Learn about different methods of waste management

Pile of garbage bags

With plastic production still on the rise today, effective waste management systems are essential in preventing plastic waste from entering our natural environment and ending up in our oceans. Waste management includes all the activities and actions required to manage waste from its inception to its final disposal. This includes the collection, transport, treatment and disposal of waste, together with monitoring and regulation of the waste management process.

We are producing over 300 million tons of plastic every year, 50% of which is for single-use purposes.

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Benefits

  • If implemented correctly, stops waste ending up in the ocean
  • With several different methods of waste management, nations can implement the system that works best within their circumstances

Challenges

  • Waste management systems do not tackle consumption of plastic
  • It's difficult to harmonise systems across different areas
  • All waste management systems have waste byproducts

Making a difference

In Indonesia, a $100 million loan from the World Bank will support a $1 billion national program to reform waste management practices for around 70 participating cities, impacting around 50 million people.

There are hundreds of other ways to solve plastic pollution

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Photo Credit: Jasmine Sessler