Solid Waste Management: A Sustainable Development Approach

Abstract

Waste management has undergone great changes over the years, from mere dumping in open spaces to sophisticated systems that focus on sustainability and environmental preservation. Waste management is a significant problem that impacts both the environment and human health. Effective waste management is necessary to avoid pollution and preserve natural resources. An essential aspect of sustainable development is sustainable solid waste management. This calls for a balance between social equality or the principle of universal access, economic viability or the outlook for the search for effective and affordable solutions, and environmental production. As efficient solid waste management directly correlates with the efficiency of the use of resources, health and the integrity of the environment, it is inextricably linked with the aspect of sustainable development. In 2015 United Nations launched the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the key sustainable development goals for the future of the world-SDGs 11 (Sustainable cities), 12 (Responsible consumption and production), and 13 (Climate action) will be  achieved by the year 2030 will be achieved with the help of solid waste management. Waste management includes collection, transportation, treatment, and disposal of waste. Waste management methods include composting, recycling, incineration, and landfilling. Waste management is controlled by many different local, state, federal, and international regulations and legislations. The acquisition of waste management methods has become very significant as global waste generation continues to rise. Effective waste management depends on collaboration among waste generators, governments, waste management facilities, and members of the public. Earlier, the practice of waste management was crude, and individuals were not well aware of the effect of waste on the environment. Waste was mostly disposed of through fire, burial or dumping in adjacent landfills or open spaces, which caused deterioration of the human health and environment. Current: Modern waste management practice aims to reduce the effect of waste on the environment and health. Recycling and composting have emerged as integral parts of waste management, along with reusing and reducing waste. Future: The future of waste management will be sustainable based, with an emphasis on waste reduction at the source, and building healthy circular economies. Products will be designed to be recyclable or biodegradable, and materials will be reused and recycled. Sophisticated technologies like artificial intelligence and robotics will be used to design more efficient and sustainable waste management systems.