In 2002, the quantity of MSW disposed of was 74.04
million tons, which was 54.2% of the total quantity of
MSW collected and transported. The rest was dumped at
appointed sites. Of the 74.04 million tons of MSW disposed
of, 89.30% was landfilled, 3.72% was incinerated, and 6.98%
was composted.2 Figure 4 shows the proportions of MSW
disposed of by different methods. Many cities have no
modern MSW landfill sites because of poor economic conditions,
but the MSW produced has to be disposed of every
day, so the MSW is dumped at some selected sites. If MSW
is dumped at a site appointed by local government, it is
called “dumping at an appointed site” and is legal. If MSW
is dumped at a site not appointed by the local government,
it is called “discharging” and is illegal.v