A literature survey on quantity and characteristics of municipal solid waste (MSW) in typical cities all over the world, the methods and technologies available for disposal and treatment of MSW, and the progress in research and development of these technologies as well, was given in this paper. Further more, both issues and the causes resulted in these issues in management of MSW in China were discussed. It is concluded that in a rather long time in future landfill will be the dominant way in the treatment ...