Toward separation at source: Evolution of Municipal Solid Waste management in China

Abstract

Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) management in China has been transitioning from a mixed collection and treatment system to a separated collection and treatment system. The continuous rise of MSW treatment capacity and the optimization of technology structure provided basic facility support for China to promote MSW separation at source. China preferred a four-type separation system. Regulated recycling should be enhanced to improve the efficiency and sustainability of recycling industry. As food waste is the main composition of MSW in China, 20%–30% of the food waste diversion and land application could maximize the comprehensive environmental performance. Incineration is to be the pillar technology in MSW separated treatment system in China.

Keywords

Municipal Solid Waste / Separation at source / Recycling / Biological treatment / Incineration

References

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Acknowledgements

This work was supported by National Key R&D Program of China (Grant No. 2108YFC1902906).

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