Total Garbage: A Messy Dive into Trash, Waste, and Our World

by Rebecca Donnelly, John Hendrix (Illustrator)

Total Garbage by Rebecca Donnelly dives into the messy truth about trash, garbage, waste, and our world―it's a fact-filled and fascinating illustrated middle grade environmental read!

Trash has been part of human societies since the beginning. It seems like the inevitable end to the process of making and using things―but why?

In this fascinating account of the waste we make, we'll wade into the muck of history and explore present-day STEM innovations to answer these important

What is garbage?
Where does our garbage come from?
Why do we make so much garbage?
Where does our garbage go?
What can we learn from our garbage?
How bad is our garbage problem?
How can we do better?

Rebecca Donnelly tackles the extraordinary, the icky, and the everyday, helping us see how our choices, personal and societal, impact our world and our planet―and encouraging us make a change.

Back matter includes a timeline of the history of waste management, selected bibliography, and index.

Genres: Nonfiction, Middle Grade, Science, Childrens, Environment

160 pages, Hardcover

Published March 7, 2023

Reviews

[Ms. Yingling · Rating 3 out of 5]

E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus

I am amazed that, on average, 4.9 pounds of trash per person today is created in the US, and most of it is sent to sanitary landfills, which were first created in the 1930s. How is that even sustainable? It's not, and Donnelly and Hendrix's new book is a great way to show young readers why trash is a problem, and offer them some steps as to how to deal with it.

No previous knowledge is presupposed in this book, and so different kinds of trash are described. I didn't know the term Municipal Solid Waste, but this is comprised of paper, food waste, plastics, textiles, electronics and school waste. There are also special sites for things like medical and construction waste. The problem of food waste has been in the news a lot recently in my community, and is something I absolutely hate. Because I have a yard and a garden, I'm able to compost fruit and vegetable scraps, along with egg shells and tea leaves, and if I throw out more than a pound or two of food a YEAR, I would be very surprised. Seeing how much trash, and what the different kinds are, is a good way for kids to start thinking about how to reduce the waste they create.

There ae so many good chapters and various aspects of waste. Subjects such as throwaway living (not a fan of anything single use here!), downcycling, environmental racism and justice are all thought provoking, and I found the information about incineration interesting. Sweden burns about half of the waste, and the process can be used to create energy. It's not a perfect system, of course, but it is a little surprising that more thought hasn't been put into this in the US.

Hendrix's illustrations are always fun (and his Faithful Spy is a masterpiece), and will add to the appeal for young readers. I loved that Menzel and D'Aluzio's 2014 project photography a week of trash was mentioned. I'm all for letting tweens know about problems in the world that they might not be able to solve, but which they can still think about and make efforts to help. Maybe if enough of my students read this book, they can help me get a project going to cut down on food waste in our cafeteria. There is a limit to the number of baby carrots I can personally consume.

[Kasey Giard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read a few books about waste and trash in the last few years. Some focus more on different types of waste and others focus more on activities to do as an individual. I think TOTAL GARBAGE did a great job exploring big questions about trash, including some of the reasons we dispose of trash the way we do today and how it impacts the environment.

One of the ways this book doesn’t pull any punches is in its assessment of why we dispose of waste in the way we do: money. Essentially, even when we know a disposal method is harmful for the environment or inefficient, if it’s cheaper or can be repackaged to the public as something positive, then often a company will choose that waste disposal method. I thought the information about recycling campaigns and waste being shipped overseas were eye-opening and presented in a straightforward manner.

I liked that the book still ends with a hopeful note, and that it does offer ways to help at a personal and community level. All in all, I think this is a powerful, informative book that I hope finds a home on many library shelves and in classrooms everywhere. Readers who enjoyed WHEN THE WORLD RUNS DRY by Nancy Castaldo will definitely want to check out TOTAL GARBAGE.

Note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions my own.

[Amelia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this book! I found it utterly fascinating and totally accessible, especially to a kid who has interest in this topic. I appreciate the authors note at the end which points out how the pandemic interrupted her book research. I kept thinking for a book published in 2023, there was a lot of stuff that went “in 2019…” or “in 2018…”, plus there were only a few mentions of the pandemic (understandable since it’s so recent and only time will tell on impacts of what we did or didn’t do) and they almost seemed like an after thought.

