The waste characteristics in developing countries are known to differ considerably from those in developed countries due to differing food habits, culture, traditions and socio-economic aspects.

In developing countries, the organic in the waste is higher due to the use of fresh and unprocessed vegetables and has high moisture content. Unpaved roads and seasonal variation in climatic conditions tend to increase the ash and soil content increasing the density of the waste consequent upon which low calorific value has been observed.

Urban centers in developing countries are mostly modern outgrowth of ancient cities with narrow winding streets requiring small slow moving vehicles for collection and transport.

In developed countries, due to exposure to industrial and urban activities for more than a century, the population became aware of the problem much earlier than in developing countries. Suitable legislation and regulations provide an effective working system for taxation and its realization.

Developing countries have only recently started facing these problems and requisite legislative action is being taken. However, adequate financial inputs have not been made. A high degree of mechanization may not receive the approval of citizens. Environmental awareness has yet to manifest itself and several towns continue to rely on the old conservancy system of sanitation.

The conditions prevalent are very different from those of the developed countries and hence it will not be prudent to attempt a direct transfer of technological solutions.

The existing low level of services, make it difficult for the municipal agencies to raise additional financial allocation solely on the promise of better services. Depending on the local conditions different strategies have to be adopted to raise these resources.