1. Introduction Given the rapid rat

1. Introduction
Given the rapid rates of urbanization occurring around the world, the importance of an efficient and
effective solid waste management system is more critical than ever before. Nowhere is this truer
than in the developing world, where unprecedented urban growth has resulted in greater amounts of
municipal solid waste (MSW) being generated. By 2015, in just another ten years, the number of
urban residents will have doubled since 1987; a disproportionately large amount – nearly 90% – of
this increase will take place in the developing world (Medina 2000). Not only will these city
dwellers produce more waste, the composition of their waste will change as well.