1. Introduction
Generation of solid waste is a natural consequence of human life. Removal of that waste is consistent with improved quality of life. Initially, solid waste management (SWM) techniques aimed simply to eliminate waste from the vicinity of habitable areas as a means of maintaining public health. After realizing the hazards of uncontrolled disposal, measures were devised and implemented mainly through sanitary landfilling. In recent years, a variety of material and energy recovery technologies have been devised and are now included in modern systems. Global efforts are now in force to reorient SWM systems toward sustainability. Asian countries are deeply involved in this transition. However, the degree of attention paid to sustainability varies from country to country and is correlated with economic status. It is necessary to analyze the situation and develop a plan that could help Asian countries better manage SWM development in the context of these changes. This paper assesses several Asian countries to identify issues of relevance to SWM, and it formulates a strategy for improving Asian SWM sustainability.