Open waste burning prevention

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:

• Supporting the creation of integrated solid waste management systems that improve waste collection and reduce the occurrence of trash in streets or informal dumpsites susceptible to open burning. Integrated solid waste management systems often also include waste separation endeavours that bring informal waste pickers into the formal sector.
• Supporting improved landfill management, which can reduce the occurrence of spontaneous fires.
• Carrying out outreach efforts at the community level, to encourage waste prevention and to educate the public on the hazards of open waste burning. 

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