Abstract:
The widespread generation of, ever increasing volumes of and the sustainable management
of solid wastes are global issues of great concern. Due to wide variations in composition and associated complexities, significant efforts are required for their collection, processing and environmentally
safe disposal in a cost effective manner. An overview of solid wastes is presented in this article with
a specific focus on municipal solid wastes and industrial waste from the iron/steelmaking and aluminium industries. Key waste issues such as its sources, compositions, volumes, the factors affecting
waste generation and waste processing are first discussed, followed by a further discussion regarding
recycling, resource recovery, disposal and the associated environmental impacts. In a special case
study, waste generation and management in Chile is presented in greater detail. Detailed information
is provided on government initiatives and legislation for integrated solid waste management and
its movement towards a circular economy. Measures include regulations on waste management
framework which concerns the transboundary movements of hazardous wastes, persistent organic
pollutants, the closure of mining activities and installations and restrictions on plastics disposal. With
Chile being world’s largest producer of copper, significant efforts for mining waste management,
its infrastructure and procedures are being put in place to reduce the environmental impact of the
mining sector and its associated waste generation.
