In communities with inadequate waste management systems, waste might be deliberately burned to free up space at dumpsites, to facilitate scavenging of non-combustible materials (such as metals) for profit, or for use as a heat source. In uncontrolled landfills and dump sites, waste may also spontaneously combust as the result of a combination of factors, including the emissions of flammable methane gas from biodegrading waste.
Waste burning is a significant source of dangerous carcinogens like dioxins and furans, and black carbon, a short-lived climate pollutant that contributes to climate change, increased melting in polar regions due to the deposition of soot and black carbon on snow and ice, and numerous human health issues.
Open waste burning is a widespread practice spurred, in part, by a lack of systematic waste collection. Its diffuse nature – occurring at major landfills, small or remote dumpsites, and individual households – makes it a complex problem to address.
Even those aware of the consequences may continue to burn waste out of habit or because other disposal options are not readily available. Still, raising awareness about the significant health impacts of waste burning is key to stopping it, as is capacity building for local waste managers to collect waste and prevent build-ups of landfill gas that ignite spontaneously.
The Waste Initiative supports the adoption of policies and measures that will help national and local governments reduce black carbon emissions from open waste burning, reduce associated pollution that threatens local communities, and work towards universal collection through cooperation and planning with sub-national governments.
The Waste Initiative provides partners with tools and technical resources that will help them reduce the occurrence of open waste burning by:
The CCAC MSW Knowledge Platform is a tool that has been established to promote, share and exchange information and provide outreach resources to support cities and governments to reduce short-...
This book is intended to assist those who influence public and private sector investments in solid waste collection systems in developing countries. It seeks to address decision-...
