Comparative analysis of solid waste management in cities around the world

Abstract

SUMMARY : This paper uses the new data set compiled on 20 cities in six continents for the UN Habitat flagship publication ‘Solid Waste Management in the World’s Cities’. The comparative analysis looks first at waste generatio n rates and waste composition data. A process flow diagram is prepared for each city, as a powerf ul tool for representing the solid waste system as a whole in a comprehensive but concise way. Benchmark indicators are presented and compared for three key drivers / physical componen ts of an integrated and sustainable waste management (ISWM) system ‐ public health / collection, environment / disposal and resource recovery ‐ and for three governance strategies req uired to deliver a well functioning ISWM system ‐ inclusivity, financial sustainability and sound institutions / pro-active policies. Key insights include the importance of the informal rec ycling sector in many developing country cities; they not only deliver recycling rates compa rable to modern Western systems, but also save the city authorities millions of dollars in avoided waste collection and disposal costs.