The management of waste is becoming an increasingly urgent global challenge. As populations grow, cities expand, and consumption rises, the amount of municipal solid waste being generated is exceeding the ability of local systems and budgets to cope. This growing imbalance is placing significant strain on cities and communities worldwide.

At the same time, this pressure creates a powerful opportunity for change. Strengthening waste management systems through more sustainable, inclusive, and efficient approaches can unlock economic value, support job creation, and drive innovation. When managed effectively, waste can become a resource that contributes to both local development and environmental sustainability.

The World Bank Group’s What a Waste 3.0 report sheds light on these dynamics, offering the latest global data and analysis on solid waste management. Drawing from publicly available information across 217 countries and 262 cities, it provides valuable insight into how different policy pathways and levels of ambition could shape the future of waste systems worldwide.

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