Abstract

Integrated solid waste management (ISWM) is a comprehensive waste-prevention, recycling, composting and disposal programme. 1 It can be defined as the selection and application of suitable techniques, technologies and management programmes to achieve specific waste management (WM) objectives and goals. 2 A hierarchy in WM can be used to rank actions to implement programmes within the community. 3 The ISWM hierarchy, which was adopted by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA), is made up of the following elements, in order of priority: source reduction; recycling; waste transformation and disposal. As a concept or principle, the hierarchy makes sense in a way that is difficult to oppose, as it echoes approaches that are widespread in human health and medicine, ie the adage that prevention is better than cure. Most would agree that it is more effective to avoid problems from the outset, than to invest in reactive solutions once the problem has been presented. The parallels in human health and environmental protection are similar, and are supported by considerable scientific evidence and knowledge. 4 Waste streams, collection, treatment and disposal into a practical WM system are combined in an ISWM system, which aims at providing environmental sustainability, economic affordability and social acceptance for any specific region. 5 An effective ISWM system takes into consideration how to prevent, recycle, and manage solid waste in ways that most effectively protect human health and the environment. 6 This objective is achieved using a combination of a range of treatment options, including waste …