An efficient waste management strategy requires a detailed waste characterization, quantification and prediction of the rate of generation and physical components of waste, which is also an index of the recoverable energy. A comprehensive data of waste generation and composition creates awareness for the concerned policy makers and organization responsible for waste management. The objective of studies on estimation of waste generation and physical content is to provide baseline data for effective waste management planning. Several factors account for the variation in the rate of generation and the physical content of waste generated at different places. This study aims at identifying and analyzing some of these factors. The review reveals that waste generation and composition follows different patterns in different places at different locations at different times and season. A major factor that influences the rate of generated waste per year and the percentage composition of each physical waste stream is the socio-economic level. Moreover, the organic stream of the waste depends largely on the income level. High content of organic waste is identified in the low-income region, this paper, therefore, recommends the setting up of treatment facilities for organic waste at the organic-rich region.