Solid Waste Management: Engineering Principles and Practice

Proper waste management is one of the most critical challenges of modern environmental engineering. This comprehensive text-based course provides a clear, structured pathway to understanding how solid waste is characterized, processed, and safely managed in municipal and industrial settings. You will transition from having a basic awareness of refuse disposal to understanding the complex engineering systems, chemical reactions, and design calculations behind modern landfills, composting, and thermal treatment facilities. What you'll learn: - Understand the classification, physical properties, and chemical composition of solid waste. - Analyze waste generation rates and design efficient collection and transfer systems. - Master the engineering principles of sanitary landfills, including leachate and gas control systems. - Explore biological treatment methods such as aerobic composting and anaerobic digestion. - Apply modern waste-to-energy concepts and thermal conversion technologies safely. - Implement circular economy frameworks and modern electronic waste (e-waste) management protocols. The course begins with key terminology, historical context, and foundational environmental regulations before guiding you through collection logistics, biological and thermal treatment processes, and advanced landfill engineering. You will progress through written step-by-step calculations and conceptual exercises designed to reinforce technical exam readiness. This course is designed for engineering students, environmental science beginners, and candidates preparing for professional and academic engineering exams. No prior waste management experience is required. Start reading today to build a strong, professional foundation in environmental engineering.