**1. Introduction**

Solid waste can be broadly classified as putrescible and non-putrescible, based on its biodegradability. Putrescible waste contains organic matter. This waste is suitable for digestion and land disposal. Non-putrescible waste is generally non-biodegradable waste which cannot be digested. Municipal solid waste contains food waste, papers, plastic, paints, heavy metals and rubber. Municipal waste needs to be classified based on biodegradability for further treatment. Local civic bodies are now putting stringent norms for classification of solid waste. In India green and blue containers are provided to households to separate this waste and source. Industrial solid waste may contain, waste adsorbent, waste catalyst sludge, solid residue of by-product, residue of reactions, etc. This solid waste may contain hazardous material also. Dewatering,

centrifugal filtration, drying and incineration are usual steps used for solid waste treatment in industries. Bio-degradable solid waste, rich in organic content can be used to synthesize various useful organic compounds. Non-biodegradable waste like plastic, rubber can be reused or recycled. Reduce, reuse and recycle are nowadays trending concepts in solid waste management. Non-government organizations (NGOs) in developing countries are playing key role in developing awareness among people about proper segregation and collection of solid waste. Recycling industry is promoted by government through various schemes and initiatives. This chapter briefly explains initiatives and investigations aimed at various solid minimizations, reuse and recycle methods and methods used for synthesis of value-added products from solid wastes. Initiatives taken by governments; non-government organizations are briefed in the chapter. Also, investigations carried out by scientific community to treat and recycle solid waste are reviewed. The chapter contains efforts taken for solid waste recycle and reuse in Asian countries, though it contains some significant efforts in other developing countries also. This review is based on available literature, research papers and available reports on solid waste management.

### **2. Methodology**

Solid waste contains bio-degradable and non-bio-degradable material. Nonbio-degradable material cannot be digested and hence reuse or recycle of this type of waste is becoming important area of investigation. Countries like China, Taiwan and Malaysia are taking initiatives to reduce plastic waste by reuse and recycle principle. First three sections (Sections 3–5) of the chapter are devoted to plastic and non-bio-degradable waste. In remaining sections, reuse, recycle, recovery and energy generation methods for biodegradable waste are explained with the help of available literature and research papers. Domestic and municipal solid waste treatment needs to be more familiar with people. For this, efforts are being taken by government authorities by adopting regulations and stricter norms. These regulations along with awareness created by social groups and organizations can improve waste management scenario in developing countries. Another aspect of solid waste treatment discussed in this chapter is investigations carried out by researchers to optimize the waste reuse and recycle technologies. This aspect is briefed with the help of research papers published by investigators from these developing countries.

#### **3. Plastic bags**

Plastic bags are used for containing and transporting goods. Also, they are used for vegetables, groceries and other domestic items as a container. Plastic, which sometimes is non-replaceable, is very important material if used sensibly. The plastic bags are very thin and flexible. The disposal of these plastic bags is creating huge problems in developing countries. If these bags are recycled, the disposal problem would not arise. But lack of awareness and willpower has played a great roll in plastic ban. Nowadays the governments have banned the use of plastic bags above certain thickness. Even many other civic bodies are banning plastic use. Studies show that increase in reuse of plastic can reduce the eco-impact of plastic to a great extent [1]. In developing countries, blockage of drainage due to plastic causes calamities such as flood. Also, it can be a reason for mosquito breeding. Lack of sophistication of the recycle and waste treatment facility develops concern about manufacture and use of plastic [2]. Many developing countries in

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*Studies, Efforts and Investigations on Various Aspects of Solid Waste Management…*

Africa have adopted use of glass container instead of plastic. They are promoting

Waste plastic and rubber can be used in road construction [5]. Semi-dense bitumen concrete can be prepared and used for road construction. Waste plastic material such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE-2), low-density polyethylene (LDPE-4), poly propylene (PP-5) and polystyrene (PS-6) can be used for obtaining different products [6]. Slurry formation, liquefaction, recovery and condensation are the steps in the process. Use of superplasticizer can enhance the properties of waste plastic in road construction [7]. Biomedical plastic waste finds application in road construction. Compared to normal the bituminous mix, bio-medical plastic waste coated mix had better properties [8]. Pyrolysis oil can be derived from the waste plastic and can be used to derive diesel. Studies indicate that this diesel is suitable for use in engine [9]. Use of plastic waste in the flexible pavements increases strength and durability [10, 11]. Bitumen requirement can be reduced by 8–12% by using plastic waste for pavement material [12]. Thermal cracking of waste plastic can convert them into usable oil form [13]. Also, plastic bottles can be used for the construction of house. It is observed that these houses are bioclimatic. It means that

Discarded, obsolete, end of life electrical and electronics equipment forms Electronic waste (E-waste). Heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, chromium, mercury, barium is present in E-waste [15]. The E-waste recycling needs quantitative measures for recycling and reuse of E-waste [16]. Illegally imported E-waste from developed countries is additional E-waste problem faced by India like countries [17]. There is need for increasing awareness about health effects of E-waste and importance of recycling. Inventorization and unhealthy conditions of informal recycling, inadequate legislation, poor awareness and reluctance on part of the corporate to address solid waste issues are drawbacks of waste minimization programs in India [18]. Waste materials from discarded computers, televisions, stereos, copiers, fax machines, electric lamps, cell phones, audio equipment and batteries can be hazardous to health. For example, lead can leach out from the E-waste materials, and enter into human bodies through oral route [19]. According to Kumar and Shah, the crude recycling activities cause irreversible health and environmental hazards [20]. So, there is need of refinement of the process adopted for recycle. According to Kumar and Karishma, India is fifth largest producer of E-waste in the world. In India only recycling of E-waste is 10% of recycle business [21]. About 65% of E-waste is generated in urban Area in India [21]. About 21% of this E-waste is plastic. E-waste is fastest growing waste stream in the world [22, 23]. Around seven lakh tons of E-waste were produced in India in 2016 [24]. Individual and government contributions can help to tackle this E-waste problem [25]. It is important to bridge the gap between the formal and informal divide in E-waste management in India [26]. E-waste recycling provides jobs to thousands of people in India. There needs to be coordination between formal and non-formal sectors for proper treatment and recycling of E-waste. There is need for the collection, segregation and primary dismantling of non-hazardous fractions of E-waste. Compatible and efficient technology for E-waste was a matter of concern for India and many

*DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.91942*

**4. Waste plastic**

**5. E-waste**

use of cloth bags instead of plastic bags [3, 4].

when it is cold outside is warm inside and vice versa [14].

*Studies, Efforts and Investigations on Various Aspects of Solid Waste Management… DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.91942*

Africa have adopted use of glass container instead of plastic. They are promoting use of cloth bags instead of plastic bags [3, 4].
