What are the environmental and health risks of improper waste management?

1 Pollution and climate change

One of the main environmental risks of improper waste management is pollution. When waste is dumped in landfills, burned in open air, or discharged into waterways, it releases toxic substances and greenhouse gases that contaminate the air, soil, and water. These pollutants can cause respiratory diseases, skin infections, cancer, and other health problems for people and animals. They can also contribute to climate change by increasing the global temperature and causing extreme weather events.

2 Resource depletion and waste of value

Another environmental risk of improper waste management is resource depletion. When waste is not recycled, reused, or recovered, it wastes valuable materials and energy that could be used for other purposes. This leads to more extraction of natural resources, such as metals, wood, and fossil fuels, which depletes the earth's finite resources and causes environmental degradation. It also reduces the economic value of waste, which could be transformed into new products, services, or income.

4 Social and environmental injustice

Another health risk of improper waste management is social and environmental injustice. When waste is not managed equitably, it affects some groups more than others, especially the poor, the marginalized, and the vulnerable. These groups often live in areas with inadequate waste services, infrastructure, and regulations, and face higher exposure to waste-related hazards and lower access to waste-related benefits. They also bear the brunt of the negative impacts of waste on their livelihoods, dignity, and well-being.

5 Urban planning and circular economy

How can urban planning help address the environmental and health risks of improper waste management? One of the ways is by adopting the principles of circular economy, which is a system that aims to minimize waste and maximize value by designing products and processes that are durable, repairable, reusable, recyclable, and biodegradable. Urban planning can promote circular economy by implementing policies, strategies, and actions that support waste prevention, reduction, separation, collection, treatment, recovery, and disposal. Urban planning can also foster collaboration, innovation, and education among different stakeholders, such as governments, businesses, communities, and consumers, to create a more sustainable and inclusive waste management system.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?