Better Livelihoods for Informal Waste Workers through EPR in Thailand
Building on the project’s activities to support informal waste pickers (known colloquially as saleng in Thai) in Surat Thani, training sessions on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and human rights were conducted in March 2026 with the participation of representatives from Trang and Koh Tao municipalities, EPR experts, businesses, WWF, and over 80 informal waste pickers. This multi-stakeholder meeting focused on bridging the gap between high-level policy and the essential […]
District-Wide Return-and-Reuse System: Eco Dabao
The high frequency of takeaway consumption in Singapore’s central business district (CBD) facilitates a substantial stream of single-use waste. With approximately 265,000 tonnes of disposables generated nationwide each year, this trend exacerbates pressure on landfill infrastructure and necessitates more sustainable waste management solutions. To address this and promote behavioural change among people working in the CBD, Eco Dabao – colloquial for eco takeaway – […]
WWF-Indonesia Kicks Off Strategic Waste Initiative in Yogyakarta
In February 2026, WWF-Indonesia kicked off a “Zero-waste Campus” programme in Yogyakarta to support local universities in curbing plastic pollution. The Piyungan Crisis: Overloaded Landfill Calls for Better Waste Management The Piyungan landfill, which served Yogyakarta city, Sleman and Bantul Regency, closed in May 2024 due to severe overloading after operating for 29 years. However, Yogyakarta and its surrounding areas were not prepared to manage the volume of waste generated without a landfill. This was evidenced by the fact that the landfill had to be temporarily […]
WWF Vision Statement: Responsible Use of Alternative Materials to Address Plastic Pollution
Plastic pollution is an urgent environmental crisis that demands a significant reduction in plastic production and a shift away from fossil-based feedstocks. While many look to materials like paper, metal, or glass as a primary solution, substitution must be applied thoughtfully as part of a broader suite of interventions. To ensure positive outcomes for both […]
World Bank Group | What a Waste 2.0: A Global Snapshot of Solid Waste Management to 2050
In an era of rapid urbanisation, data is the most powerful tool for cities aiming to become plastic-smart. What a Waste 2.0: A Global Snapshot of Solid Waste Management to 2050 provides the essential metrics required to navigate this transition. Covering waste generation trends across 217 countries and territories, this World Bank report serves as […]
World Bank Group | What a Waste : A Global Review of Solid Waste Management
Before a city can implement a circular economy, it must first understand the scale of its waste. This foundational World Bank review, What a Waste: A Global Review of Solid Waste Management, provides the essential baseline for global waste data. As urbanisation and wealth increase across rapidly growing regions like the Philippines, India, and Indonesia, […]
World Bank Group | What a Waste 3.0: Global Snapshot of Solid Waste Management Toward Circularity until 2050
As the global plastic crisis intensifies, understanding the trajectory of waste generation is essential for building resilient, plastic-smart urban centres. The World Bank’s latest publication, What a Waste 3.0: Global Snapshot of Solid Waste Management Toward Circularity until 2050, provides a critical data-driven roadmap. This report offers a comprehensive look at current waste management practices […]
ERIA, IGES, Rare | Breaking the Plastic Habit in ASEAN: Behaviour-Centred Interventions for Lasting Plastic Reduction
The plastic pollution crisis in Southeast Asia is reaching a critical tipping point, with plastic waste projected to nearly quadruple in some countries by 2050. While traditional policies and single-use plastic bans are an important start, the report Breaking the Plastic Habit in ASEAN reveals that behavioural insights are the essential missing piece to bridge […]
C40 | Toolkit for cities: Practical actions to integrate informal waste workers into municipal solid waste management systems
As cities worldwide strive to meet ambitious zero-waste targets, the contribution of informal waste workers (IWWs) has become a cornerstone of sustainable urban management. This toolkit provides municipal authorities with a practical, step-by-step roadmap to recognise, protect, and integrate these essential workers into formal solid waste management systems. By prioritising social dialogue and inclusive policy-making, […]
UNDP, Viet Nam NPAP | Research on the integration of independent waste workers in solid waste management in Viet Nam
How can Vietnam achieve its ambitious target of increasing plastic recycling from 11% to 38% by 2030? The answer lies in the strategic integration of Independent Waste Workers (IDWWs). This 2025 study by UNDP Viet Nam provides a comprehensive roadmap for transitioning the informal waste sector into a formalised, rights-based system. By addressing institutional barriers […]