Waste Management
According to WHO, poor waste disposal practices are responsible for a significant proportion of the world's infectious disease burden. In many areas, municipal sewage is often mixed with industrial waste and in some regions very little wastewater receives treatment before it is discharged into the environment. Resources available in this sub-theme include assessment reports of wastewater treatment plants, national strategies for sewage disposal, among other resources that support sustainable waste management.
Browse by resource type
- Tool (26) Apply Tool filter
- Training Resource (21) Apply Training Resource filter
- Topical Report (17) Apply Topical Report filter
- Construction Manual (16) Apply Construction Manual filter
- Case Study (13) Apply Case Study filter
- Project Report (13) Apply Project Report filter
- Instruction Manual (5) Apply Instruction Manual filter
- Project Evaluation (5) Apply Project Evaluation filter
- Data (2) Apply Data filter
- Policy Document (2) Apply Policy Document filter
- Meeting Documents (1) Apply Meeting Documents filter
- Periodic Report (1) Apply Periodic Report filter
Waste Management Resources
Water for the World: Operating and Maintaining a Composting System
U.S. Agency for International Development
A composting system is a means of turning garbage, animal manure, other organic wastes, and in some cases, excreta, into compost. This technical note describes how to operate and maintain a composting system.Read more
Regional focus:
United StatesNorth AmericaWater for the World: Operating and Maintaining a Biogas System
U.S. Agency for International Development
A biogas system is a means of digesting animal manure anaerobically to produce methane gas which is burned to provide heat or light. This technical note describes how to operating and maintain a biogas system.Read more
Regional focus:
United StatesNorth AmericaWater for the World: Operating and Maintaining Bucket Latrines
U.S. Agency for International Development
Maintaining a bucket latrine is necessary to prevent fly-breeding and to avoid possible health hazards due to contamination from excreta. This manual provides a guide to operating and maintaining bucket latrines.Read more
Regional focus:
United StatesNorth AmericaWater for the World: Designing a Composting System
U.S. Agency for International Development
A composting system is a means of turning garbage, animal manure, other organic wastes, and in some cases, excreta, into compost. This technical note describes how to design a composing system and arrive at the essential end-products.Read more
Regional focus:
United StatesNorth AmericaWater for the World: Constructing, Operating and Maintaining Cesspools
U.S. Agency for International Development
A cesspool is a covered pit with open-joint walls that receives piped sewage. The solids settle to the bottom and the effluent passes through the walls into the surrounding soil. This technical note describes how to construct a cesspool.Read more
Regional focus:
United StatesNorth AmericaWater for the World: Methods of Combined Washwater and Excreta Disposal
U.S. Agency for International Development
Combining excreta and washwater disposal in a single system is an efficient and safe method of disposal that prevents the spread of disease. This manual provides a comprehensive guide to the types of combined disposal and effective methods.Read more
Regional focus:
United StatesNorth AmericaWater for the World: Constructing, Operating and Maintaining Subsurface Absorption Systems
U.S. Agency for International Development
A subsurface absorption system is a trench, series of trenches, field or pit that receives effluent from a septic tank and allows it to soak safely into the ground. This technical note describes each step in constructing an absorption system.Read more
Regional focus:
United StatesNorth AmericaWater for the World: Determining Soil Suitability
U.S. Agency for International Development
Determining soil suitability for disposal of excreta, washwater, sewage or sewage effluent is important because some soils cannot safely be used for disposal systems. This guide provides an overview of determining soil suitability for waste management.Read more
Regional focus:
United StatesNorth AmericaWater for the World: Constructing Mechanically Aerated Lagoons
U.S. Agency for International Development
A mechanically aerated lagoon is similar to a stabilization pond except that it is equipped with one or more electrically powered aerators that treat effluent by mixing it with air. This technical note describes how to construct a mechanically aerated lagoon.Read more
Regional focus:
United StatesNorth AmericaWater for the World: Designing Cesspools
U.S. Agency for International Development
A cesspool is a covered pit with open-joint walls that receives piped sewage. The solids settle to the bottom and the effluent passes through the walls into the surrounding soil. This technical note describes how to design a cesspool and arrive at the end products.Read more
Regional focus:
United StatesNorth AmericaDon't see what you're looking for? You can search USWP member sites, request a resource, or contact the USWP.