<p>Solid waste management (SWM) presents considerable issues for developing countries because of rapid urbanisation, population growth and economic development. Common problems in these countries are open dumping methods, ineffective collection procedures and inadequate waste separation. The amount of waste per capita is growing rapidly and they desperately need sustainable management systems to manage increasing waste. Developing countries can benefit from the experiences of industrialised nations in establishing successful SWM approaches and policies to overcome these difficulties. Using decentralised management techniques, enhancing recycling procedures and utilising energy recovery technology are a few potential alternatives. This review article discusses the pyrolysis of municipal solid waste as an appropriate technique in developing countries. This technology provides a financially viable solution to these countries’ dual problems of waste management and energy shortages. Pyrolysis performs better than incineration and gasification when evaluated according to environmental, economic, social, technological and waste-related criteria in developing countries. This technology is particularly beneficial for the recovery of plastics with high calorific value and combustibility potential. In addition, pyrolysis addresses increasing waste generation associated with urbanisation in developing countries through an environmentally acceptable technique for producing renewable energy. In conclusion, pyrolysis as an innovative technology, holds significant potential for addressing two major challenges in developing countries i.e. sustainable waste management and energy shortage.</p>