"The Waste and the Backyard" is a specialized book that addresses the complex decision-making processes involved in the site selection and construction of waste disposal and treatment facilities in industrialized countries. It highlights the frequent controversies associated with the establishment of such facilities and examines the paradoxical situation where environmentally necessary projects are rejected for environmental reasons. The book is based on the findings of an EU-funded research project and analyzes six successful case studies from various European countries, including France, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, and Slovenia. The aim is to identify factors that can predict success in site selection. The insights are significant not only for environmental research but also for public policy, particularly in areas where conflicts play a role. The book is aimed at scholars, practitioners, and decision-makers in the field of environmental policy and offers valuable insights into the redefinition of public decision-making processes.