Waste Management as a catalyst to a Circular Economy

The world faces unprecedented challenges in waste management. Currently, only 67% of global solid waste is collected, whereas that 33% is openly dumped. The global growth in population and consumption is yet to be matched by a similar increase in waste management infrastructure. From a resource perspective, more than 91% of what we take from the earth is wasted.

This brochure shares best practices from entrepreneurs and lessons learned from public authorities and institutions active in waste management in the Netherlands that can be applied anywhere in the world. A Circular Economy is not conceivable without a sound waste management system. Waste management is the last step in a circular economy, but at the same time, it is often a precursor to a circular economy in a sense that it is the first point of action driven by acute health, hygiene and city development challenges. A well-implemented waste management system can serve as a catalyst for further circular development. Waste management needs a.o. regulation, financing, enforcement and innovation in order to be successful.

This publication is the result of a collaboration between The Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, Rijkswaterstaat, The Netherlands Enterprise Agency, Holland Circular Hotspot and Milgro.