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Setting priorities for waste management strategies in developing countries.
Paul H Brunner1, Johann Fellner
1Vienna University of Technology, Institute for Water Quality, Resources and Waste Management, Vienna, Austria.
Summary
Waste management strategies from developed nations are unsuitable for less developed regions. Improving basic disposal systems is more cost-effective for regions with limited waste management budgets.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Public Policy
- Economics
Background:
- Developed countries often employ complex waste management systems like incineration and mechanical treatment.
- Less developed regions face significant challenges in implementing these advanced systems due to economic constraints.
- Existing waste management approaches in affluent nations may not be universally applicable or sustainable.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the suitability of current waste management systems from affluent countries for less developed regions.
- To compare waste management practices and outcomes in cities with varying economic capacities.
- To identify cost-effective waste management strategies for regions with limited financial resources.
Main Methods:
- Comparative case study analysis of three cities (Vienna, Damascus, Dhaka) with different economic backgrounds.
- Evaluation based on economic parameters and achievement of waste management goals (health, environment, resource conservation).
- Assessment of the applicability of the 'waste hierarchy' in low-budget waste management scenarios.
Main Results:
- The 'waste hierarchy' (prevention, recycling, disposal) is not appropriate for regions spending 1-10 Euro per capita annually on waste management.
- Improving basic disposal systems, including complete collection and sanitary landfilling, is the most cost-effective approach in these regions.
- Incineration and mechanical waste treatment are unsuitable and unaffordable for low-income waste management.
Conclusions:
- Waste management systems must be tailored to a region's specific economic capacity.
- Prioritizing improved disposal infrastructure is crucial for less developed regions with limited budgets.
- A region's economic capacity should guide the design of its waste management system to achieve health and environmental goals.
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