5. Supportive Policy Environment

The governments (and sometimes municipalities) play an important role in establishing a policy environment that supports good solid waste management (SWM) practices at local level for

•           Enabling legislation (to protect public health and environment and ensure safe handling practices).

•           Regulations and standards (permits, licenses, inspections for landfills, emissions from incinerators, and others).

•           Law enforcement (financial and criminal penalties).

•           Solid waste planning (recycling and waste reduction targets).

•           Market incentives for recycling (beverage container deposits, minimum percentage recycled content).