Planning of integrated/sustainable solid waste management (ISWM) - model of integrated solid waste management in Republika Srpska/B&H

Abstract

Municipal solid waste management (MSWM) has become an important issue for countries around the world. The challenges are particularly notable in developing and transitional countries reflected mainly in inappropriate management, underdeveloped technology, an unfavorable economic situation and the lack of environmental awareness, causing a tremendous environmental impact. Today, various models are applied to analyze solid waste management systems from the regional to the municipal levels. Understanding the mechanisms and factors that currently drive the development of waste management is a crucial step for moving forward and planning sustainable waste management systems. The main objective of this paper is to apply the ISWM model, which is based on the Life-Cycle approach and follows the analytical framework methodology, to the research region. The transdisciplinary research framework was empirically tested and subsequently applied in the region Republika Srpska. Using the benchmark methodology, based on environmental, institutional and economical sustainability, the waste management is summarized in assessment profile. The results of the conducted analyses and the application of the developed model can be used further as a basis for the proposal of further strategic, political and managerial changes and support decision makers and stakeholders to handle waste in a cost-efficient and environmentally sound way.

Barriers to Effective Municipal Solid Waste Management in a Rapidly Urbanizing Area in Thailand

“…Many municipalities in low and middle-income countries use integrated solid waste management (ISWM) as the ideal principal concept for their MSWM [ 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 ]. However, different regions have different conditions that require them to determine the best ISWM approach for their situation.…”

“…However, different regions have different conditions that require them to determine the best ISWM approach for their situation. ISWM has been described as the integration of sustainable management options, for example: waste minimization, recycling, composting and other recovery options [ 19 , 21 ].…”

Solid Waste Management Solutions for a Rapidly Urbanizing Area in Thailand: Recommendations Based on Stakeholder Input

“…To do this, the ISWM evaluation framework proposed by US EPA (2002) [ 4 ] was used to structure the evaluation and help identify solutions to both waste accumulation and waste management. It is well established that successful changes to waste management require an understanding and consideration of local context [ 2 , 41 ]. Therefore, extensive community consultation and engagement with experts was undertaken to develop an understanding of the region and its waste issues.…”

“…It is important that appropriate technologies are developed for and implemented in developing counties. There is compelling evidence that it is ineffective to transpose complicated or expensive technology designed for developed countries to developing countries [ 12 , 13 , 41 ].…”

“…Therefore, changes to the volume of waste overtime and changes to the waste stream are incomplete or unavailable. Easy-to-use, reliable monitoring [ 41 ] and recording systems are imperative to support long-term decision making in MSWM.…”