Long-term outlook, systems transitions

To minimize future GHG emissions from the waste sector, it is important to preserve local options for a wide range of integrated and sustainable management strategies. Furthermore, primary reductions in waste generation through recycling, re-use, and waste minimization can provide substantial benefits for the conservation of raw materials and energy. Over the long term, because landfills continue to produce CH₄ for decades, landfill gas recovery will be required at existing landfills even as many countries change to non-landfilling technologies such as incineration, industrial co-combustion, mechanical-biological treatment, large-scale composting and anaerobic digestion. In addition, the ‘back-up’ landfill will continue to be a critical component of municipal solid waste planning. In developing countries, investment in improved waste and wastewater management confers significant co-benefits for public health and safety, environmental protection and infrastructure development.