ABSTRACT
This chapter presents the Partially subsidized composting at district level business model and supporting case examples, and the notable potential it offers for harnessing value from the organic fraction of municipal solid waste. Policy makers are increasingly challenged to consider other viable options, including market-based approaches that can lead to achieving sustainable solid waste management for current and future generations. Emerging recommendations propose a 'circular economy' which builds on the concept of resource recovery and reuse, where municipal solid waste (MSW) recycling and reuse offer the opportunity to augment nutrient resources. Whilst MSW composting has the potential to generate significant revenues from compost sales and recyclables and most compost plants are geared towards full cost-recovery, the revenues are often insufficient to cover the O&M costs, and less so capital investments. While potential opportunities for 'business' in waste reuse are increasingly clear, scaling-up and sustainability of such entities often emerge as a viable option when public and private actors work together.
