{"id":847,"date":"2026-03-30T08:00:12","date_gmt":"2026-03-30T08:00:12","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/businesssinglesmeet.com\/?p=847"},"modified":"2026-04-10T13:02:54","modified_gmt":"2026-04-10T13:02:54","slug":"global-waste-set-to-rise-sharply-without-urgent-action-world-bank-warns","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/businesssinglesmeet.com\/index.php\/2026\/03\/30\/global-waste-set-to-rise-sharply-without-urgent-action-world-bank-warns\/","title":{"rendered":"Global waste set to rise sharply without urgent action, World Bank warns"},"content":{"rendered":"
\u00a0<\/div>\n

\"Plastic<\/h4>\n

Global waste generation is projected to increase dramatically over the coming decades, driven by urbanisation, population growth and economic development, according to the World Bank<\/span><\/span>\u2019s What a Waste<\/em> research programme.<\/h4>\n

The latest analysis indicates that the world currently produces more than 2 billion tonnes of municipal solid waste each year. Without significant intervention, this figure is expected to rise by around 70% by 2050.<\/p>\n

The report highlights<\/a> that waste generation is not evenly distributed across regions or income levels. High-income countries, despite accounting for a relatively small share of the global population, produce a disproportionately large volume of waste. Meanwhile, the fastest growth is projected in lower-income regions.<\/p>\n

Sub-Saharan Africa is expected to see waste volumes more than triple by mid-century, while South Asia is forecast to more than double its waste output.<\/p>\n

This growth is closely linked to economic development and urbanisation. As countries industrialise and incomes rise, waste generation typically increases alongside consumption patterns.<\/p>\n

Gaps in waste management systems<\/h3>\n

Despite rising volumes, waste management systems remain uneven in their effectiveness. The World Bank estimates that at least one-third of global waste is not managed in an environmentally safe way, often ending up in open dumps or being burned.<\/p>\n

Collection and treatment rates vary widely. High-income countries generally achieve near-universal waste collection and recover a significant proportion through recycling and composting. In contrast, low-income countries recycle only a small fraction of their waste, with limited collection coverage, particularly in rural areas.<\/p>\n

Environmental and health impacts<\/h3>\n

Poor waste management has significant environmental and public health consequences. Mismanaged waste contributes to pollution of land and waterways and is a growing source of greenhouse gas emissions.<\/p>\n

The report estimates that waste treatment and disposal generated approximately 1.6 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent in 2016, accounting for around 5% of global emissions.<\/p>\n

Plastics are identified as a particular concern, persisting in ecosystems for hundreds of years and contributing heavily to marine pollution.<\/p>\n

Economic and policy implications<\/h3>\n

The World Bank emphasises that effective waste management is a foundational public service and a key component of sustainable urban development. It also plays a central role in enabling a circular economy, where materials are reused and recycled rather than discarded.<\/p>\n

However, the report notes that waste management is often under-prioritised, particularly in lower-income countries where infrastructure, financing and governance systems are less developed.<\/p>\n

The findings underline the need for coordinated policy action, investment in infrastructure, and improved regulatory frameworks to manage growing waste volumes and reduce environmental impacts.<\/p>\n

A growing global challenge<\/h3>\n

The What a Waste<\/em> programme compiles data from countries and cities worldwide, covering the full waste management chain\u2014from generation and collection to treatment and disposal.<\/p>\n

Overall, the report concludes that without systemic changes, rising waste generation will continue to outpace improvements in management, placing increasing pressure on cities, ecosystems and public health systems globally.<\/p>\n

The post Global waste set to rise sharply without urgent action, World Bank warns<\/a> appeared first on Circular Online<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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