The impact of municipal waste disposal facilities on water resources: a case study of the upper Vaal water management area in South Africa

Abstract

Environmental degradation caused by waste mismanagement is a global problem. For example, open dumping and burning in low-income countries are the primary waste treatment and disposal methods. This chapter compares the waste management policies and technologies used in South Africa with those of developed countries. In addition, the relationship between municipal and integrated solid waste management is explored and the two types are compared. The commitment of the municipality, residents (i.e., the community), businesses, shop-owners, industrial manufacturers, and other waste producers are crucial to achieve a sustainable waste management system starting and ending at disposal. South African municipalities are legally responsible for the removal of waste, but community involvement in waste management has become increasingly relevant, if not critical, if cities and towns in South Africa are to be kept clean and hygienic. This search used three databases to find studies that met the eligibility criteria so that the findings would answer the research questions and achieve some of the objectives.