This paper presents the concept of Integrated Sustainable Waste Management (ISWM)1, in the context of
the selection of technologies and the design of systems for waste management. ISWM differs from the
conventional approach towards waste management by seeking stakeholder participation, covering waste
prevention and resource recovery, including interactions with other systems and promoting an integration
of different habitat scales (city, neighbourhood, household). The principles and mechanisms of ISWM
are explained and their relevance for the technology selection and system design are outlined. It is
emphasised that waste management is not a purely technical issue, but that other aspects need to be taken
into account, while selecting a technology or designing a system, the political factor being the most
important. Needs for future research to further develop the concept of ISWM are indicated, including
identifying criteria for sustainability and defining weighting procedures.