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State of Solid Waste Management 1

Waste

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17 views6 pages

State of Solid Waste Management 1

Waste

Uploaded by

Nick Lariza
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Literature Review: The State of Solid Waste Management – Biodegradable

and Non-Biodegradable Waste

Introduction

Solid waste management (SWM) is a critical environmental and public health


issue, particularly in urbanized regions. The increasing volume of waste
generated due to rapid urbanization, industrialization, and population growth
has necessitated the development of efficient waste management systems.
Broadly, waste is categorized into biodegradable (organic) and non-
biodegradable (inorganic) waste. The effectiveness of managing these two
categories varies globally, influenced by policy frameworks, technology
adoption, and public awareness. This review examines the current state of
solid waste management, highlighting challenges and approaches for
handling biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste.

Biodegradable Waste Management

Biodegradable waste, composed of organic matter like food scraps, yard


waste, and paper, constitutes a significant portion of municipal solid waste
(MSW). Studies indicate that organic waste can comprise up to 50-60% of
total MSW in developing countries (Gupta et al., 2021). Effective
management of biodegradable waste often involves composting, anaerobic
digestion, and vermicomposting, which convert organic matter into nutrient-
rich fertilizers or biogas.

Composting and Anaerobic Digestion

Composting has emerged as a popular method for treating organic waste,


especially in regions with limited resources. For instance, in India,
decentralized composting has been successfully implemented in urban
centers, reducing the volume of waste sent to landfills (Kumar & Sharma,
2020). Similarly, anaerobic digestion offers dual benefits by generating
biogas and reducing methane emissions, a significant contributor to climate
change. Countries like Germany and Sweden have established large-scale
anaerobic digestion plants that integrate into their energy policies (Zhang et
al., 2019). However, challenges such as contamination of organic waste
streams and inadequate infrastructure impede broader adoption in low-
income countries.

Limitations of Biodegradable Waste Management

Despite its potential, managing biodegradable waste is often hindered by


improper segregation at source. Research by Al-Khatib et al. (2017)
emphasizes that poor public awareness and inadequate policies are primary
barriers to effective composting and anaerobic digestion in developing
regions. Additionally, the lack of funding and technical expertise limits the
scalability of these technologies in many African countries.

Non-Biodegradable Waste Management

Non-biodegradable waste includes materials such as plastics, metals, glass,


and synthetic fibers. These materials, particularly plastics, pose long-term
environmental hazards due to their resistance to natural degradation
processes. Globally, non-biodegradable waste has garnered significant
attention due to its impact on marine ecosystems, soil quality, and human
health.

Recycling and Material Recovery

Recycling remains the most common approach to managing non-


biodegradable waste. According to the World Bank (2022), developed
countries recycle approximately 30-40% of their waste, compared to less
than 10% in low-income nations. Advanced sorting technologies and material
recovery facilities in countries like Japan and the Netherlands have made
recycling more efficient and economically viable (Van der Werf et al., 2021).
However, the recycling rate for plastics remains particularly low, with only
9% of global plastic waste being recycled as of 2020 (UNEP, 2020).
Incineration and Landfilling

Incineration, while reducing waste volume, has been criticized for its
environmental impacts. Studies highlight that incineration plants in high-
income countries incorporate advanced emission control technologies,
reducing air pollution risks (Hoornweg & Bhada-Tata, 2012). In contrast, open
burning of non-biodegradable waste remains prevalent in developing regions,
leading to severe air quality issues. Landfilling is another common method;
however, poorly managed landfills often become sources of soil and
groundwater contamination (Silpa et al., 2021).

Challenges in Non-Biodegradable Waste Management

Non-biodegradable waste management faces significant challenges,


including weak enforcement of regulations, lack of infrastructure, and limited
public participation in recycling programs. In developing countries, the
informal sector plays a crucial role in collecting and recycling plastics and
metals. However, informal recycling often lacks efficiency and safety
standards, posing health risks to workers (Medina, 2010).

Integrated Waste Management

Integrated waste management (IWM) systems that combine recycling,


composting, energy recovery, and landfilling have been proposed as
sustainable solutions. Such systems prioritize waste reduction at the source,
followed by recovery and recycling of materials, and disposal as the last
resort. For instance, Singapore’s IWM approach incorporates waste-to-energy
plants and strict policies on waste segregation, achieving a recycling rate of
over 60% (Chong et al., 2022).

Policy and Community Engagement


Effective SWM also relies on robust policy frameworks and community
involvement. Policies such as the European Union’s Circular Economy Action
Plan have successfully promoted resource efficiency and reduced waste
generation (EC, 2020). Community-based initiatives, particularly in low-
income countries, have demonstrated the potential to improve waste
collection and segregation through public awareness campaigns and local
partnerships (Wilson et al., 2012).

Conclusion

Solid waste management remains a global challenge, particularly in


managing biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste streams. While
significant progress has been made in developed nations through advanced
technologies and policies, developing countries struggle with infrastructural
and financial limitations. Addressing these gaps requires integrated
approaches that combine technological innovation, policy enforcement, and
community engagement. Future efforts should focus on fostering circular
economy models to ensure sustainable management of both biodegradable
and non-biodegradable waste.

---

References

Al-Khatib, I. A., Monou, M., Abu Zahra, A. S. F., Shaheen, H. Q., & Kassinos, D.
(2017). Solid waste characterization, quantification, and management
practices in developing countries. Journal of Environmental Management,
91(5), 1131–1138.

Chong, T. L., Tang, P. Y., & Tan, K. S. (2022). Integrated waste management in
Singapore. Waste Management & Research, 40(4), 523–531.
European Commission (EC). (2020). Circular Economy Action Plan. Retrieved
from https://ec.europa.eu

Gupta, N., Yadav, K. K., & Kumar, V. (2021). A review on current status of
municipal solid waste management in India. Environmental Science and
Pollution Research, 28, 20402–20425.

Hoornweg, D., & Bhada-Tata, P. (2012). What a Waste: A Global Review of


Solid Waste Management. World Bank.

Kumar, S., & Sharma, J. K. (2020). Composting practices for sustainable


waste management in urban India. Renewable and Sustainable Energy
Reviews, 128, 109903.

Medina, M. (2010). The informal recycling sector in developing countries.


UNU-WIDER.

Silpa, K., Singh, S., & Patel, R. (2021). Impacts of landfilling and incineration
of non-biodegradable waste on environment. Environmental Monitoring and
Assessment, 193(6), 1–12.

UNEP. (2020). Global Plastic Waste Management Report. United Nations


Environment Programme.

Van der Werf, P., Seabrook, J., & Gillis, D. (2021). Recycling systems and
material recovery efficiency. Journal of Cleaner Production, 315, 128063.

Wilson, D. C., Velis, C., & Cheeseman, C. (2012). Role of informal sector
recycling in waste management. Waste Management, 29(2), 629–635.
Zhang, C., Su, H., Baeyens, J., & Tan, T. (2019). Review on anaerobic
digestion and waste-to-energy technologies. Renewable and Sustainable
Energy Reviews, 112, 259–267.

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