What is the process of managing waste materials such as garbage and sewage in urban environments called?

The process of managing waste materials, including garbage and sewage, in urban environments is referred to as waste management. This comprehensive approach encompasses a variety of activities aimed at collecting, transporting, processing, recycling, or disposing of waste. Effective waste management is critical for urban areas as it helps to minimize the impact of waste on public health and the environment.

Waste disposal, while a component of waste management, focuses specifically on the final handling and elimination of waste, often by methods like landfilling or incineration. Sanitation refers to the provision of facilities and conditions for the safe disposal of waste, as well as the maintenance of hygienic conditions, but is broader than just waste management. Recycling is a specific process within waste management that focuses on the conversion of waste materials into new products, thereby reducing waste and conserving resources.

Therefore, the correct term that encompasses the entire scope of dealing with waste in urban settings is waste management.