Development of Solid Waste Recycling and Solid Pollution Control

Solid waste has become a significant challenge in the environment and energy security field owing to the accelerated development of globalisation, urbanisation, and technological innovation. This chapter systematically explores a variety of cost-effective and environmentally friendly solid waste treatment and energy recovery strategies, aiming to promote the in-depth development of the circular economy. Biological treatment technologies have shown great potential in promoting resource recycling by effectively converting degradable organic matter into high-value products through composting, anaerobic digestion, and biohydrogen production pathways. Meanwhile, traditional incineration and landfill technologies have been constantly innovating and incorporating more energy recovery methods, such as heat recovery and fly ash treatment during incineration, methane capture, and effective treatment of landfill leachate treatment. In addition, thermochemical treatment technologies have become the focus of research with efficient conversion capabilities, including cutting-edge methods such as pyrolysis, co-pyrolysis, gasification, liquefaction, and plasma pyrolysis, which has not only facilitated the conversion of wastes to high-value fuels and chemicals but also broadened the pathways for energy utilisation. This chapter comprehensively analyses the above technologies and provided a solid theoretical foundation and practical framework for building a circular, low-carbon, and sustainable solid waste management system. It also offers scientific guidance and practical solutions for dealing with the proliferation of solid waste globally.