This case study by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) aims to take a snapshot of the municipal waste management ecosystems of certain countries in the Global South, particularly focusing on private sector-led good practices, inclusive growth and sustainable financing. The countries were selected upon criteria such as GDP, total waste production and geographic variety. The study specifically refers to Municipal Solid Waste which includes food waste, paper, plastic, rags, metal and glass, although demolition and construction debris are often included in collected waste, as are small quantities of hazardous waste, such as electric light bulbs, batteries, automotive parts and discarded medicines and chemicals.
By identifying and shedding light on the good practices within the context, promoting cooperation amongst the countries in the South-South and promoting private sector engagement in the waste management sector it is possible to replicate and scale up these practices and ultimately achieve an inclusive urbanization scenario in the future.
