Discussing the possibility of extending the European vision of solid waste management to the Asian countries of Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand

Waste management is a pressing global issue, especially in developing countries such as those in Southeast Asia. The lack of legal framework, technical skills, the not easy systematic management of the informal sector as well as the availability of adequate treatment facilities are among the main reasons for improper waste management. The literature has also shown the need to increase the awareness of citizens in waste magament. To address these problems, the European Union-funded SWAP (Sustainable solid WAste management and Policies) project aims to build capacity in waste management in Cambodia, Vietnam and Thailand through a mechanism that involves strengthening local universities. The benefits would affect the university and the entire supply chain such as students, lecturers, public and private companies as well as administrations. As SWAP indirectly emphasises the European model in waste management, this contribution addresses the possibility of extending to these countries the European vision in terms of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) management system, focusing on technical, legal and informal actions. A brief assessment under a technical and environmental point of view of different treatment strategies regarding the waste management in these countries is also presented.