Resource information
This study was undertaken to identify
and assess the technologies available worldwide for
treatment and disposal of municipal solid waste (MSW), and
to make a general assessment of the applicability of these
technologies to various waste management
'settings' within the Latin American and Caribbean
(LAC) Region. Each technology was evaluated for a number of
key attributes, including demonstrated commercial viability,
economics, institutional factors, sustainability metrics,
and environmental attributes, including emissions of dioxins
and furans. The study focused on the waste treatment
technologies that have been commercially demonstrated
worldwide; however, selected alternative and emerging
technologies were also considered. After profiling the
available waste management technologies, an assessment was
then made of the general applicability of these technologies
to various characteristic settings found within the LAC
region. Technology applicability assessment at specific
locations within the LAC region will require detailed,
site-specific evaluation. Such site specific evaluations of
applicable technologies would be the subject of subsequent studies.