1. Introduction to Sustainable Solid Waste Management and Circular Economy

Introduction
One of the major environmental problems that most developing countries are facing, is improper solid waste disposal and management strategies. Ever since the industrial revolution, solid waste has been a major environmental issue. Besides the waste, generated in public places, they are also those from industries, farms, hospitals, pharmaceuticals, and other sources. 

 

While some of the garbage, refuse, sludge, trash, and rubbish are biodegradable (e.g., paper products, food droppings, as well as vegetation like grass and twigs), others are not and they include metals, aluminum cans, plastics, broken computers, and car parts. As they do not decay easily, they pile up in landfills and refuse dumps and these bring great harm to the water, land, and people around it. The lack of efficient waste management practices leads to health hazards, unsightliness, traffic congestion, blockage of drainages, and unpleasantness. 

 

Solid wastes could be defined as non-gaseous and non-liquid products of human activities, considered as being useless. Improved waste management and a sustainable environment offer opportunities for health improvements, income generation, and reduced vulnerability. The problems of waste disposal are becoming complex as population and industrial production increase and hence waste generation has also increased. Due to the rapid growth of the population, solid waste management has become particularly difficult today.

Lecture time: 7 hours
Type of course: Theoretical