| Assessing Different Solid Waste Management Options |
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Based on extensive research, the World Bank has developed some guidelines to success in planning and implementing solid waste management solutions |
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Solutions |
Description |
Comments on Application |
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Source reduction |
Volume of solid waste is reduced by reducing packaging, disposable products, etc. |
Could introduce advanced practices, reducing waste at source. Many sources lie outside individual cities. |
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Uncontrolled dumping |
Controlled application of waste on land. |
Low-cost and low-technology solution when land available. Risks in certain circumstances, e.g., to water supply. |
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Sanitary landfilling |
Controlled application of waste on land. |
Low-cost and low-technology solution when land available. Risks in certain circumstances, e.g., to water supply. |
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Composting |
Biological decomposition of organic matter in waste under controlled conditions. |
Needs correct proportion of bio-degradable material in waste. May be expensive where no market for compost. Large decentralised schemes claimed to be unsuccessful. |
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Multi-material recycling |
Complements composting Design products for ready recycling/reuse, sorting by consumers and pick-up by types of materials. |
Recycling and reuse already occurs in many countries as a matter of economic necessity. |
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Incineration |
Controlled burning of waste at high temperatures to reduce its volume; possibility to gain energy from combustion. |
High capital cost; requires skilled operation and control. Waste must have high calorific value. Advantage if land not available for landfill. |
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Gasification |
Biological decomposition of organic matter in waste under controlled conditions to obtain methane and other gases. |
High cost and technologically complicated. |
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Refuse derived fuel |
Separation of combustible materials from solid waste to be used for fuel purposes. |
Assumes combustible material not separated out. Costs and operational issues not widely known for large-scale operations. |
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Pyrolysis |
High temperature conversion of organic material in absence of oxygen to obtain combustible by-products. |
Capital intensive with high running costs, and technically complex. |
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Choices |
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