Preface

Management of solid waste refers to the process of collecting, treating, and finally disposing of solid material that has served its function or is no longer useful. This process may also be referred to as trash consolidation. Examples of solid waste materials include wood, paper, plastic, broken furniture, glass, grounded cars, obsolete electronic products, and hospital and market waste. Because most of these waste materials are non-biodegradable, they pile up in landfills where they remain for years. Incorrect disposal of municipal solid waste can lead to unsanitary conditions, which in turn can lead to pollution of the environment and outbreaks of vector-borne diseases (diseases spread by rodents and insects). In addition, unsanitary conditions can make it more likely that people will be exposed to the disease. Landfilling is still the most widespread and cheapest waste management method to dispose of solid waste in the world and is also a major contamination source. Modern landfills are highly engineered containment systems designed to minimize the impact of solid waste on the environment and human health.

Thus, the management of solid waste and landfills presents several technical difficulties to be addressed. Most of the concerns and problems previously associated with solid waste management have been reduced or eliminated because of the improved management of hazardous waste and the emergence of cost-effective, integrated waste management systems with a greater emphasis on waste reduction and recycling. Enhanced air pollution control systems in incinerators have been shown to be effective, and a greater understanding of hazardous compounds contained in solid waste has resulted in environmentally acceptable waste management choices.

Although there have been no revolutionary advances in waste management alternatives, there has been a constant improvement in the technologies required to treat solid waste materials safely and economically. However, they present a myriad of administrative, economic, and social difficulties that need to be managed and resolved. Several studies show that advancements in solid waste management and landfill operations have contributed to lowering the environmental impact of waste disposal and fostering sustainability. This book brings the reader up to date on these possibilities and how solid waste can be managed efficiently and cost-effectively and provides tools to develop and assess alternative solid waste management systems and/or programs. It is organized into two sections: "Waste Management" and "Technologies and Practice." The book includes several images to provide a visual understanding of the various management tactics presented.
