Urban household solid waste management: scenario of Shah Alam, Malaysia

Abstract

The growth of the world's population, increasing urbanization, rising standards of living, changes in life style and rapid developments in technology have all contributed to rapid increase in the variety of solid wastes. However, solid waste management problems can be resolved if the waste materials are reused, thus they can become a source of raw material for industrial production or energy generation, if managed properly. Aside from reused, practicing solid waste minimization (3'Rs) is one of the ways of reducing solid wastes for disposal. To improve solid waste minimization, solid waste management system by the Authority must be addressed in order to ensure the cooperation of the community in carrying out recycling activities. If a community practices recycling and solid waste management system is not well managed then the target of effective recycling for the country will not be achieved.