The variety of solid waste management really depends on the country that you are investigation, the resources of that country and the government systems that have been implemented to deal with the solid waste. Waste comes in many forms from liquid to gaseous, chemical waste and of course solid waste that makes up the majority of waste made by man. There is only a small percentage of the solid waste that is recyclable however many of the countries in the world that create the most solid waste are not capable of recycling high portions of this recyclable waste.

Most solid waste management in third world countries is basic and really revolves around hiding the rubbish, burying the rubbish or even worse, burning it. This is not good at all for the environment and this is why solid waste management was brought into the twentieth century. Originally solid waste management was designed for making city living more hygienic and free from clutter and rubbish.

The more economic countries are able to keep their cities and towns very clean and free of debris while other third world countries have people living side by side with rubbish dumps as well as children having to live in them to rummage for food or items to sell. Developing nations are starting to realize the benefits of solid waste management that can help them to produce cleaner towns that will be more likely to enhance tourism. The solid waste management should also reduce the amount of illness that is spread throughout a city and can therefore reduce the amount of public spending on doctors and hospitals.