Insight Report: Smart waste, an opportunity cities should not trash

According to the World Bank, we generate more than two billion metric tons of municipal solid waste every year. It estimates that by 2050, annual waste generation will increase by 70 per cent to 3.4 billion metric tons.

The pressure is also on for cities to play their part in shifting from a linear to a circular economy and, in turn, tackle global issues such as climate change, pollution and poor air quality. Efficient and effective waste management cuts across a number of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and is therefore a key part of a city’s global social responsibility.

At a more local level, poor waste management also costs cities financially and environmentally. For example, over-filled waste bins remain a common site in many cities, creating risks to public health and the environment, and making districts less attractive for residents and visitors. However, responding to the problem while continuing to control costs remains a challenge.

Putting in place smart waste strategies and solutions is the most direct way to address many of a cities’ pain points when it comes to waste management and is increasingly seen as a necessary step in the drive to build more efficient and sustainable cities.