Despite waste being an important role player in the greenhouse gas emission conversation, it has not yet been given a seat at the COP table. However, COP28 is the closest waste has gotten yet. The International Solid Waste Association (ISWA) proudly announced that they would host the first-ever Waste & Resources Pavilion at COP28. There is also an event looking at how sustainable trade and waste management can support climate change by addressing plastic pollution.

The world generates approximately 2.01 billion tonnes of municipal solid waste annually. This figure is projected to reach 3.4 billion tonnes by 2050. Improper waste management, particularly landfilling and incineration, releases potent greenhouse gases like methane and carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Methane, a major component of landfill gas, is 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide in trapping heat. Incineration, while often considered a more controlled waste disposal method, still emits carbon dioxide, a key contributor to global warming.

CLIMATE-CONSCIOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT

Addressing the waste management crisis is essential for mitigating climate change and achieving sustainable development goals. Embracing sustainable waste management practices can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect the environment.

Waste Reduction

Minimizing waste generation at the source is the most effective way to address the problem. This involves promoting reusable products, discouraging single-use items, and adopting sustainable production and consumption patterns.

Recycling

Recycling transforms waste materials into new products, reducing the need for raw material extraction and manufacturing processes that emit greenhouse gases. Efficient recycling systems can divert significant amounts of waste from landfills and incineration.

Composting

Organic waste, such as food scraps and yard trimmings, can be composted into nutrient-rich soil amendments, reducing landfill disposal and providing a valuable resource for agriculture and landscaping.

Waste-to-Energy

Waste-to-energy technologies convert non-recyclable waste into energy, such as electricity or heat, reducing landfill disposal and potentially replacing fossil fuel-based energy sources.

COP28 AGENDA: A PLATFORM FOR WASTE MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS

The COP28 agenda presents an opportunity to elevate the importance of waste management in climate action. Governments, businesses, and civil society organizations can come together to:

• Develop and implement comprehensive waste management policies and strategies that promote waste reduction, recycling, composting, and waste-to-energy solutions.
• Foster innovation and technological advancements in waste management practices to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
• Raise awareness and promote public engagement in waste reduction and sustainable waste management practices.

By adopting sustainable waste management practices, we can mitigate the impact of waste on climate change and protect the environment. We will watch closely as world leaders join forces at COP28 this year in the hopes that the waste sector gets a seat at the table for the 29^th Conference of the Parties.

Through our #DontWasteTime campaigns, we hope to show businesses that they need to go beyond target setting and take immediate action to reduce their emissions. Don’t Waste understands the great potential that lies in reducing GHG emissions through waste and we can help you through this process. By reducing your scope 3 emissions through improved waste management you can play your part and take immediate action on the climate crisis. There is no time to waste.

We believe that when it comes to waste management a step-wise, data-driven approach is the way to go, contact us to find out more.