A material becomes waste when the specific user of that material ceases to make use of it. Solid wastes are any non-liquid wastes that arise from human and animal activities that are normally solid and that are discarded as useless or unwanted. The quantities of solid waste generated in developing countries are increasing rapidly and may double (UNCHS, 1994) by the end of the decade due to burgeoning population growth, industrialization and unplanned economic growth. Most of the solid wastes produced in the cities remain uncollected and are dumped on vacant lands or into sewers and rivers. And those, which are collected, are often disposed off in open dumping grounds in an unacceptable manner, which stimulates numerous discomforts to the communities.

For these reasons, optimal solid waste management has attracted considerable attention worldwide and numerous actions to promote sustainable human development focusing on environmentally sound management. The integrated approach to solid waste management also explores the remedial measures. Measures to be taken are (i) minimize the production the waste, (ii) maximize waste recycling and reuse, (iii) promote safe waste disposal and (iv) expand waste collection and disposal services. In this regard an attempt has been made to evolve proper management strategies with the help of GIS (Geographic Information System). This is being carried out at Indian Institute of Science (IISc) campus spread over an area of about 178 hectares. IISc with interdisciplinary activities of research and teaching and with housing facilities for staff and students replicates any city, from the point of generation and management of solid wastes. In view of these aspects the strategies evolved for IISc campus could easily be implemented in any urban areas in any developing countries.