Integrated Waste Management

Integrated waste management is defined by the US EPA as a process that uses a combination of techniques and programmes to manage the municipal waste streams. It is based on the fact that the 'waste' stream is made up of distinct components that can be managed separately.

Integrated waste management consist of hierarchical and co-ordinated set of actions that reduces pollution, seek to maximize recovery, re-use and recyclable materials and protect human health and environment.

 The emphasis in modern solid waste management is on reduction, reuse, and recovery before disposal. These three words are at the center of the discussion of integrated waste management systems. Reduction is using fewer disposable goods. Reuse is using items again after their initial consumer use is past. Recovery is recapturing the material or energy value of the item at its highest point. Others include Incineration and the ultimate final result which is Landfill Disposal.