This report describes a study on the nature of the UK waste industry and its health and safety standards. It is estimated that around 160,000 workers are employed in the waste industry. Recent research estimates that around 45,000 extra jobs could potentially be created by 2010. The waste industry reports around 4,000 accidents each year. The overall accident rate for the waste industry is around 2,500 per 100,000 workers. Over 3-day injury handling accidents are the most common. Being struck by a refuse collection vehicle or a car are the most common workplace transport accidents.