Project

Future Search Conference Issue: New Technology

Issue Definition and Scope

Future waste management practices, the provision of goods and services that do or do not generate waste, and the incorporation of recycled materials into goods and services will, to a great extent, determine the development and deployment of new technologies. The State can choose to have a role and to define its role (active, supporting, financial, etc.) in such technology development.

Background

As in most fields, new technologies have brought about significant changes in terms of how we manage waste as a society. We have progressed from the open burning of unsegregated trash to the disposal of the residuals of separation efforts in lined facilities equipped with leak detection and containment systems. Technologies have developed for incorporating waste-derived materials (such as tires, plastic, glass, paper, wood, etc.) into many products and for re-engineering systems such that less waste is produced in the first place. The development and implementation of new technologies is a process without end and one in which government, industry and others can play significant roles.

Issue Questions

• What should the state’s role be in new technology development (funding, research, promotion/commercialization and evaluation/assessment)?
• How can the state promote manufacturer responsibility in terms of appropriate product packaging and the provision of goods and services generally?
• How could state ‘incentives’ (fiscal, regulatory, etc.) promote new technology development and implementation as alternatives to current manufacturing practices? What are the appropriate incentives?
• How do loans, grants etc. impact new technologies?
• Should the state assist with research of new methods for solid waste management (i.e. landfill, transformation and other facility technologies)?
• Should the waste management hierarchy guide government involvement in new technology development?
• How can technology be used to better de-materialize goods and services (such as use of the computer or TV to order goods and services)?
• Should a research agenda be established?
• How do you encourage/promote product design incorporating materials that can be recycled and that use secondary materials as feedstock? How can pollution prevention and sustainability principles be incorporated into product design and usage?

Last updated: October 18, 2007