Have you come across large piles of garbage in neighborhoods and streets, or smelly waste disposal sites polluting the environment of low and middle income countries? Are you also convinced that improvements are necessary and do you want to know what kind of sustainable solutions are appropriate to better manage waste and enhance recycling and recovery? If yes, this course is for you!
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This course provides you with an overview of the municipal solid waste management situation in low- and middle-income countries. It covers key elements of the waste management system, such as its technical, environmental, social, financial and institutional aspects. Besides understanding the challenges, you will be introduced to appropriate and already applied solutions through selected case studies.
Syllabus
WEEK 1
Physical Elements of Solid Waste Management
The course begins with an overview of the current waste management situation in developing countries. We will introduce the Integrated Sustainable Waste Management framework that will guide you through this course. The modules of this first week deal with the physical components of municipal solid waste management. Connect with your peers and check out the bonus modules at the end of the week.
WEEK 2
Governance Aspects of Solid Waste Management
This week focuses on the governance aspects, also called the “soft” aspects of a municipal solid waste management system. We will explain the different stakeholders and their roles and responsibilities as well as legislative issues and financial mechanisms.
WEEK 3
Organic waste treatment
This week provides you with an overview on organic waste treatment. We will start with the basics of two very common organic waste treatment technologies: composting and anaerobic digestion. We then continue with technologies that are currently less common in practice: vermicomposting, waste processing using black soldier fly larvae, and thermochemical conversion.
WEEK 4
Special waste fractions
The week covers special waste fractions, such as hazardous waste, healthcare waste, e-waste, plastic waste and construction and demolition waste. We will explain the key challenges and opportunities for an improved management in low- and middle-income settings.
WEEK 5
Strategic Issues and Planning in Solid Waste Management
During the last week, the modules will focus more on strategic and planning aspects of MSWM. Learn more about the impact solid waste management has on the environment, how to improve the solid waste management situation in your community or city, and how the topic of solid waste is addressed by the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
