**2. Emergence and generation of municipal solid waste**

"Municipal solid waste" is commonly understood as the waste accruing in a municipality. Most of this solid waste is generated without any segregation, and, therefore, it may be either harmful or harmless. In general, independent on the origin of municipal solid waste, its impact on the environment and different life forms affects pollution of air, water, and soil. Moreover, impact of municipal solid waste on land use, odors, and esthetic aspects has also accounted for holistic considerations of waste treatment systems.

In principle, the human species is on top of any environmental pollution and consequently constitutes the major factor endangering nature's biodiversity. Global population growth and increasing consumer demands, especially in strongly growing, emerging, and developing economies, have resulted in a large production increase worldwide. However, most industrial facilities have insufficient or completely lacking monitoring of their production processes in environmental terms, and often insufficient or inadequate facilities for management and treatment of waste. The global trend of rapid urban growth has further caused an increase of waste generation from private habitation sites and private and public service facilities; in addition, intensified construction and demolition activities are ongoing. As urban population density is generally very high all over the world, the daily consumption of goods and services is also high in urban areas. Additionally, the amounts of accruing municipal solid waste are also directly correlating with the economic status of the society in a given country [5].

Municipal solid waste generation *per capita* has increased in most of the countries globally; in many cases, this increase has been dramatic especially during the last years. Among all solid waste, plastics, paper, glass, and metals are the four categories of highest potential for recycling. The huge quantities of municipal solid waste are not only a severe ecological hazard but also cause major social concern. This makes it clear that appropriate municipal solid waste management is a current topic of utmost importance [6].
