Regulatory Framework
Of the countries visited, China has developed the most comprehensive set of policies governing MSWM. Other
countries have sought to improve disposal practices by launching programs of a managerial and technical nature.
And others have adopted international standards to address different aspects of solid waste disposal.
The national entity responsible for solid waste disposal in China is the Ministry of Construction, Department of Urban Construction. The agency has developed guidelines and requirements for management of solid waste
Disposal, including landfills (regarded as the primary disposal option), composting, and incineration. In its guidelines, China addresses siting criteria (such as minimum distance to drinking water sources, limitations on geological formations and requirements for
hydrogeological surveys), liner criteria (such as clay liner thickness of
2-2.5 m and k