Advancements and Challenges in Municipal Solid Waste Management: A Comprehensive Analysis of Disposal Methods and Their Environmental Impacts

New York University Tandon School of Engineering, New York City, the United States

^* Corresponding author: wl2535@nyu.edu

Abstract

Under such growths of global population and development of urbanization, Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) generation has increased drastically and become a vital issue all over the world. Efficient MSW management and recovery of MSW play a critical role in reducing its negative impacts on the environment and human health. The review has illustrated a general perspective of MSW background and current issues related to the MSW management by explaining some examples of the negative impacts from different methods of disposing MSW. The paper presents an in-depth analysis the characteristics of MSW and methods for classifying MSW, as well as the advantages and limitations of physical, chemical, and biological disposal techniques, such as landfill, hazardous waste disposal, chemical treatment, immobilization, anaerobic digestion, and composting. Furthermore, the review highlights the importance of an integrated waste management approach that combines these methods with waste reduction, reuse, and recycling strategies to minimize the environmental and public health impacts of waste disposal.