What's Municipal Solid Waste (MSW)?

Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) refers to the everyday waste produced by households, businesses, institutions, and public spaces within a municipality. MSW includes a wide variety of materials, such as food scraps, packaging, paper, plastics, glass, textiles, and small electronics. Commonly known as “trash” or “garbage,” MSW is typically collected by local waste management services for disposal.

MSW can be managed through various methods, including landfilling, incineration, composting, and recycling, depending on the types of materials and local waste management infrastructure. Effective management of MSW is essential for reducing environmental impact, conserving resources, and minimizing pollution. Municipalities often implement recycling and composting programs to divert recyclable and organic materials from landfills, promoting sustainability within the community.