The term ‘waste’ (often referred to as rubbish, trash, garbage, or junk) is defined as ‘unwanted or undesired material’. Some components of waste can be recycled once recovered from the waste stream e.g plastic bottles, metals, glass and paper.

The biodegradable component of wastes (e.g. paper and food waste) can be composted or anaerobically digested to produce soil improvers and renewable fuels. If it is not dealt with in a sustainable manner biodegradable waste can thus contribute to greenhous gas emissions and by implication climate change.

There are two main constituencies of waste. One view comes from the individual / organisation producing the material and the second is from the government / entities responsible for management of waste and is set out in different acts of waste legislation. The two have to combine to ensure the safe and legal disposal of waste.

Though the cleanliness of public streets has long been a public responsibility, it was only towards the end of the 19th century that waste collection and disposal began to be considered part of the public health and sanitation function of municipalities.Solid waste management is associated with bad smells. It is common for solid waste sites to be blamed for any bad odour in the area even if it doesn’t originate at the solid waste site. Residents also tend to oppose expansion plans for these sites.But odour control at solid waste management sites is possible. It begins with a clear understanding of the industry and an appreciation for the science behind how odours are caused.