Technology research, development and diffusion

In general, the waste sector is characterized by mature technologies that require further diffusion in developing countries. Advances under development include:

• Landfilling: Implementation of optimized gas collection systems at an early stage of landfill development to increase long-term gas collection efficiency. Optimization of landfill biodegradation (bioreactors) to provide greater process control and shorter waste degradation lifetimes. Construction of landfill ‘biocovers’ that optimize microbial oxidation of CH₄ and NMVOCs to minimize emissions.
• Biological processes: For developing countries, lower-technology, affordable sustainable composting and anaerobic digestion strategies for source-separated biodegradable waste.
• Thermal processes: Advanced waste-to-energy technologies that can provide higher thermal and electrical efficiencies than current incinerators (10–20% net electrical efficiency). Increased implementation of industrial co-combustion using feedstocks from various waste fractions to offset fossil fuels. Gasification and pyrolysis of source-separated waste fractions in combination with improved, lower-cost separation technologies for production of fuels and feedstocks.
• Recycling, re-use, waste minimization, pre-treatment (impro-ved mechanical-biological treatment processes) Innovations in recycling technology and process improvements resulting in decreased use of virgin materials, energy conservation, and fossil fuel offsets. Development of innovative but low-technology recycling solutions for developing countries.
• Wastewater: New low-technology ecological designs for improved sanitation at the household and small community level, which can be implemented sustainably for efficient small-scale wastewater treatment and water conservation in both developed and developing countries (high agreement, limited evidence) [10.5; 10.6].