SWM Practical Advice

Waste generated in low income countries is expected to increase by more than three times by 2050, driven by population growth, increased consumption and lifestyle changes due to urbanisation. 

Alarmingly, in regions where waste generation is growing more rapidly, more than half of the waste is openly dumped, burned or discharged into water bodies and ecosystems. On average, low-income countries collect only about 39 per cent of the waste produced. Solid waste management (SWM) is concentrated in cities and, often the responsibility of local administrations, Cities in low —and middle—income countries face complex challenges. These include informal dumping and waste picking conditions, the accumulation of waste in public spaces — creating hazards, polluting key ecosystems and increasing health and environmental risks —and difficulties finding appropriate waste disposal space.