What is the concept of integrated solid waste management?

The concept of integrated solid waste management (ISWM) refers to a comprehensive approach that combines various waste management strategies to efficiently handle solid waste. This approach recognizes the complexity of waste management and aims to reduce the environmental impact of waste through the coordination of different techniques and practices.

Integrated solid waste management encompasses a range of activities, including source reduction, recycling, composting, waste-to-energy, and safe disposal methods. By utilizing multiple strategies, ISWM promotes sustainability, minimizes landfill use, and addresses the different categories and sources of waste effectively.

This holistic approach also allows for the participation of communities, stakeholders, and industries, fostering partnerships that can innovate and implement more effective solutions. For instance, by emphasizing recycling and composting alongside safe disposal practices, ISWM helps to divert waste from landfills and promotes the circular economy.

The other options do not fully capture the essence of ISWM. While increasing landfill capacity, focusing solely on recycling, or reducing consumer waste are important aspects of waste management, they do not represent the integrated framework that combines diverse methods for optimizing solid waste handling.