Solid waste management refers to the process of collecting, treating, and disposing of solid waste. The aim of solid waste management is to reduce the dangerous effects of waste on the environment and human health. Solid waste management practices are not uniform among countries, regions, and residential and industrial sectors. Municipal solid waste (MSW) is the bulk of the waste that is created by household, industrial, and commercial activity. Improper disposal of MSW can create unsanitary conditions, leading to pollution of the environment and outbreaks of vector-borne diseases.
Solid waste management presents complex technical challenges and poses a wide variety of administrative, economic, and social problems that must be managed and solved. Modern solid waste management plants in most developed countries now emphasize the practice of recycling and waste reduction at the source rather than incineration and land disposal.
Michigans solid waste programs recognize waste as a resource that should be managed to promote economic vitality, ecological integrity, and improved quality of life in a way that fosters sustainability. In addition to ensuring that waste disposal practices are protective of the public and environment, they promote a systematic approach to using/reusing resources productively and sustainably throughout their life cycles, from the point of resource extraction through material recycling or final disposal.
There are different methods of solid waste management, including landfilling, incineration, composting, and recycling. The World Bank is working with countries, cities, and partners worldwide to create and finance effective solutions that can lead to gains in environmental, social, and human capital.
