History of Waste management in Timeline

Waste management encompasses the entire process of handling waste, from its creation to final disposal. Key elements include collection, transportation, treatment, and safe disposal methods. Effective waste management also necessitates rigorous monitoring, adherence to waste-related laws, leveraging appropriate technologies, and implementing sound economic strategies. The ultimate goal is to minimize environmental impact and protect public health.

1938: Introduction of the Garwood Load Packer

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

2009: San Francisco's Waste Management Policy Changes

In 2009, San Francisco started making changes to its waste management policies with the expectation to be zero waste by 2030.

2009: Start of MSW Generation Monitoring Period

The monitoring period for municipal solid waste generation in eastern coastal regions of China began in 2009.

2013: Decline in Shanghai's MSW After 2013

After 2013, Shanghai special zone had a decline of −11% in municipal solid waste generation.

2014: Hungary's First Waste Prevention Program

In 2014, Hungary established its first waste prevention program, the 2014-2020 national waste management plan.

July 2017: China's Import Ban on Recyclables

In July 2017, the Chinese government announced an import ban on 24 categories of recyclables and solid waste, including plastic, textiles, and mixed paper, impacting developed countries globally.

2017: Global E-waste Monitor 2017

According to the Global E-waste Monitor, in 2017, India generated approximately 2 million tonnes of e-waste annually, ranking fifth among e-waste producing countries.

2018: Reference Point for Waste Management Costs

The "Global Waste Management Outlook 2024" provided a comprehensive update on the trajectory of global waste generation and the escalating costs of waste management since 2018.

2018: End of MSW Generation Monitoring Period

The monitoring period for municipal solid waste generation in eastern coastal regions of China ended in 2018.

2019: Global E-waste Generation in 2019

In 2019, a record 53.6 million metric tonnes (Mt) of electronic waste was generated worldwide, according to the UN's Global E-waste Monitor 2020.

2019: Transboundary E-waste Flows in 2019

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

2020: End of Hungary's First Waste Prevention Program

In 2020, Hungary's first waste prevention program, which started in 2014, ended.

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

In 2020, San Francisco implemented its Mandatory Recycling and Composting Ordinance to support its "Zero waste by 2020" goal, requiring all city residents and businesses to keep recyclables and compostables out of landfills.

2020: Direct Global Cost of Waste Management in 2020

The "Global Waste Management Outlook 2024" stated the direct global cost of waste management was around USD 252 billion in 2020.

2020: Release of the Global E-waste Monitor 2020

The UN's Global E-waste Monitor 2020, released in 2020, highlighted the significant increase in e-waste generation worldwide.

2021: Hungary's Current Waste Prevention Program

In 2021, Hungary's current waste prevention program (2021-2027) was established and financed by European Union and international grants, domestic co-financing, product charges, and landfill taxes.

2023: Municipal Solid Waste Generation in 2023

The "Global Waste Management Outlook 2024" reported municipal solid waste to be 2.3 billion tonnes in 2023.

2024: Publication of the "Global Waste Management Outlook 2024"

In 2024, the "Global Waste Management Outlook 2024" was published, providing an update on global waste generation trends and waste management costs.

2027: End of Hungary's Current Waste Prevention Program

Hungary's current waste prevention program is scheduled to end in 2027.

2030: San Francisco's Zero Waste Goal

San Francisco aims to achieve zero waste by 2030. Policies implemented to reach this goal included making recycling and composting mandatory, banning Styrofoam and plastic bags, and implementing charges for paper bags.