Waste Management Research Journal

An article published in Waste Management has won the Elsevier Atlas Award.

Solid waste management challenges for cities in developing countries by Lilliana Abarca Guerrero, Ger Maas, and William Hoglandb was published in Waste Management, Volume 33, Issue 1, January 2013, Pages 220–232

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Each month Atlas showcases research that can (or already has) significantly impact people's lives around the world in the hope that bringing wider attention to this research will go some way to ensuring its successful implementation.

The winning research is presented alongside interviews, expert opinions, multimedia and much more on the Atlas website.

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About this article

No quick fixes for world's solid waste management crisisAs the world population, economy and consumption grow, a complex and multi-dimensional approach is needed to manage a rising tide of solid waste.

Based on an analysis of the data, the Waste Management report outlines the stakeholders to be considered and the basic elements and aspects that must be taken into consideration for a successful waste management system. Some of the key conclusions are as follows:

• Waste management involves many players and communication among them is key.
• A successful waste management system must consider technological solutions along with “environmental, socio-cultural, legal, institutional and economic linkages.”
• Financial resources are required to obtain the skilled personnel, infrastructure, and equipment needed to implement waste management plans.
• Decision makers must be well informed with access to reliable data.
• Universities and research centers have an important role to play in preparing professionals and technicians with expertise in waste management.

Ultimately, the challenge is to move waste from one place to another and to address the many factors along the way that influence and potentially interrupt that flow. The awareness and involvement of citizens is an especially critical part of the equation.