Despite that, there was a ton of interesting and very recent facts in this book. The author laid it all out there, and she didn’t try to sugar coat it. I think it will help kids understand it’s not their “fault” and they don’t have to be solely responsible for fixing it. She gave great actionable ideas at the end and made it very realistic and she was very honest about how she lives or tries to live her life. I found it very refreshing that she was saying the quiet part out loud (it’s alway all about $$$$) and restated it many times and again in the wrap up.

Booth this quick nonfic read for my 5th grader and he’s totally fascinated by it (so is his 1st grade brother!). I’m actually interested in reading this out loud to my kids. We love fun, gross facts, and I think we might start a worm compost situation in no our basement after finishing this book! Fingers crossed we’re successful!

[Becky B · Rating 4 out of 5]

A look at the way humans have dealt with garbage through history, how the amount and what we throw away has changed over time, what happens to your garbage and recycling after you throw it away, and some problems that must be dealt, some action items the average person can consider taking, as well as possible big picture solutions.

It sounds weird to say that I read a 100+ page chapter book on garbage in just one day, but that’s the truth. I found this very readable, informative, and quite thought-provoking. I also appreciate Donnelly’s balanced presentation of the solutions. She doesn’t expect everyone to make drastic, radical changes (and honestly shares what she has tried and been unable to keep up with). It is an encouragement to think about what you can feasibly change in your habits, to better understand what can and can’t be recycled (and why), and think more about whether something can be fixed rather than replaced (and also challenging the marketing system that thrives on us throwing things away vs fixing them). A great read for kids and young adults looking to be more environmentally conscious consumers and citizens.

Notes on content:
Language: None
Sexual content: None
Violence: None
Ethnic diversity: Various places on Earth are mentioned
LGBTQ+ content: None
Other: Talks about a number of environmental issues, but isn’t heavy on guilt or unreasonable changes.

[McKenzie Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

For more bookish thoughts, visit my blog: Craft-Cycle

This is a fascinating read. In modern society, it's easy to throw something away and forget about it, never questioning where it ends up. In this book, readers follow the history of garbage and how the relationship between humans and their trash has changed over time. It details where things go that we throw "away", including what happens in sanitary landfills, incinerators, recycling centers, and anaerobic digesters. It also goes through how garbage connects to climate change and its effect on the planet as well as the communities it ends up in.

Easy-to-read format told in a way that is both humorous and engaging. Each chapter focuses on a single question such as "What is garbage?", "Why do we make so much garbage?", and "How can we do better?". Throughout, Donnelly encourages readers to critically think about their habits as consumers, from what packaging their products come in to what they do when items break or are no longer wanted.

Filled with gross and fascinating facts, insight into the impact of our trash problem, and real-world ways to help reduce waste. This is such a great read.

[Wren · Rating 5 out of 5]

An informative and inspirational book about many dimensions of garbage.

The book looks at the history of garbage, the production of items that end up causing problems -- even food waste is a problem if not handled properly. The use of landfills, burning centers, and other methods like selling waste.

The last few pages are dedicated to suggestions on how to produce less, use less, recycle and in other ways better manage garbage. However, the main part of the book is persuasive in the details in how it's difficult to managing items thrown over to another place (not thrown away, there is not magical "away"). I remember that when my kids were little, I would throw away humidifiers that stopped functioning. My neighbor was horrified at my wastefulness. Now I am horrified at my wastefulness regarding that and hundred of other careless choices I have made.

"Use it up. Wear it out. Make it Do. Or do without." This saying appears at the start of the book. I took a photo of it because I want a sign in my living room that says this.

But I am going to make it myself with repurposed items in my house.

