Chapter 1 - Preamble

Section 1 - Social & Economic Dimensions

Section 2 - Conservation and Management of Resources
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22

Section 3 - Strengthening the Role of Major Groups

Section 4 - Means of Implementation

Complete text of Agenda 21: Chapter 21
Chapter 21: Managing Solid Wastes and Sewage

Rapidly growing quantities of garbage and sewage from our cities pose threats to human health and the environment. Each year as many as 5.2 million people, including 4 million children, die from diseases caused by the improper disposal of sewage and solid waste. Urban wastes pollute the air, land and water over a wide area.

In developing countries, less than 10 per cent of urban wastes are treated, and only a small proportion of that treatment meets acceptable standards. By the end of the century, over 2 billion people will lack basic sanitation, and about half the urban population in developing countries will not have adequate waste disposal.

Unsustainable consumption, particularly in industrialized nations, is increasing the amount and variety of wastes, and quantities could increase four to fivefold by the year 2025. By the end of the decade, waste disposal costs could double or triple, particularly in industrialized countries, as disposal sites fill up and stricter environmental controls are imposed. Waste-management charges should ensure that those who generate wastes pay the full cost of environmentally safe disposal. This will make waste-recycling and resource-recovery more cost-effective.

The best way to cope with waste problems is through a waste prevention approach focused on changes in lifestyles and in production and consumption patterns. National plans are needed to minimize the creation of waste, and to ensure that wastes are reused, recycled and safely collected and treated. Waste-control programmes should be developed in cooperation with local governments, businesses, non-governmental organizations and consumer groups.

Industrialized countries should have programmes to stabilize or reduce waste production by the year 2000. Developing countries should work towards that goal in ways that do not jeopardize their development prospects.

Governments need to provide incentives to recycling, and to fund pilot programmes, such as small-scale and cottage-based recycling industries, compost production, irrigation using treated wastewater and the recovery energy from wastes. Governments should establish guidelines for the safe re-use of waste and encourage markets for recycled and re-used products.

Public education, regulations and financial incentives are needed to encourage industry to redesign products and reduce wastes, and to encourage industries and consumers to switch to materials that can be safely reused.

Next Chapter