Waste is Energy
People in low-income countries, including those in Asia, have been conditioned to accept the presence of waste dumped in their surroundings, whether it’s on open land or in the streets. As long as it is not literally in one’s own backyard, waste dumps are tolerated. Many people, decision makers included, are not aware of the harmful impacts to human health, to groundwater resources and to the environment in general. Moreover, few realise that waste is energy – a product that can generate electricity and income.
The World Bank estimates that about 2.01 billion tonnes of solid waste is being generated worldwide annually, with at least one-third of that not managed in an environmentally safe manner.
