Relevance for Development and Poverty Reduction
Waste - Breeding Ground for Diseases
Model landfill in Denizli, Turkey. Source: KfW
Waste that is not disposed properly derogates urban hygiene and poses health risks. It provides a breeding ground for carriers of diseases such as malaria or dengue fever. Moreover, it is a source of food for rats and vermin, and thus creates ideal conditions for the spread of pathogens. This affects poorer sections of the population in developing countries in particular.
Uncontrolled waste dumps pose a threat to water, air, soil, nature, flora and fauna. Drinking water resources, rivers, lakes, coastlines and seas are being contaminated by leachate. The air is being polluted by gas from landfills, fires and strong odours. In addition, land is being taken up by uncontrolled dump sites, and urban and rural landscapes are being despoiled by uncontrolled waste dumping sites. Protection of health and the environment is impossible without controlled waste management.
Waste Management as Climate Protection
Uncontrolled dump sites not only pollute ground water. They are also very harmful to the climate in particular because of methane gas that is produced by the decomposition of waste materials in rubbish dumps and landfill sites. Methane has a 21 times greater effect on climate than carbon dioxide (CO2). A one ton reduction in methane emissions is equivalent to a 21 tons reduction in CO2.
Developing countries can make an effective contribution to climate protection. Amongst other it is achieved by using recycling measures to conserve raw materials and save energy, waste treatment to prevent methanogenic condition in landfill sites, and the harnessing of landfill gases. In Germany, putting an end to the dumping of untreated waste and the harnessing of landfill gas alone has led to a reduction of all climate-relevant emissions by more than ten per cent. If the effects achieved by recycling are factored in as well, the German Federal Environmental Agency has calculated that the figure is actually above 20 per cent.
Building Block for Economic Growth
The national economies in many developing countries, especially the emerging and transition countries, are by now in a stage in which the inadequate and increasingly expensive supply of raw materials and energy on the one hand, and the contamination of soil, air and water resources on the other, hinder sustainable economic growth. Both aspects are closely linked via waste management: The consumption of fossil fuels and raw materials is increasing worldwide, which leads to a steady rise in the volume of waste.
Lack of efficiency in the use of resources and energy increases production costs, causing businesses to lose their competitiveness. For many companies in developing countries the only options are either to dispose their waste illegally or to store it temporarily on company premises. Both options are particularly problematic in the case of toxic waste: Employees and business premises are being gradually contaminated; companies face a potential loss of image and the loss of lucrative markets if they are unable to meet their customers’ expectations of compliance regarding product and environmental standards. Uncontrolled waste dumps and dirty towns discourage tourists and potential investors. "Clean" regions with controlled waste management systems have distinct locational advantages. Sustainable economic development requires an effective, environment friendly waste management which preserves natural resources.
Building Block for Controlled Urban Development
Urban infrastructure systems such as water supply and sewage systems, environmental protection facilities such as sewage treatment plants and waste gas filters at power stations and industrial furnaces, as well as agricultural irrigation systems, cannot function properly without a controlled system of waste disposal: Drinking water resources are being contaminated by uncontrolled waste dumping sites, and the efficiency of drinking water extraction and treatment plants are affected. Waste in canals and channels causes flooding, creates a breeding ground for carriers of disease and causes unpleasant odours in built-up areas.
Irrigation canals are blocked by waste, irrigation water is contaminated. Slag and exhaust air cleaning residues from power stations and industrial furnaces, or from water processing and wastewater treatment, need to be disposed of properly. This is also important for all other sorts of waste including waste from markets, parks, schools, hospitals, construction sites, road cleaning, abattoirs and other facilities. Controlled urban development and a functioning infrastructure cannot be achieved without a reliable waste management system.
Further Information
Last updated: July 2011
