Since earliest times, humankind has been generating waste, be it the bones and other parts of animals they slaughtered for their food or the wood they cut to make their carts. With the progress of civilization, the waste generated became of a more complex nature. At the end of the 19th century the industrial revolution saw the rise of the world of consumers. Not only did the air get more and more polluted but the earth itself became more polluted with the generation of non-biodegradable solid waste. The increase in population and urbanization was also largely responsible for the increase in solid waste.

This module seeks to provide educators with a sufficient knowledge base in solid waste management concepts and issues that s/he can eventually make sound decisions with respect to solid waste management issues.

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