A recent report from the World Health Organization (WHO) warns that the growing crisis of poorly managed solid waste is posing significant risks to public health. The document, titled Throwing Away Our Health: The Impacts of Solid Waste on Human Health, highlights urgent action needed to protect communities and the environment. The report emphasizes that the volume of municipal solid waste worldwide is increasing at an unprecedented rate, yet many countries still struggle with inadequate systems and resources to manage this waste safely.
Dr. Ruediger Krech, Director a.i. of the Department of Environment, Climate Change, One Health & Migration at WHO, stated, “Solid waste reflects how our societies produce and consume, and how we treat people and the environment in the process.” He noted that neglecting waste management contributes to avoidable diseases, climate pollution, and social inequities. The report serves as a clear call to prioritize health and equity in waste management strategies.
The report outlines how solid waste, particularly municipal solid waste, adversely affects health through polluted air, water, soil, and food. When waste is improperly managed—such as through dumping, burning, or lack of treatment—it releases hazardous chemicals, contaminates drinking water sources, and creates breeding grounds for pests. Vulnerable communities, including those near dumpsites and poorly managed landfills, as well as children, pregnant women, and informal waste workers, face the highest health risks.
For those in the water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) sector, the report underscores that effective management of municipal and health care waste is essential for creating safe and climate-resilient systems. A significant portion of municipal solid waste remains uncollected or is disposed of improperly, such as in open dumps and through open burning. These practices not only harm ecosystems but also contribute to climate change and hinder efforts to build healthier urban environments.
In contrast, the report points out that properly managed waste can be transformed into a resource, generating energy and creating green jobs. It calls for a coordinated, multisectoral response that adheres to a waste management hierarchy: preventing waste generation, followed by reducing, reusing, and recycling, and finally ensuring safe recovery and disposal.
Critical actions outlined for governments and partners include reducing waste generation at the source, expanding affordable waste collection services—especially in underserved communities, improving control at waste recovery and disposal facilities, and eliminating practices such as open dumping and burning, particularly of hazardous waste.
The report emphasizes the pivotal role of the health sector in addressing solid waste as a public health threat. The health sector is positioned to prevent and minimize health care waste at the source, improve waste segregation and treatment, invest in cleaner, climate-resilient technologies, and advocate for health-protective policies and standards.
Mr. Bruce Gordon, Head of the Water, Sanitation, Hygiene and Health Unit at WHO, remarked, “This report gives countries and health authorities a very practical agenda.” He encouraged health ministries to take immediate action by ensuring safe management of health-care waste, developing strong occupational health programs for waste workers, and collaborating with municipalities to mitigate health risks associated with solid waste.
By addressing these issues, countries can save lives today and work toward creating cleaner and healthier cities for the future. The WHO’s report serves as an important reminder of the interconnectedness of waste management, public health, and environmental sustainability.
