C40 Sustainable Solid Waste SystemsSolid waste management must be planned, developed and operated within the framework of local resource availability, economics and environmental concerns. Municipal solid waste management strategies can both provide effective mitigation of GHG emissions through landfill gas recovery and improved landfill practices, and can avoid significant GHG generation through controlled composting, integrated waste to energy facilities, and/or expanded collection services.
There is a significant opportunity for cities to reduce emissions through sound waste management actions, as cities have the powers to enact change and there is the opportunity for still more action in this area. By understanding the benefits and disadvantages of various management technologies, local decision-makers can best allocate resources, select processes and vendors, and develop policies and procedures to meet the community’s needs.
This Good Practice Guide focuses on the key elements critical to deliver a successful solid waste management system, with a survey of good practices from around the world leading to better economic, social, and environmental outcomes for cities.