Data reliability of solid waste analysis in Asia’s newly industrialised countries

authored by

Christopher J. Speier, Moni M. Mondal, Dirk Weichgrebe

Abstract

Urban municipal solid waste (MSW) management in Asia‘s newly industrialised countries remains inefficient with severe effects on human health. For developing sustainable MSW systems, detailed data on urban MSW characteristics are required. This article analyses the data quality and reliability of MSW characteristics by investigating existing datasets and the followed methodologies of data collection from urban areas. The applied methodologies are evaluated in the context of international standards for solid waste analysis. Focusing on MSW datasets from India, it is observed that MSW data vary stronger with decreasing city sizes. Most of the analysed studies did not follow the recommended statistical methods for solid waste analysis. In conclusion, the MSW datasets and the methodologies followed show great variations with limited informative value. For most cities, a MSW analysis in further detail and extend is required before developing a sustainable waste management system.

Organisation(s)

Institute of Sanitary Engineering and Waste Management

Type

Article

Journal

International Journal of Environment and Waste Management

Volume

22

Pages

124-146

No. of pages

23

ISSN

1478-9876

Publication date

22.08.2018

Publication status

Published

Peer reviewed

Yes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Environmental Engineering, Waste Management and Disposal

Sustainable Development Goals

SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being, SDG 11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities, SDG 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production

Electronic version(s)

https://doi.org/10.1504/ijewm.2018.094101 (Access: Closed)