Planning Comprehensive Solid Wastes Management Systems

Solid wastes have not received proper recognition as a national problem, and therefore have not received thoughtful planning, design, construction, careful operation and strong public support. Engineers charged with management of solid wastes have managed to continue to serve the public without suitable support. However, the magnitude of the problem and increasing public and private interest is beginning to give the engineer the resources he needs to plan and manage comprehensive solid wastes systems. All available management tools must be used by the engineer in planning for the system. Planning must be approached by effective problem-solving teams. These teams must consider the definition of goals; planned development of the study area; consideration of political and socio-economic constraints; evaluate existing systems in the study area; determine the configuration of the future system; how to implement the resultant plan, and the costs and financing of me system. These efforts coupled with a sound public relations program to gain acceptance of the system will assure success.