Solid Waste
January 2024 – Municipal Solid Waste (MSW), commonly known as trash or garbage, is mainly generated from household consumption. MSW sources include homes, businesses, schools, and hospitals. MSW types include paper, plastic, electronic, textile, glass, concrete, and food waste. Improper MSW disposal and incineration is associated with environmental pollution and health risks. In 1992, the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) International Environmental Technology Center (IETC) was established to support the implementation of proper management systems worldwide.
In this slideshow, you will learn about the definition, sources, types, UN policy, and global statistics of municipal solid waste. Discover how it’s generated, its major contributors, and the global outlook for the year 2050.