January
11 Sep 2015

UNEP: 'Urgent response' needed to avert global waste crisis

The world’s first ever global waste report was published by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the findings indicate that the time for change is now.

  • 7 – 10 billion tonnes of urban waste is generated every year
  • 3 billion people worldwide do not have access to efficient waste disposal facilities
  • Lower-income Asian and African cities will double their waste by 2030
  • Only 35% of waste is disposed in a controlled manner in low-income countries

“This situation can be changed only if countries enforce proactive policies and sound institutions that encourage waste minimization and recycling. Major producers should also be more involved in managing the entire lifecycle of their products. International cooperation will be vital in preventing developing countries from becoming dumping ground for hazardous materials,” Dr Oyun Sanjaasuren, United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) President, said.

Read the full article here. This information was sourced from edie.net