As reported by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in collaboration with the International Solid Waste Association (ISWA) in their publication “Global Waste Management Outlook 2024,” municipal waste generation is expected to increase dramatically from 2.1 billion tonnes in 2023 to 3.8 billion tonnes by 2050. The report emphasizes that without significant intervention, the global cost of waste mismanagement could rise from USD 361 billion in 2020 to an alarming USD 640.3 billion by 2050.
Key Findings on Waste Generation and Costs
The 2024 report outlines three scenarios of municipal waste generation and management:
- Business-as-Usual: Leads to escalating costs due to pollution, poor health outcomes, and climate impacts.
- Halfway Measures: Slows the cost increase but fails to decouple waste generation from economic growth.
- Zero-Waste Circular Economy: Can result in an annual net gain of USD 108.5 billion through waste prevention and sustainable resource use.
The Urgency for Action
The report highlights that municipal waste is not just an environmental issue but an economic challenge with hidden costs affecting public health and contributing to climate change. Strategic investments in waste prevention, recycling infrastructure, and circular economy principles can significantly limit future waste-related expenses, keeping costs to around USD 270.2 billion by 2050 rather than the projected USD 640.3 billion.
Recommendations for Stakeholders
The report offers actionable guidance for multinational development banks, governments, municipalities, producers, and citizens to adopt waste reduction strategies. Emphasizing the waste hierarchy—prevention, reuse, and recycling—can turn waste into valuable resources. By aligning waste management practices with circular economy goals, stakeholders can contribute to global economic gains while mitigating environmental and health impacts.
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Article with all rights reserved, courtesy of unep.org.