In "Junkyard Planet," Adam Minter delves into the sprawling labyrinth of global recycling, where the detritus of daily life transforms into the commodities of tomorrow. With the narrative zeal of a seasoned journalist and the personal insight of a man whose lineage is intertwined with the junkyards of America, Minter embarks on a globe-trotting exploration that reveals the unseen journey of our discarded items—from the moment they are tossed away to their rebirth in foreign lands. This book is not just a tale of recycling; it is a vivid chronicle of a multi-billion dollar industry that stands at the crossroads of commerce, environmentalism, and innovation, challenging our perceptions of waste and worth. Through encounters with a cast as diverse as it is fascinating—including a young boy scavenging through Detroit's dumps in the 1930s, a Chinese barber turned recycling mogul, and an engineer scouring the U.S. for scrap—Minter uncovers the intricate networks and economies powered by our refuse. "Junkyard Planet" shines a light on the unsung heroes and hidden economies that flourish from what we discard, offering a compelling argument for reevaluating the sustainability of "going green." Minter’s journey is a testament to the adage that one man’s trash is another man’s treasure, revealing the complexities of a system that redefines our junk as the building blocks of a resourceful and resilient planet.