Solid waste management in developing countries is a challenge, with low financial resources and technical expertise hampering the collection and disposal of waste. Lack of storage bins, vehicles, and transfer stations, combined with poor public compliance, results in uncollected piles of waste and illegal deposits on open land and drainage systems. Added to these challenges are inefficiencies in the waste collection system, which largely depends on human labor.
The FMO relies on a combination of internal resources and outside hauling contractors to provide recycling services. It collects refuse from about 25 percent of buildings. However, noise ordinances and bylaws limit the placement of dumpsters and large waste vehicles. Therefore, FMO owns a dedicated paper packer and a small garbage packer to collect recyclable materials. Century waste services These vehicles dock with trash and recycling contractors and transfer the loads.
In Asia, there are signs that the private sector is increasingly participating in waste management. In Singapore, for example, the government has contracted out the collection and disposal of municipal solid waste. The privatisation process has helped cut costs and improve environmental outcomes while also creating competition. Private waste collection companies often complement the public sector’s services.
Waste is collected in different types of containers, including bags and cans. Some neighbourhoods have neighbourhood dumping areas. These areas are often accessed by roadsides. Waste generation per capita is relatively low. Most recycling occurs only in high-profile areas and is restricted to wealthy and privileged businesses. The majority of recycling is done through waste picking, recycling, and localized markets.
The cost of waste collection and disposal is the largest component of municipal solid waste management budgets. Many local governments regulate the price of garbage collection and use fees as a way of raising funds. Many municipalities have a mandate to reduce waste. By increasing the amount of recyclable materials, municipalities can reduce their costs and improve service levels.
In the Republic of Korea, a volume-based collection fee system was introduced in 1995. This was intended to reduce waste generation and encourage household recycling. The system was implemented nationwide on January 1, 1995. Residents paid according to the size and type of garbage bins. Similarly, municipal governments in Tokyo and Seoul implemented kerbside charging schemes in which they were charged a set fee per bag or monthly.
While many developed countries generate more waste per capita, developing nations generate relatively small amounts of waste. Even small amounts of waste can pose significant challenges. The South Pacific subregion, for example, has relatively low waste generation due to its small population. However, small atoll countries are facing significant challenges due to lack of disposal options. Waste can be of many types, including municipal solid waste, hazardous waste, and agricultural waste.
The government agencies that deal with waste have complex roles and responsibilities. As a result, many of these agencies suffer from high levels of inefficiency. Inefficiencies are largely due to bureaucratic structures, inadequate transparency in decision-making, and complicated procurement methods. Furthermore, political influence over technical decisions is a problem.
