Lessons Learned from Successful Use of Solid Waste Management Technology in Australia and Germany

Abstract

          This study aims to derive lessons from the use of solid waste management technology and to analyze the key success factors of technology application in solid waste management in Australia and Germany. This research is qualitative in nature; it utilizes documents, textbooks, electronic documents, and various academic articles as research tools.  The analysis methods include thematic analysis and document analysis.

          The findings indicate that both countries have integrated technology into solid waste management, utilizing various innovations under projects that involve public-private partnerships and non-profit organizations. These include the technology from the SMART Centre (UNSW Centre for Sustainable Material Research and Technology), the use of technology through the Smarter, Cleaner Sydney Harbor project, and the Emerging Technology Testbed project in Australia, as well as the Pfand deposit-return system in Germany. These initiatives facilitate proper sorting of municipal waste according to academic principles, using large databases that record information on all  forms of waste, enabling appropriate allocation for each type. This results in cost savings in various operational aspects for organizations. Therefore, solid waste management is a crucial responsibility of government agencies,  and  with  good  operational  planning,  set  goals  can  be achieved  successfully.  Moreover, public participation is a critical factor in effective and sustainable solid waste management.  The public generates waste and can play a significant role in reducing waste volume and promoting recycling.  This can expedite solid waste management through various promotional methods, including education and awareness-raising, establishing community-based waste  sorting  systems,  incentivizing  the  public,  and  support  from  both  government  and  private  sectors.