What is typically the primary goal of solid waste management?

The primary goal of solid waste management is to protect human health and the environment. This overarching objective encompasses several essential components, including ensuring safe disposal of waste, minimizing the negative impacts of waste on human populations and natural ecosystems, and promoting sustainable waste management practices.

Effective solid waste management includes strategies that not only focus on the immediate handling of waste but also consider long-term effects on health and environmental integrity, such as reducing pollution and conserving resources. By protecting public health, solid waste management aims to reduce exposure to hazardous substances found in waste and prevent adverse environmental impacts that can arise from improper waste disposal, such as soil contamination or water pollution.

While reducing waste production, maximizing landfill efficiency, and increasing recycling rates are important aspects of solid waste management, they all serve to support the primary goal of safeguarding human health and the environment.