General overview

Modern waste handling is a complex system that can be divided into five basic areas of operation: generation, collection, transportation, treatment and utilization or final disposal.

Today it is recognised that waste, properly treated, constitutes a resource of considerable value that can be used in a number of ways. Municipal waste contains materials that can be recovered such as paper, metal and glass. Waste also contains an organic fraction that can be converted to compost for agricultural use and combustible materials that can be used for production of heat.

Apart from industries and municipalities, there are other important actors such as private and regional waste management companies and transport companies. Regulation and monitoring are the responsibility of environmental authorities at different levels.