A major human dimension in climate change is the management of wastes. Ideal technologies would minimize health and environmental hazards, reduce amounts of wastes, and use energy in the most efficient way, while reducing attendant greenhouse gases. Beyond technology, public policy and research need to be directed to permitting requirements, storage, and deferred treatment of wastes (sequestering) and to encouraging source reduction and recycling. Best management practices will reduce resource consumption and maximize the use of wastes in beneficial ways. The focus on hazardous, municipal and petroleum production wastes is supported by examples from incineration, the use of limestone, and composting. Incineration is flagged as a technology that is in direct conflict with emerging global climate policy. Attention is drawn to the use of limestone as an underestimated source of greenhouse gases. Limestone is widely used in waste management systems and is closely tied to the material standard of living of people everywhere because of its extensive use in manufacturing and agriculture. Policy to convert the organic portion of municipal waste to compost has failed to take into account possible greenhouse consequences. A futuristic “manufacturing ecosystem”; in which clusters of enterprises both produce and feed upon one another's wastestream is suggested as an alternative. Finally, the causal connection between volumes of wastes and climate‐changing gases with production, consumption, and population size is noted.