Waste, an inevitable outcome of human activities, poses significant environmental and health consequences across various categories, including municipal solid waste, hazardous waste, industrial waste, and more. The quantity and nature of waste generated are influenced by factors like economic growth, population size, and consumption habits. Developed countries, such as the U.S., typically produce more waste per capita. 

The generation of waste signifies inefficient use of resources, making waste reduction crucial for achieving sustainability and a circular economy. Strategies to achieve this include preventing waste, reusing and repairing products, recycling, composting, and recovering energy from waste. These approaches not only minimize environmental impacts but also conserve resources, save energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and stimulate job creation. 

Despite efforts to reduce waste, not all can be avoided or recovered, necessitating proper waste disposal methods. Common disposal methods, like landfills, incinerators, and open dumps, come with significant environmental and health risks such as groundwater contamination, air pollution, and disease transmission.

Waste management emerges as a complex and dynamic challenge requiring integrated and holistic solutions. Involving multiple stakeholders, including governments, businesses, civil society, and consumers.  Addressing technical, social, economic, and environmental facets, waste management becomes an opportunity to build a more sustainable and resilient society.  

Join Host Bernice Butler as she talks with Liz Goodwin with the World Resources Institute and Claudia Fabiano with the EPA to explore and unpack  the health and environmental impacts of our waste generation and management of it.