MSW handling of top 5 leading waste-producing countries in Southeast Asia

Abstract

In 2050, World Bank predicts up to 3.4 tonnes of solid waste generated worldwide. According to Jain (2017), Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines, and Malaysia are the top 5 countries producing enormous waste in Southeast Asia, producing 64, 26.77, 22, 14.66, 12.84 million tons, respectively. Countries in Southeast Asia contribute 1.14 kg/capita/day of waste worldwide; improperly controlled solid waste leads to environmental pollution and generates greenhouse gases. Therefore, this study will discuss further and compare the handling of MSW by the five most waste-producing countries in Southeast Asia. All countries in Southeast Asia produce solid waste dominated by organic waste as much as 50-70% of the total waste. Another waste composition varies between countries. Waste handling in each country, from source to disposal, is different. For example, Malaysia has not implemented waste composting while Indonesia and Thailand is the only country that conducts waste bank program. Above all, waste composition and infrastructure conditions play an essential role in determining the most suitable countries' waste handling approaches.