Junkyard Planet by Adam Minter (2023)

Junkyard Planet by Adam Minter

(I’ve shortened the proper title which is Junkyard Planet: Travels in the Billion-Dollar Trash Trade by Adam Minter)

This book opened my eyes to the scrap metal market and provided a full understanding of how the trade works.

The author, Adam Minter, was, for six years, the only person writing about the scrap metal market in Asia. And actually coming from a scrap metal trading family. Therefore, he knows his stuff, has widespread contacts and is an engaging word weaver.

Junkyard Planet by Adam Minter is filled with interesting anecdotes and stories about the people and communities involved in the recycling industry. Minter also provides a detailed analysis of the economics of the trade, including the impact of government policies and regulations on the industry.

Junkyard Planet is a thought-provoking book that challenges readers to think critically about the impact of our waste on the environment and the people who depend on the recycling industry for their livelihoods. Minter’s writing is engaging and informative, and he provides a balanced perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing the recycling industry today.

Overall, Junkyard Planet by Adam Minter is a must-read for anyone interested in the global economy, environmental issues, and the impact of our consumer culture on the world.

Minter’s insights and observations are both informative and entertaining, and the book offers a unique perspective on one of the world’s most pressing issues.

Not a quick read, but one that is important to gain an understanding of where scrap metal fits into the reduce, reuse and recycle landscape. There are some special moments in the book, especially how metal is sorted in the States compared to China.

I was so impressed with this read and the amount of information contained, the secrets revealed about the scrap industry; I went off and got the follow up.

5/5

Read my reviews of other non-fiction reads here