As EU societies become wealthier they create more waste. OECD estimates that every EU citizen generates 550kg solid waste per year and this number is likely to increase to 640kg by the year 2020. To address the rising waste stream, urban areas need effective municipal solid waste management (MSW) concepts that not only build upon innovative new technologies (e.g., in the recycling field), but also make use of new forms and sources of financing as well as new conceptual approaches (e.g., ways to extend producers responsibilities and to involve citizens). While EU legislation is a backbone to support this process, the further development of the MSW management concepts and their enforcement lies within the responsibility of local and regional authorities. Overall objective / Objectif général The operation IUWMM - Integrated Urban Waste Management Model unites public sector decision makers, expert organisations and universities to develop effective, flexible and practical tools for integrated MSW management. In addition, partners want to increase awareness among public sector decision makers, explore the potential to obtain EU funding for MSW management, and encourage long-term networking among the partners and with other national and EU-wide networks. Expected results / Résultats attendus The operation provides participating organisations with the operational knowledge and practical tools to deal with and optimise integrated MSW-management concepts and to adapt them to suit the regional needs. The operation thus increases the effectiveness of MSW, promotes a coherent approach to integrated MSW management across the EU, supports the harmonized implementation of EU policies, and has positive impacts on the environment. Activities include the identification of state-of-the art techniques for MSW management, the joint development of good-practice models and their adaptation to the needs of the participating regions. Based on a series of international workshops and policy forums, partners harmonize MSW management concepts and tools and elaborate handbooks on the key elements of optimal integrated MSW management. Partners also establish an "EU MSW Management Platform" and develop regional action plans for all ten participating EU regions.