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.