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1,000 Sustainability of Municipal Solid Waste Management 153
900
800
700
Million Tonnes 600
500
400
300
200
100
0
1995 2010 2020 1995 2010 2020
OECD Non-OECD

Landfill Incineration Recycling Other
FIGURE 5.4 MSW management 1995–2020 (OECD, 2001)

The MSW composition in Egypt is typical of mid to low income countries,
where consumption patterns are similar.
In the mid-1990s, over 50% of municipal waste incinerators in OECD
regions were equipped with energy recovery systems. Standards for landfill-
ing and incineration have been strengthened in a number of OECD coun-
tries. According to the OECD Environmental Outlook report, the MSW
system is expected to change considerably in the future. The reference sce-
nario projects a significant increase in the share of waste that is diverted to
recycling and a decrease in that which is landfilled. In 2020, about 50% of
municipal waste is likely to be landfilled, 33% recycled and 17% inciner-
ated in OECD regions – compared to 64% landfilled, 18% recycled, and 18%
incinerated in the mid-1990s (OECD, 2001). The report highlights the possi-
bility that non-OECD regions are also projected to show significant changes
in waste treatment methods, thus landfill is expected to decrease from about
80% in 1995 to about 70% in 2020, and recycling to increase from about
10% in 1995 to about 20% in 2020. Figure 5.4 illustrates the MSW in OECD
and non-OECD countries.
Municipal solid waste is a concern for it means not only an increase in
depletion of natural resources, but it also contributes to environmental pol-
lution and health problems. MSW adversely impacts the environment as a
result of mismanagement or behavior in the following manner (EPA, 2005).

• Airborne pollution through exhaust from open burning in dump
sites or incineration.
• Health risk impact due to enhancing the growth of bacteria, flies,
and rodents in dump sites.