Abstract The paper touches upon the environmental issues of the modern civilization and the new technologies of waste recycling. The paper also dwells upon waste-free production where all the raw materials are transformed into products which is, at the same time, optimized in terms of process, economic, social and environmental criteria. There are also given the figures of increase of garbage volume in various countries including Russia. There are stated the most dangerous products of decomposition of plastic. In the article there are also considered the modern technologies of waste recycling which is the most prospective way to solve the issue of urban landfills. There are given the examples of recycling of combustible waste, rotting waste, medical waste and old cars without harming the environment.