EASD research published in the Environmental Engineering and Management Journal , December 2015, Vol. 14, No. 12, 2747-2984.

RETHINKING WASTE MANAGEMENT WITHIN THE RESOURCE-EFFICIENT CONCEPT:

Abstract

The paper aims at supporting and catalysing discussions (and possible options) on how the widely common waste management concept could be efficiently transformed to a level where phasing out residual waste becomes technically feasible. As such, this paper presents thoughts on the (possible) future meaning of term “waste”, but it also addresses the important relationship between the terms “waste” and “level of country development”. Although this research greatly deals with policy issues, the analysis shows that the crucial role in delivering the path of development will be in the hands of chemical and environmental engineers. However, it will be necessary to break the link between economic growth and waste growth/management/prevention.

Key words: developed country, developing country, landfilling, waste management, waste policy, waste prevention