Current solid waste management strategies and energy recovery in developing countries - State of art review

Abstract

Solid waste generation has rapidly increased due to the worldwide population, urbanization, and industrialization. Solid waste management (SWM) is a significant challenge for a society that arises local issues with global consequences. Thus, solid waste management strategies to recycle waste products are promising practices that positively impact sustainable goals. Several developed countries possess excellent solid waste management strategies to recycle waste products. Developing countries face many challenges, such as municipal solid waste (MSW) sorting and handling due to high population density and economic instability. This mismanagement could further expedite harmful environmental and socioeconomic concerns. This review discusses the current solid waste management and energy recovery production in developing countries; with statistics, this review provides a comprehensive revision on energy recovery technologies such as the thermochemical and biochemical conversion of waste with economic considerations. Furthermore, the paper discusses the challenges of SWM in developing countries, including several immediate actions and future policy recommendations for improving the current status of SWM via harnessing technology. This review has the potential of helping municipalities, government authorities, researchers, and stakeholders working on MSW management to make effective decisions for improved SWM for achieving sustainable development.

Keywords: Developing countries; Energy recovery; Solid waste; Waste management.