review · The Science of The Total Environment
Rapid urbanisation in developing countries across Asia and Africa has led to a significant increase in municipal solid waste generation. However, current disposal strategies are ineffective due to land and financial constraints, coupled with unorganised public behaviour, hindering policy implementation and monitoring. This review, based on 170 academic papers from 2013 to 2023, identifies key challenges and proposes solutions beyond just recycling. These include waste sorting at the source, optimising landfill practices, thermal treatment measures, and strategies to capitalise on waste value, which are more aligned with local realities. Barriers to effective management stem from socio-economic factors, infrastructural limitations, and cultural considerations. The study emphasises integrating waste management into a circular economy framework, enhancing citizen participation, promoting recycling, and seeking international economic assistance.
Ineffective municipal solid waste management poses significant environmental and public health risks in rapidly urbanising regions. Addressing these challenges through tailored strategies can improve urban sustainability, resource efficiency, and the well-being of communities in Asia and Africa, contributing to a healthier environment and economy.
This research provides strategic insights for developing improved municipal solid waste management systems, focusing on resource recovery and circular economy integration. It could inform policy makers, urban planners, and waste management companies in Asia and Africa. Technology providers for waste sorting, thermal treatment, and landfill optimisation could find pathways for applied solutions. This is applied research informing strategic development and policy, rather than a direct product.
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The rapid urbanization witnessed in developing countries in Asia and Africa has led to a substantial increase in municipal solid waste (MSW) generation. However, the corresponding disposal strategies, along with constraints in land resources and finances, compounded by unorganized public behaviour, have resulted in ineffective policy implementation and monitoring. This lack of systematic and targeted orientation, combined with blind mapping, has led to inefficient development in many areas. This review examines the key challenges of MSW management in developing countries in Asia and Africa from 2013 to 2023, drawing insights from 170 academic papers. Rather than solely focusing on recycling, the study proposes waste sorting at the source, optimization of landfill practices, thermal treatment measures, and strategies to capitalize on the value of waste as more pertinent solutions aligned with local realities. Barriers to optimizing management systems arise from socio-economic factors, infrastructural limitations, and cultural considerations. The review emphasizes the importance of integrating the study area into the circular economy framework, with a focus on enhancing citizen participation in solid waste reduction and promoting recycling initiatives, along with seeking economic assistance from international organizations.
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DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172794
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