Introduction

Municipal solid waste management involves a regulatory framework outlined in the Municipal Solid Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, which dictate proper handling and disposal practices to mitigate environmental impact.

Ultimate disposal methods include landfilling, where solid waste is buried, with systems for leachate collection and removal to prevent groundwater contamination, and landfill covers to minimize exposure. Incineration, another disposal method, involves burning waste to reduce its volume and potentially generate energy.

Current issues in solid waste management include conducting life cycle analysis to assess environmental impacts, navigating public and private ownership and operation of waste facilities, and securing financing for the development and maintenance of these facilities.

Addressing these challenges is crucial for creating sustainable, efficient waste management systems.

Objectives

At the end of the unit you will be able to:

1. define current issues in solid waste management like Life cycle analysis;
2. describe incineration and landfill covers;
3. explain process of leachate collection and removal.