Please note that this is an on-going project.
Project Description
A rising global population and a strong coupling between economic development and consumption have led to the depletion of resources and the generation of waste at an unprecedentedly rapid rate. As the amount of solid waste to be disposed of increases, the number of available landfills decreases, concerns about risks associated with waste management rise, and opposition to the development of new waste management facilities increases, all resulting in communities and governments grappling with problems related to the management and disposal of solid waste. Newer waste streams, such as electrical and electronic waste (e-waste), hazardous waste, healthcare, and plastic waste, construction and demolition (C&D) waste, etc., have surfaced, posing bigger challenges to those responsible for waste management. Properly managing solid waste is a major problem in many countries worldwide. This course aims to introduce students to municipal solid waste management. The contents include municipal solid waste characteristics, storage and collection, transfer and transport, separation and processing, recycling, composting, incineration, sanitary landfilling, and waste management policy and strategy development.
Project Personnel and Beneficiaries
The course benefits professionals working towards sustainable development, particularly for those dealing with issues, challenges and solutions towards sustainable management of municipal solid waste.
Outcomes to Date
Several domestic and international students have completed this course and applying their knowledge towards proper management of solid waste. One of the significant outcomes is the capacity building among international students from developing and emerging economies towards contributing to SDG12and SDG14.
Project Significance
Proper management of solid waste makes a significant contribution to achieving the SDGs. Many developing and emerging economies lack the knowledge and expertise to develop environmentally sound solid waste management, particularly technical know-how and policy-making capabilities. This course is strongly related to the objectives of SDG 12 and SDG 14 with strong links to the following SDG Targets:
Target 12.2: By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
Target 12.3: By 2030, halve per capita global food waste at the retail and consumer levels and reduce food losses along production and supply chains, including post-harvest losses
Target 12.5: By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse
Target 14.1: By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, in particular from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution