Project Abstract

The rapid urbanization and population growth in cities worldwide have led to a significant increase in the generation of municipal solid waste (MSW), posing a major challenge to urban sustainability. Traditional waste management practices, such as landfilling and incineration, have become increasingly unsustainable, contributing to environmental pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and the depletion of natural resources. This project aims to develop and evaluate innovative and holistic strategies for sustainable waste management in urban areas, addressing the environmental, social, and economic aspects of the issue. The project begins by conducting a comprehensive assessment of the current waste management practices and challenges in selected urban areas. This includes analyzing the composition, volume, and sources of MSW, as well as the existing waste collection, transportation, and disposal systems. The assessment will also consider the socio-economic factors that influence waste generation and management, such as income levels, cultural practices, and public awareness. Based on the findings of the assessment, the project will then propose and design a set of sustainable waste management strategies that can be tailored to the specific needs and conditions of the target urban areas. These strategies may include, but are not limited to, the following 1. Waste prevention and minimization Implementing policies and programs to reduce waste generation at the source, such as promoting sustainable consumption patterns, extended producer responsibility, and the circular economy. 2. Waste segregation and recycling Developing efficient and comprehensive waste segregation and recycling systems, including the establishment of material recovery facilities, composting plants, and partnerships with the private sector and local communities. 3. Waste-to-energy technologies Exploring the feasibility of implementing environmentally-friendly waste-to-energy technologies, such as anaerobic digestion and thermal treatment, to convert non-recyclable waste into renewable energy. 4. Integrated waste management Designing an integrated waste management system that combines various strategies and technologies to optimize resource recovery, reduce environmental impacts, and create economic opportunities. 5. Capacity building and stakeholder engagement Implementing educational and training programs to enhance the knowledge and skills of municipal authorities, waste management professionals, and the general public, and fostering collaboration among various stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector, and civil society organizations. The project will utilize a combination of quantitative and qualitative research methods, including field surveys, laboratory analyses, stakeholder consultations, and techno-economic assessments, to evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed sustainable waste management strategies. The findings will be used to develop comprehensive policy recommendations and implementation plans tailored to the specific needs and contexts of the target urban areas. The expected outcomes of this project include the development of replicable and scalable sustainable waste management models, the reduction of environmental pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, the creation of new economic opportunities through resource recovery and job creation, and the enhancement of public awareness and community engagement in sustainable waste management practices. Overall, this project aims to contribute to the advancement of sustainable urban development by addressing the critical challenge of waste management, ultimately improving the quality of life for urban residents and promoting the long-term environmental, social, and economic sustainability of cities.

Project Overview