OREANDA-NEWS. The rapidly increasing volume of solid and hazardous waste resulting from persistent economic growth, industrialization, and urbanization has emerged as a burgeoning problem demanding effective solutions from both national and local governments. Sustainable waste management solutions are therefore considered imperative to ensure the well-being of the population. Integrated waste management is a systematic approach designed to manage industrial, community, and institutional waste streams. Integrated waste management (IWM) includes developing systems to ensure resource recovery, positioning of facilities, and implementation of policies and practices aimed at waste reduction.

Emerging nations in particular are faced with an uphill challenge of properly managing waste. These nations are mainly focusing their efforts on generating sufficient funds for waste management. Experts suggest that if the majority of waste generated in these countries is diverted for resource and material recovery, a substantial reduction in final volumes of waste seems possible. Furthermore, recovered materials could be used for generating revenue to fund their waste management endeavors.

Q: How are developed and developing nations trying to curtail waste disposal by industries?

A: The governments of developing nations are leaving no stone unturned to tackle the mounting concern of waste management. For instance, the government of India has recently launched a web-based application to help industries dealing with hazardous waste to seek online permission for the export and import of certain categories of waste used for recycling.

Abu Dhabi (EAD) in association with the Center of Waste Management had recently organized an introductory session on integrated waste management legislative framework for the emirate. During this session EAD has formally announced its five-year plan to enforce policies and integrated regulatory framework to promote waste recycling, reduction, and recovery apart from enforcement management.

However in developed countries such as the U.S., the government does not specifically dictate waste disposal. Nevertheless, various requirements guide the disposal options selected by industries. Furthermore, discharging oil-based drilling fluids in the sea is prohibited in the country.

Apart from these, governments are also offering various incentives to industries in order to encourage them to participate in different stages of integrated waste management. This is intended to help the industrial community gain better awareness about the importance of waste management.