Authors: Mi Yan, Haryo Wibowo , Qike Liu, Yi Cai, Dicka Ar Rahim, and Hu Yanjun
This chapter focuses on the generation, treatment, and management policy, but excluding reduction and recycling information, of municipal solid waste (MSW) in China. Cities in China generated 215 million tons of MSW in 2017. It presents a big challenge for sustainable development of cities. Currently, sanitary landfill is the dominant method for MSW treatment, treating 57.2% of total waste. MSW composting has seen a decrease in application, only used to treat less than 2.5% of total MSW. Meanwhile, waste to energy in the form of incineration for energy production has developed significantly in the last decade. The percentage of MSW amount treated by incineration is 40.2% from the total amount of treated MSW in 2017, a sharp increase from only 4.9% in 2003, due to China’s commitment to WtE. The content of this chapter shall include comprehensive data from government and industry, including plant capacity, quantity, technology, emission, policy and regulation promoting, and guiding WtE in China.