The Challenge of Solid Wastes Research

Solid wastes pose a significant environmental problem. Engineers have neglected solid wastes in the past but can no longer do so. The needs for research cover every aspect of solid wastes. There must be better information on solid waste characteristics. Efforts will be directed to on-site disposal. Transportation and remote disposal will receive greater attention. The most significant factor is that some solid waste residue must be returned to the soil. Communities must plan for burial of solid wastes. To solve solid waste problems there must be additional engineers with research orientation. Funds for research must be made available. The challenge in solid wastes is to reduce the volume to a minimum and to retain the value of land use for burial.