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this author’s explanation of our trash – her way of presentation and the humor. Loved the illustrations too – what a great book for middle schoolers (and all of us)!
Notes I made for our book club review:
1. For most of human history trash has been natural materials (pre-industrial)
2. P15: MSW = Municipal Solid Waste
3. P22: Using 10 paper cups w/lids is equivalent to driving a car one mile (carbon dioxide equivalent)
4. P24: for every garbage can at the curb, 70 cans worth upstream to create all we threw away
5. Twice as much trash per person as 100 yrs ago (make it do or do without)
6. P132: Keep America Beautiful campaign started by 2 cos that made single use cans and bottles! Blaming us consumers for their wastefulness…
7. Recycling good but reducing is better
8. Bottle Bill States – 60% recycled vs 24% in non-bottle bill states
9. 800 homes = a garbage truck full
10. EPA doesn’t keep track of landfills!
11. "Use it up. Wear it out. Make it Do. Or do without."

[Martha Meyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

The best gift we can give kids struggling with climate change is the TRUTH, modified by a scientific knowledge of age appropriateness. This book is an incredible gift to Middle Grade kids, giving them the chance to be able to learn the nuance of recycling (sometimes it is not the best choice) as well as learning about composting and more! A nicely written introduction to the complexities of waste; Donnelly handles this material so well. I was at first disappointed in the lesser quality of the book pages, but I think the author and publisher are making choices based on what’s best for the planet - one color of ink, less processed paper for pages. John Hendrix is more workman-like in this book but his art beautifully supports the text (and some of it is really funny, too). Highly Recommended for families of all kinds.

[Lilli Kempisty · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I won this book in a giveaway at one of my middle school ELA collab meetings, so it’s def geared towards a younger audience and teaching them about how garbage is affecting the world. However, it was an interesting read because I feel like I learned a lot about how garbage is affecting the state of the world and how it’s not just the environment, or it’s not just plastic bags, or it’s not just this or that, etc. A quick read for sure, it was only 138 pages (many pages had illustrations), but I enjoyed reading it because even though there were facts and statistics thrown at me, it wasn’t thrown at me in a word vomit type way. Also, even though this was already known, it opened my eyes to how the U.S. (and some other countries) handles trash disposal and how it really always boils down to money over doing the right thing for the environment😔✋🏼🤷🏼‍♀️. Pretty good read though overall.

[Alexa Hamilton · Rating 4 out of 5]

The history and future of trash! What a fun name for a book and a weird concept--but also, an amazing concept. We all produce trash, all the time, all throughout human history. Trash has caused many problems and it still does. There is a lot about systemic issues and racism related to trash, even though she does touch on personal responsibility. The last bit of the book and the author's note are a reminder that this book is not necessarily a blueprint to living the no waste or even low waste lifestyle. Moreover, this is informative and funny and interesting and might help you see what trash you create that you can change and what you might not be able to.

[Kayla · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'll be honest that my motivation for reading this was solely in that John Hendrix did the illustrations, and ever since I read The Faithful Spy: Dietrich Bonhoeffer and the Plot to Kill Hitler, I get my hands on absolutely every book that he writes and/or illustrates because I am just such a fan.

That being said, the illustrations were sparse. 😂 I think the book was really interesting, and I learned a ton about waste disposal, landfills, recycling, etc. that I didn't know before!

[Christa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Picked this up purely to see the John Hendrix illustrations. Did not know I wanted to read a middle grad non fiction book about trash. I did. Learned some interesting/disturbing things. Recycling doesn’t do what we think it does. Trash does not really for “away”. USA, wealthy nation takes care of its trash in the cheapest way possible. All ways of handling it have downsides. The biggest thing we can do as individuals is reduce by changing our consumer habits. Donnelly has a nice bibliography in the back in further investigation is desired.

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve always been fascinated by waste- where does it go? how can we cut down on it? what more could we do to have a positive impact on the environment without completely changing everything in our lives? Often people think “out of sight, out of mind” but the issue of trash and waste doesn’t just go away when we toss it into the trash can.
Written in a way that middle and high schoolers could easily understand the history of waste and ways they could help change things for the better. Recycling, reducing and reusing are just some of the ways we can make the world a better place for us all.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

An eye opening look at the history of trash as well as how we handle our garbage currently and continuing on to what we might be able to do to stop it from overtaking our planet entirely. It's well researched and engaging - with some smelly and disgusting facts that may have you questioning how the human race has managed to survive this long. Occasional hand drawn illustrations throughout. Back matter includes an author's note, timeline, acknowledgements, selected resources, and an index.

