4.3 scant waste management
practices
Decision makers in developing and
transitional countries face many
challenges in improving solid waste
management, both in general and
within food supply and distribution
systems. These challenges range from
scarce financial resources to
widespread poverty and a lack of
information about the local solid waste
situation. Understanding the local
context and existing solid waste
management system and problems is
an essential first step in developing
appropriate and sustainable waste management practices that balance the
needs of effectiveness, efficiency and
equity. Past experiences have shown
that successful solid waste
management systems must be tailored
to the particular conditions of the local
context, while practices and
technologies adopted unquestioningly
from elsewhere are less likely to
deliver the expected benefits.