Penang Experience in Solid Waste Disposal by Semi-Aerobic Sanitary Landfill: Towards Achieving A Sustainable Development

Municipal solid waste (MSW) disposal has become an ever-increasing problem in many part of the world, especially in the developing countries. Its management involves all aspects of storage, collection, transportation, processing, disposal of waste and the related management. This paper highlights the basic rule in solid waste management in particular discussions on the importance of adhering the waste management hierarchy in the overall management systems. Waste minimization strategies and technologies will be elaborated. Effective and current technology of collection systems will be shared. More focus will be given on the aspect of waste disposal as this is one of the main and common issues faced by many developing countries. For this, a concept of sustainable waste disposal by means of a semiaerobic landfilling technology which is more environmental friendly, will be put forward as implemented in Malaysia. Local experience in effectively handling and treating the leachate up to the standard discharge limit will be discussed. The recovery of landfill gases for use as an energy resource has become the center of interest in recent years. In view of this, gas emissions data sampled at selected semi-aerobic landfill in Malaysia will be shared. The Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) approach in reducing greenhouse gas emissions for a developing country will also be highlighted. Some of the options for an integrated solid waste management system will be discussed. Selected model in developed countries will be elaborated and some of the key elements in achieving sustainable development in waste management will be discussed.