Projects and activities connected to waste management can generally be categorized as follows:

• Development of a sensible and efficient system for storage, collection, possible transfer and transport of refuse.

• Creation of environmentally safe, energy-and resource-saving and practical methods of disposal, e.g. recycling, land-filling and other means of processing, including closing down and safeguarding dumps that pose a risk to health and environment.

• Technical, professional and financial improvement of institutions and authorities to ensure that waste management systems work over time.

Waste management measures can also be important sub-components of other project categories, e.g. industry, agriculture, fisheries, aquaculture and mining. Measures towards proper waste management should be part of the planning of such projects from the start.

Waste management measures may also include training, research and legislation.

Choice of technology and scale of projects and activities related to waste management may vary depending on type and amount of waste, as well as on local environmental, economic, technological, institutional and socio-cultural conditions. Experience shows that conditions in most developing countries require other kinds of solutions than those being practiced in industrialized countries.