The management of solid waste globally is a pressing challenge, with waste generation rates rising due to population growth, urbanisation, and changing consumption patterns. Currently, the world generates approximately 2.24 billion tonnes of solid waste annually, with projections indicating this could increase to 3.88 billion tonnes by 2050. However, the management of this waste varies significantly across regions and income levels.

In high-income countries, waste management systems are generally well-developed, with nearly universal waste collection and advanced recycling and disposal methods. These nations generate a significant proportion of recyclable materials, such as plastics, paper, and metals, and have the infrastructure to process them efficiently. On the other hand, low- and middle-income countries face significant challenges, with over 90% of waste in low-income regions often disposed of in unregulated dumps or openly burned. This not only poses severe health and environmental risks but also contributes to climate change through methane emissions from landfills.

Regions like Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia are experiencing rapid increases in waste generation, with much of the waste being openly dumped. This highlights the urgent need for improved waste management systems in these areas. Globally, there is a growing emphasis on adopting circular economy principles, which focus on waste reduction, recycling, and resource recovery. These strategies aim to decouple waste generation from economic growth and promote sustainable practices.

Efforts to improve solid waste management include investments in infrastructure, policy reforms, and public awareness campaigns. For instance, integrating informal waste pickers into formal systems can enhance recycling rates while providing livelihoods. However, achieving sustainable waste management requires coordinated efforts from governments, businesses, and communities to address the environmental, social, and economic impacts of waste.

Solid waste management is directly linked to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as it impacts various aspects of environmental, social, and economic sustainability. The key SDGs include:

Goal 3: Good Health and Well-Being: Proper waste management reduces health risks by minimising exposure to pollutants, preventing the spread of diseases, and ensuring cleaner living environments, which are essential for overall public health.

Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation: Effective waste management prevents the contamination of water sources by hazardous materials and supports the availability of clean and safe water for all.

Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: Integrated waste management systems help create sustainable and resilient urban areas by promoting cleaner cities, reducing waste accumulation, and improving quality of life for residents.

Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production: Managing solid waste encourages sustainable consumption and production practices, such as recycling, composting, and adopting circular economy principles, to minimise resource use and waste generation.

Goal 13: Climate Action: Proper waste disposal and reduction strategies help combat climate change by minimising greenhouse gas emissions, such as methane from landfills and carbon emissions from waste burning.