Abstract

Efficient waste management systems are essential in order to sustain economic and social development. However, most countries around the world are unable to maintain an adequate management system capable of handling the continuously growing mountain of waste that is is generated. This is mainly due to inefficient collection systems. Waste collection and transportation represents the ‘bottleneck’in integrated solid waste management (ISWM) operations and, for that matter, any other waste management strategies. Without collection, waste cannot be disposed of, treated or re-used. On the other hand, failing to collect waste leads to environmental and socio-economic repercussions.Waste collection and transportation began in the early days of urbanisation. It has become a regular practice since then, and subsequently a key player in waste management. Nowadays, waste has to be collected on a regular basis (at least once per week). In most countries, the issue ranks among national priorities. The types of waste collected include domestic, commercial, bulk, construction, hazardous and industrial waste. Separation at source is very popular in developed countries; this consists of segregating plastic, paper, metal, glass, kitchen and green waste into respective bins. Authorities schedule specific collection days for such categories of waste. Waste collection and transportation are regarded as the most costly activities in waste management. Local authorities earmark a significant portion (around 85 per cent) of their annual budget to waste collection, as opposed to other waste-management activities. 1 This is attributable to the various expenses …