Chapter 1: A wasteful world

Chapter 1 explores the diverse nature of waste, focusing primarily on MSW. It highlights how waste is generated across various sectors, including households, industries, and healthcare, and emphasises the global challenge of managing this waste effectively. The chapter stresses the importance of understanding waste generation’s environmental and social impacts, linking it to the broader goals of sustainable development.

Chapter 2: Municipal solid waste generation, growth and management

Chapter 2 delves into the patterns and projections of MSW generation. It predicts a 56% increase in waste by 2050, driven by economic and population growth, particularly in regions like Central and South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. The chapter also discusses current waste management practices, including waste collection, recycling, and waste-to-energy processes, and highlights the disparities in waste management capabilities across different regions. The financial implications of escalating waste management costs are a key focus, suggesting the need for investments in efficient waste management systems.

Chapter 3: The current costs of waste

Chapter 3 outlines the economic, environmental, and social costs associated with inadequate waste management. It examines the long-term impacts of unmanaged waste, such as environmental degradation, health risks, and economic burdens on communities and governments. The chapter also highlights the significant costs of inaction, stressing the need for urgent and sustained efforts to improve waste management practices globally.

Chapter 4: Predicting future waste generation

In Chapter 4, the report forecasts future waste generation scenarios based on current trends. It presents three scenarios: Waste Management as Usual, Waste Under Control, and Circular Economy. These scenarios provide insights into the potential outcomes of different waste management strategies, emphasising the need for a shift towards a circular economy where waste generation is decoupled from economic growth. The chapter calls for proactive measures to prevent waste and enhance recycling and waste management infrastructure.

Chapter 5: Barriers to change

Chapter 5 identifies the various barriers to improving global waste management, including a lack of recognition of the urgency of the waste crisis, inadequate data on pollution and health risks, and technical and financial challenges. The chapter also addresses issues such as the undervaluation of the informal waste sector, gender disparities in waste management, and the need for stronger legislation and enforcement mechanisms. Overcoming these barriers is essential for achieving meaningful progress in waste management.

Chapter 6: Pathways to prioritising waste

Chapter 6 proposes pathways to address the global waste crisis, focusing on both upstream and downstream measures. It advocates for waste prevention, the adoption of zero waste and circular economy models, and the importance of behavioural science in driving societal change. The chapter also highlights the role of data and digitalisation in strengthening the waste management value chain and the need for inclusive and representative waste management policies.

Recommendations

• Scale up waste prevention efforts by promoting product design for durability and recyclability and implementing extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes.
• Expand waste collection services to underserved areas and promote public-private partnerships for waste management.
• Invest in recycling infrastructure by establishing and supporting local recycling industries and technologies and expanding these facilities in low-recycling regions.
• Transition to a circular economy by supporting businesses in adopting circular business models and incentivising use of recycled materials.
• Develop and strengthen regulations and enforcement
• Promote data and digitalisation by investing in data collection and tools for waste management.
• Support behavioural change and public awareness by educating consumers on waste impacts and recycling through integration of behavioural science into waste policies.
• Ensure inclusivity and representation of marginalised groups in waste management policies through involving civil society in decision-making.
• Leverage financial mechanisms through green bonds and impact investing which helps mobilise funds for sustainable waste management.