On the occasion of the International Day of Zero Waste on March 30, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that a zero waste future requires the cooperation of the international community. He called on the world to unite and strive to reach a legally binding treaty to end plastic pollution to “end the cycle of waste, once and for all”.
Strong warning
Every year, households, small businesses and public service providers generate 2.1-2.3 billion tonnes of municipal solid waste, ranging from packaging and electronics to plastics and food. Yet global waste management services are ill-equipped to deal with the problem, with 2.7 billion people lacking access to solid waste collection services and only 61%-62% of municipal solid waste being treated.
In low-income countries, the situation is even worse, with an estimated 90% of waste not being properly managed. Waste pollution poses a significant threat to human health and economic prosperity and exacerbates the planet’s triple crisis: climate change, biodiversity loss and environmental pollution.
According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), without urgent action, by 2050, the global waste volume could reach 3.8 billion tons, leading to a doubling of the economic burden, possibly reaching 640 million USD in 2050 (from 361 million USD in 2020).
Green initiatives could save governments $70 billion by 2040 and create 700,000 jobs, experts say. If effective measures are taken, the annual global cost of waste could fall to $270 billion by 2050.
The United Nations notes that this target can be further enhanced by transitioning to a circular economy, where economic growth does not equate to increased waste. This could include adopting sustainable business practices and improved waste management processes, which could generate net revenues of more than $100 billion per year.
Mobilizing social power
Currently, many countries around the world are making efforts to reduce waste through measures to promote sustainable production and consumption models and transition to a circular economy.
In the UK, for example, waste management company SUEZ operates the UK’s largest recycling centre in partnership with the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, home to around 3 million people. Donation bins allow residents to donate items such as furniture, appliances and electrical goods, which are then refurbished and redistributed to the community.
The project addresses waste reduction directly, diverting over 500 tonnes of waste from landfill each year, and also supports the circular economy by providing green job training, partnering with local charities to provide housing for those in need.
Similarly, in Chile, leading waste management company TriCiclos has for the past 14 years operated one of the most efficient recycling networks in South America, with a management model based on 100% traceability and the elimination of non-recyclable materials. By providing recycling services, education on sustainable consumption, and rewarding employment opportunities, TriCiclos has created safe living environments for over 3 million people.
VIET ANH synthesis
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