Solid Waste Management among Rural Communities in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

Dear colleagues,

Environmental contamination and the related health risks due to inadequate solid waste management (SWM) are global issues. The most dangerous practices, such as open dumping and uncontrolled burning of solid waste, afflict mainly low- and middle-income countries. This is particularly true of rural areas, where almost half of the world’s population lives. Although SWM among rural communities in low- and middle-income countries may vary a lot, the scientific literature usually states the following common elements: roughly two-thirds of the organic fraction may represent solid waste; collection and disposal practices are not adequate; and economic aspects represent one of the main issues. There are very few studies that analyze the relationship between solid waste and health issues. As a consequence, to improve sustainable solid waste management in rural areas, further information is essential.

This Special Issue aims to present contributions on SWM focusing on rural areas in low- and middle-income countries. We invite submissions of original research or review papers. Examples of topics that could be addressed in this Special Issue include the following: waste collection; material and energy recovery from waste; waste disposal; health or environmental impact assessment; epidemiological studies; social and economic aspects; and case studies.

Prof. Thomas Clasen
Prof. Terry Tudor
Prof. Mentore Vaccari
Dr. Christian Zurbrügg
Dr. Giovanni Vinti
Guest Editors

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