TheWaste characterization chapter discusses the types of waste with their sources, characteristics, and principles of waste management from waste generation, collection, separation, transportation, sorting, storage, recycling,Recycling and disposal. Wastes are in different forms, such as solid, liquid, and gaseous. On the other hand, waste may be biodegradable or non-biodegradable. The characteristics of the waste vary with the types and sources of the waste. The hospital wastesHospital waste are very infectious, and they need special care. TheIndustrial waste industrial wastes are very much toxins. Many factors influence waste generation, including location, climate, and socio-economic conditions. Both physical (size, moisture contentMoisture content, and density) and chemical characteristics (lipids, carbohydrates, proteins, natural fibers, synthetic organic materials, and non-combustibles) influence the waste management systemWaste management system. Waste collection depends on frequencyFrequency of collection, climatic conditions, location, containers, and cost of the system. Community engagementCommunity engagement is crucial in sustainable waste management. The principles of 11Rs, which include Reduce, Reuse, RefuseRefuse collection, and RecyclingRecycling, are arguably the most effective strategies for managing waste.