Waste Management and Urban Services in Europe and in the US - Thesis Example

Waste disposal is one of the urgent environmental problems facing regions all over the world. The overconsumption of resources and the creation of non-biodegradable materials such as plastics, Styrofoam, and chemicals are creating a mounting problem of waste disposal.

People are gaining notoriety for producing excessive wastes and dumping them as garbage in landfills and oceans. Garbage such as nuclear wastes, plastics, fast food wastes, and electronic products are samples of harmful materials that can affect the health of man in particular and of the environment in general. However, these wastes became a business opportunity and opened up avenues for new industries, i.e. the urban services and waste treatment, an interesting topic for discussion. This study intends to investigate the urban services and waste management activities in Europe and in the U.S.

Specifically, the study seeks to describe the practices done within the industry and identify the challenges and opportunities the industry face. This work would be of special concern to those who wanted to gain information on the economic opportunities of waste disposal. This research will use an observational research method wherein the researcher will study a phenomenon without interfering. The observation method is used in behavioral studies, social sciences, and anthropology, and is useful when ethics is a problem. Existing literature and researches on the subject will be used as secondary sources since access to the primary sources is not possible.

Web definition of waste management is “The collection, transportation, and disposal of garbage, sewage, and other waste products.” Waste management encompasses the management of all processes and resources for proper handling of waste materials, from maintenance of waste transport trucks and dumping facilities to compliance with health codes and environmental regulations. Urban services are public service services and public facilities provided in the cities. These services include sanitary sewerage systems, storm drainage systems, domestic water systems, street cleaning services, fire and police protection services, and public transport services.