The question of what role physics plays in the garbage business invites the casual answer: “Not much.” But that would be wrong, and not from any trivial viewpoint, such as the mechanics of garbage grinders. Admittedly, physics does not play the key role, and certainly what is known colloquially as “high physics” may be quite unresponsive to the problem. Nevertheless, the ethos of physics and recognizable physical principles have become peculiarly useful as part of the intellectual armamentarium of waste management. Surely we are biased—two of us are former physicists and one is a former physical metallurgist. We will try to convince you that we are serious and have a valid point of view.