As industries strive to keep pace with the demands of a rapidly evolving landscape, sustainability and waste reduction have emerged as challenging and critical priorities for most companies across the globe. Among the strategies gaining momentum is Waste Stream Mapping (WSM), a holistic approach that examines and enhances waste management practices. For businesses across diverse sectors aiming to establish Zero Waste Programs, WSM is increasingly recognized as a pivotal tool for achieving success. This blog explores the concept of WSM, its benefits, and the implementation of successful Zero Waste Programs in various sectors.
Global Data
According to the World Bank’s “What a Waste 2.0: A Global Snapshot of Solid Waste Management to 2050” report, the world generates 0.74 kilograms of waste per capita per day, yet national waste generation rates fluctuate widely from 0.11 to 4.54 kilograms per capita per day. Waste generation volumes are generally correlated with income levels and urbanization rates. An estimated 2.01 billion tonnes of municipal solid waste were generated in 2016, and this number is expected to grow to 3.40 billion tonnes by 2050 under a business-as-usual scenario. Globally, about 37 percent of waste is disposed of in some type of landfill, 33 percent is openly dumped, 19 percent undergoes materials recovery through recycling and composting, and 11 percent is treated through modern incineration.