[Erin Buhr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maybe this is an odd summer reading choice, but this is one my kids will both be reading this summer because I think the topic is so important. GARBAGE is a well written, deep dive into the messy history and complexities of trash. This is a middle grade chapter book that great for upper elementary and middle schoolers.

[Pattie Babbitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book for middle schoolers or adults to learn about how "away" is actually not a place that trash goes when you throw it away. The effects of trash last long beyond our lifespan, and our planet needs us to buy less new items to throw away. Well presented information without the guilt for not being perfect in our consumption habits.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh no I read this book and now I feel so guilty! But creating waste is part of being human. A fact-filled, straight-forward read about how we can be better for the environment, for our future, and also for the people who currently live on this planet.

[Jennybeast · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating topic, broken down in a straightforward manner for kids (or anyone, really) who wants to know more about the waste we create. I want us to do better at prioritizing the best outcome over the cost, and maybe if more people read books like these, we can make that happen.

[Hoover Public Library Kids and Teens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite the seriousness of the world’s garbage predicament, the author’s message remains one of encouragement, offering creative examples of different communities’ solutions and urging readers not to give up hope.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

As is stated many times throughout this book, our garbage never really hoes away, just away from us.

[CCPL Buzz]

EF

[Jami Ellis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Informative but not what I would consider a Sequoyah title.

[Elley Shin · Rating 4 out of 5]

i thought that it was informational like her other book, Big Money, and even more comprehensive, but i wished that there were more images to break up the text

[Traci · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative. Readers learn about how we became a disposable society and how the focus on recycling can distract from better solutions to our garbage problem, like producing/consuming less.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this is a good surface skimming book for kids who are interested in how trash affects our world.

[Megan Sanks]

I found this book interesting and appreciated it being in a shorter, kid-friendly format. But I don't know how many kids would actually read the whole thing.

[Hanna *Middle School Librarian* · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was incredibly readable and blessedly short. This book also gave me an incredible amount of anxiety.

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really good young adult book about trash. I know a fair bit about the subject, but I definitely learned something from this book. I read it to my 6yo, on his request. It was a bit over his head, but I looked forward to him reading it to himself in a few years and getting more out of it.

[Dr. T Loves Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

What it's about: Donnelly provides a thoughtful, clear explanation for middle grades readers about where garbage comes from and why we need to think much more carefully about it. From the history of how garbage itself has changed and how garbage collection and disposal have evolved over the course of human history to the latest information on recycling and reuse of our discarded items, Donnelly's work paints a vivid picture to help young readers understand why this is such an important issue.

What I thought:

Why my chosen shelves:

CWs: issue: The effects of garbage on climate is discussed; racism: The book points out that some of the people who are most affected by pollution are Black and people of color

Characters: marginalized: There is a section pointing out how marginalized people are more likely to feel the effects of pollution

Genres: education: This book is nonfiction science told with a narrative style

Topics: climate change: There is a whole section on climate change and how pollution plays into it; economics: Donnelly points out that pollution is often a result of economic forces; information literacy: This book offers readers suggestions for how to look for reliable information; medical: There are discussions of the impact of pollution on health; political: Donnelly points out that the government can play a role in limiting (or allowing) pollution; technology: Donnelly looks at how technology creates a special kind of garbage, and how some tech might be helpful; sociology: Donnelly discusses how pollution impacts society, and how society creates pollution, and how society could take steps to curb pollution

Why I rated it like I did: Donnelly's writing in this book is never grim, but it does paint a stark picture of the peril humans are in if we don't take our garbage seriously. While she does recognize that there are things individuals can do to help alleviate the problems caused by our garbage, she is also a realist - she points readers to the fact that large companies are the ones who create the most, and the most problematic, garbage, and that we as consumers and voters must hold them accountable.

[Glenna Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book lays out the past history of trash in a fascinating way and smoothly transitions to the present problems with trash in a way that makes the urgency of dealing with trash clear, but leaves room for hope and just the right amount of feeling of urgency and a smattering of guilt that is likely to leave readers thinking about their lifestyle choices and the good of the earth for a long time--long enough even to develop some new habits about purchasing, use and disposal of trash. This book has the potential to change the way readers order their priorities in every facet of their lives.