Municipal wastes, be it solid or liquid, are rising due to the global population growth and rapid urbanization
and industrialization. Conventional management practice involving recycling, combustion, and
treatment/disposal is deemed unsustainable. Solutions must be sought to not only increase the capacity
but also improve the sustainability of waste management. Research has demonstrated that the nonrecyclable
waste materials and bio-solids can be converted into useable heat, electricity, or fuel and
chemical through a variety of processes, including gasification, pyrolysis, anaerobic digestion, and landfill
gas in addition to combustion, and wastewater streams have the potential to support algae growth and
provide other energy recovery options. The present review is intended to assess and analyze the current
state of knowledge in the municipal solid wastes and wastewater treatment and utilization technologies
and recommend practical solution options and future research and development needs