Introduction

Background

Effective solid waste management is essential for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. Robust waste management programs enable countries to minimize environmental harm, enhance sustainability, and stimulate economic growth. However, many governments face challenges such as inadequate waste management data and barriers related to technical expertise, financial resources, and capacity, which can impede the implementation of effective systems. The Waste Management Policy Support System aids countries in collecting comprehensive waste management data, identifying strengths and areas for improvement, and addressing these challenges. By doing so, it empowers nations to implement effective policies at both national and sub-national levels, fostering progress toward resource circularity.

Solid waste management impacts all 17 Sustainable Development Goals and is directly related to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and 14 (Life below water). The indicators below represent those that are crucial for monitoring progress towards these Sustainable Development Goals.  

  • 11.6.1 - Proportion of municipal solid waste collected and managed in controlled facilities out of total municipal waste generated, by cities
  • 12.3.1 - (a) food loss index and (b) food waste index
  • 12.4.1 - Number of parties to international multilateral environmental agreements on hazardous waste, and other chemicals that meet their commitments and obligations in transmitting information as required by each relevant agreement
  • 12.4.2 - (a) Hazardous waste generated per capita; and (b) proportion of hazardous waste treated, by type of treatment
  • 12.5.1 - national recycling rate, tons of material recycled 
  • 14.1.1 - (a) Index of coastal eutrophication; and (b) plastic debris density

Objective

The Waste Management and Circular Economy Policy Support System aims to provide governments with a benchmark for assessing their waste management practices. Countries will submit data on their national waste management efforts, which will be thoroughly analyzed.  You will then receive a detailed report and visuals, along with practical recommendations for improving waste management strategies. This information can be updated annually, enabling you to monitor progress over time.
The data provided in the questionnaire is confidential, and only you can access the report. You can choose to share the report and reported data at any point in time for cross-comparison with other countries.

Instructions

The questionnaire follows the waste management lifecycle, focusing on generation, source segregation, collection/transport, sorting, and treatment/disposal. It has been divided into 6 components:

  • Capacity  
  • Public Governance
  • Engagement
  • Finance 
  • Monitoring
  • Status

Data should be input at a national level unless otherwise specified. You may stop and save your progress at any point in time. A glossary of harmonized terms has also been provided to ensure consistency in data collection.

Note: It is important to enter information as accurately as possible. The objective of this questionnaire is not to attain a perfect score. The purpose of the Waste Management Policy Support System is to help you identify your strengths and areas of opportunity as it relates to waste management, thereby guiding you in formulating more effective and evidence-based waste management policies and advancing toward resource circularity.

Description of Components

Capacity: This component is divided into two key sections: human resources and technology/infrastructure.

  • Human Resources: Focuses on the quality and quantity of your waste management workforce, both formal and informal.
  • Technology and Infrastructure: Assesses your country's capability to effectively manage, treat, and dispose of waste. This includes evaluating both low-tech and high-tech solutions.

Public Governance: This component is structured into three sections: national plan and institutional framework, legal and regulatory framework, and policy actions.

  • National Plan and Institutional Framework: Covers national planning instruments, priorities, and goals related to waste management.
  • Legal and Regulatory Framework: Addresses the existing laws and regulations governing waste management.

Engagement: This component is divided into two sections: stakeholder consultation and public awareness. 

  • Stakeholder Consultation: Assesses the inclusion of all relevant stakeholders in the waste management decision-making process.
  • Public Awareness: Evaluates the effectiveness of programs designed to educate the public on solid waste management practices.

Finance: This component is segmented into three sections: budget, financing mechanisms, and financial incentives.

  • Budget: Analyzes how waste management is prioritized and funded within the national budget.
  • Financing Mechanisms: Examines the methods through which the waste management system is financed.
  • Financial Incentives: Identifies the incentives in place to reduce waste and enhance recyclability.

Monitoring: This component is divided into three sections: data management, compliance, and evaluation.

  • Data Management: Looks at how waste management data is collected, stored, and reported.
  • Compliance: Reviews the enforcement of waste management policies, including inspections and public oversight initiatives.
  • Evaluation: Assesses how the effectiveness of the waste management system is measured, including performance indicators.

Status: This component provides an overview of general metrics related to the waste produced and collected within your country.

Contact Us: If you have any questions, contact the designated UN representative (UNOSD and GGKP)