The technology and policy of urban solid waste disposal in China

Abstract

Urban populations generate increasing volumes of solid waste, most of which is ‘treated’ as landfill. Along with rapid urbanisation and economic development, urban solid waste (USW) disposal has become a major issue in China, due to increasing USW generation, lack of environmentally sound disposal facilities, and the difficulties associated with the siting of USW disposal facilities. This paper reviews the technologies and policies of USW disposal, identifies issues of USW disposal, and makes recommendations for improving USW disposal.