The Abaris Waste Management Special Report delves into the transformative role waste management can play within a circular economy, shedding light on both the global challenges and the untapped opportunities in this critical sector.

Key Highlights

Global Waste and Resource Use

Every year, over 100 billion tons of resources are fed into the global economy, yet a mere 8.6% is recycled or reused. This stark statistic underscores a significant inefficiency and a colossal loss of potential resources. Since 1970, resource use has tripled, and if current trends continue, global waste production could surge by 70% by 2050. Such an increase would have dire consequences for human health, ecosystems, biodiversity, and economic stability.

Impact of Waste Pollution

The repercussions of waste pollution are far-reaching, with profound social, economic, and environmental risks. Pollution-related issues contribute to over 9 million deaths annually and are responsible for more than 1.5 billion tonnes of CO2 emissions—a figure that could rise to 2.6 billion tonnes by 2050. Poor waste management not only leads to health hazards but also results in economic losses, diminished property values, and heightened costs related to waste management and regulatory compliance.

Disparity in Global Recycling Rates

Recycling rates vary dramatically across countries, with some recycling less than 10% of their waste. This disparity highlights the need for targeted waste management strategies that can reduce dependence on imported raw materials while bolstering local economies. Interestingly, having strong policy frameworks doesn’t always translate into higher recycling rates, pointing to gaps in implementation and capacity.

The comparison of national waste vs recycling rates substantiates the space for upgrade and investment potential in waste management

The chart ranks countries that have a waste recycling rate below 5% by their waste per capita rates. For Mexico, Brazil, Costa Rica, Peru or Côte d’Ivoire, recycling rates are low considering the amount of waste produced per capita.

Opportunities in the Circular Economy

Adopting circular economy principles presents a $4.5 trillion opportunity by cutting waste, spurring innovation, and creating new markets and jobs, especially in developing regions. Circular economy strategies prioritize reusing, repairing, remanufacturing, and recycling, thereby extending the life of materials and products.