Waste remains a serious environmental and human health hazard in developing nations, including those in Latin America and the Caribbean (LA&C). Despite important breakthroughs in waste management in LA&C, the region still faces many challenges that require special attention, such as the existence of uncontrolled open dumpsters (33%) or the low recovery rates of waste fractions (below 4%). Moreover, the adoption of sophisticated waste management technologies, such as incineration or anaerobic digestion, is still lagging. This review paper provides environmentally-sound and relevant policy support for municipal solid waste management stakeholders through a critical review of the current situation of the waste management sector in LA&C from an environmental perspective. Thereafter, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) bibliography linked to waste management, namely collection, sorting, recycling and landfilling applications and technologies worldwide, is used in order to understand potential alternative waste management strategies in LA&C, as well as the potential environmental benefits that could be attained. Finally, based on the holistic review and analysis, the adoption of more sophisticated technologies in landfill sites (e.g. landfill gas flaring), waste-to-energy, as well as higher recycling rates, would enhance waste management in the region and mitigate environmental impacts. A holistic view to support policy formulations, including climate action, for the adoption of integrated waste management strategies in LA&C is imperative.
Keywords: Industrial ecology; Landfill; Life Cycle Assessment; Municipal solid waste; Waste management.
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