Policy options for solid waste management

Urban waste management is both a practical necessity and a visible reflection of city governance. In low- and middle-income cities, uncollected refuse undermines health, productivity, and public confidence. It clogs drainage, fuels flooding, and contributes to respiratory disease through open burning. Solid waste management in developing cities already consumes one-fifth of municipal budgets on average, yet service delivery remains uneven and financially precarious. This toolkit synthesises global evidence and experience to guide policymakers in designing credible, affordable, and politically viable reforms.