The world generates 2.01 billion tonnes of municipal solid waste annually, with at least 33 percent of that is not managed in an environmentally safe manner. Most of the poorly handled waste is in developing countries.
Global waste is expected to grow to 3.40 billion tonnes by 2050, more than double population growth over the same period. Overall, there is a strong positive correlation between waste generation and income level. Consequently, urbanisation and GDP growth are the key drivers for waste.
The total quantity of waste generated in developing countries is expected to increase by more than three times from 2020 to 2050. In these regions, more than half of waste is currently openly dumped, and the trajectories of waste growth will have vast implications for the environment, health, and prosperity, thus requiring urgent action.