Waste, unwanted or unusable material, varies in type and quantity in different countries.
Developed countries produce more wasteper capita because they have higher levels ofconsumption. There are higher proportions ofplastics,metals, andpaper in themunicipal solid waste stream and there are higherlabour costs.[1] As countries continue developing, there is a reduction inbiological solid waste andash.[2] Per capita waste generation inOECD countries has increased by 14% since 1990, and 35% since 1980.[3] Waste generation generally grows at a rate slightly lower than GDP in these countries. Developed countries consume more than 60% of the world industrial raw materials and only comprise 22% of the world's population.[4] As a nation, the USA generates more waste than any other nation in the world with 4.5 pounds (2.0 kg) of municipal solid waste (MSW) per person per day, fifty five percent of which is contributed as residential garbage.[5]
Developing nations produce lower levels of waste per capita with a higher proportion of organic material in the municipal solid waste stream. If measured by weight, organic (biodegradable) residue constitutes at least 50% of waste in developing countries.[1] Labour costs are relatively low butwaste management is generally a higher proportion of municipal expenditure. Asurbanization continues,municipal solid waste grows faster than urban populations because of increasing consumption and shorteningproduct life spans.[4]
Waste is shipped between countries for disposal and this can create problems in the target country.
Electronic waste is commonly shipped to developing countries for recycling, reuse or disposal. TheBasel Convention is aMultilateral Environmental Agreement to prevent problematic waste disposal in countries that have weaker environmental protection laws. The Convention has not prevented the formation ofe-waste villages.
