History of Waste management in Timeline

Waste management encompasses the complete process of handling waste, from its origin to final disposal. Key aspects include waste collection, transportation, treatment, and disposal methods. Effective waste management also requires careful monitoring, regulation, and adherence to relevant laws, incorporating technological advancements and economic strategies to optimize the process. The ultimate goal is to minimize environmental impact and protect public health through responsible and sustainable waste management practices.

1938: Introduction of the Garwood Load Packer

In 1938, the Garwood Load Packer was introduced as the first truck to incorporate a hydraulic compactor for waste management.

2009: Start of MSW Generation Data Collection

Between 2009 and 2018, Fujian province showed a 123% increase in MSW generation. This indicates a significant rise in waste production in that region.

2009: San Francisco's Waste Management Policy Changes

In 2009, San Francisco began making changes to its waste management policies with the goal of achieving zero waste by 2030.

2013: Decline in MSW Generation in Shanghai

After 2013, Shanghai special zone experienced an 11% decline in municipal solid waste (MSW) generation.

2014: Hungary's First Waste Prevention Program

Hungary's first waste prevention program was their 2014-2020 national waste management plan.

July 2017: China's Import Ban on Recyclables and Solid Waste

In July 2017, the Chinese government announced an import ban on 24 categories of recyclables and solid waste, including plastic, textiles, and mixed paper. This significantly impacted developed countries that exported these materials to China.

2017: India Ranks Fifth in E-waste Production

In 2017, according to the Global E-waste Monitor, India generated approximately 2 million tonnes of e-waste annually, ranking fifth among e-waste producing countries, after the United States, the People's Republic of China, Japan, and Germany.

2018: End of MSW Generation Data Collection

Between 2009 and 2018, Fujian province showed a 123% increase in MSW generation while Liaoning province showed only 7% increase, whereas Shanghai special zone had a decline of −11% after 2013. This indicates a significant rise in waste production in that region.

2018: Reference Year for Waste Management Cost Escalation in "Global Waste Management Outlook 2024"

The "Global Waste Management Outlook 2024" uses 2018 as a reference year to assess the escalating costs of waste management.

2019: Record E-waste Generation Worldwide

In 2019, a record 53.6 million metric tonnes (Mt) of electronic waste was generated worldwide, marking a 21 percent increase in just five years, according to the UN's Global E-waste Monitor 2020.

2019: Transboundary E-waste Flows

In 2019, the Transboundary E-waste Flows Monitor quantified that 5.1 Mt (just below 10 percent of the total amount of global e-waste, 53.6 Mt) crossed country borders.

2020: End of Hungary's First Waste Management Plan

In 2020, Hungary's first waste prevention program (2014-2020 national waste management plan) concluded.

2020: San Francisco's "Zero Waste by 2020" Goal

In 2020, San Francisco aimed to achieve "Zero waste by 2020" by implementing the Mandatory Recycling and Composting Ordinance. This required everyone in the city to separate recyclables and compostables from landfill-bound materials, utilizing the "Fantastic 3" bin system.

2020: Global Cost of Waste Management in 2020

In 2020, the direct global cost of waste management was approximately USD 252 billion. This according to the "Global Waste Management Outlook 2024".

2020: Release of the UN's Global E-waste Monitor 2020

The UN's Global E-waste Monitor 2020, released in 2020, reported a record 53.6 million metric tonnes (Mt) of electronic waste generated worldwide in 2019.

2021: Hungary's Current Waste Management Program

In 2021, Hungary's current waste management program (2021-2027) started, financed by various sources including European Union and international grants.

2023: Municipal Solid Waste Generation in 2023

In 2023, municipal solid waste was recorded to be 2.3 billion tonnes. This is according to the "Global Waste Management Outlook 2024".

2024: Publication of "Global Waste Management Outlook 2024"

In 2024, the "Global Waste Management Outlook 2024," supported by UNEP and ISWA, was published, providing an update on global waste generation and the escalating costs of waste management since 2018.

2027: End of Hungary's Current Waste Management Program

Hungary's current waste management program (2021-2027) is scheduled to conclude in 2027.

2030: Projected Global E-waste

By 2030, global e-waste is predicted to reach 74 Mt, almost doubling in just 16 years.

2030: San Francisco's Target for Zero Waste

San Francisco set a goal to achieve zero waste by 2030, initiating policy changes such as mandatory recycling and composting.

2050: Projected Municipal Solid Waste in 2050

By 2050, municipal solid waste is projected to rise to 3.8 billion tonnes if current waste management practices continue. Direct global cost of waste management was around USD 252 billion in 2020, which could soar to USD 640.3 billion annually by 2050 if current practices continue without reform.

2050: E-waste Prediction

E-waste is predicted to double by 2050.

2050: Projected Increase in Municipal Solid Waste

In 2050, municipal solid waste is expected to reach approximately 3.4 Gt according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Policies and lawmaking could potentially reduce the amount of waste produced globally.