Sustainable Solid Waste Management in Developing Countries: Converting Urban Wood, Garden, Food, and Cardboard Waste Into Biochar Using Pyrolysis

Effective municipal solid waste (MSW) management presents a critical challenge globally, exacerbated by rapid urbanisation, population growth, and shifting consumption patterns. This review paper focuses on the sustainable management of food, wood, garden, and cardboard waste (FW, GWW, and CW) in developing countries, with a particular emphasis on Sri Lanka. The review highlights the urgent need for innovative solutions due to the inefficiencies of current waste management practices, which primarily involve open dumping and limited composting and recycling. This review aims to evaluate the potential of pyrolysis technology in converting these waste streams into Biochar, a valuable by-product with numerous environmental, agricultural, and industrial applications. The methodology involved a comprehensive literature review using resources like Google Scholar and Science Direct, focusing on the application of Pyrolysis for transforming waste into Biochar. Key findings indicate that Pyrolysis offers a viable solution by converting waste into Biochar, which has beneficial applications in agriculture and environmental management. Pyrolysis techniques are noted for their potential to reduce methane emissions, improve soil fertility, and enhance waste-to-energy conversion. The review recommends enhancing waste segregation and collection infrastructure, promoting sustainable waste management techniques, increasing public awareness, and investing in research and development. Policy support and public-private partnerships are also essential for improving waste management practices. Future research should explore circular economy principles, the long-term impacts of current practices, and advanced waste processing technologies. Implementing these recommendations can significantly advance MSW management, mitigate environmental pollution, and promote public health, fostering more sustainable urban environments.