Amid a rapidly growing world population, waste management issues are becoming increasingly crucial for the promotion of environmental sustainability, delegates at the conclusion of a two-day United Nations conference on the matter heard today.

At the latest meeting of the Global Partnership on Waste Management (GPWM), hosted by the UN Environmental Programme (UNEP) in Osaka, Japan, waste experts from around the world addressed the ongoing problems surrounding waste management, discussing how to reap greater economic and environmental benefits through better mutual cooperation.

“Basic human needs such as clean water, clean air and safe food are jeopardized by improper waste management practices, with severe consequences for public health,” a UNEP news release warned, adding that improper waste management could lead to the spread of diseases, as well as contaminate the surrounding air, water and land.

The UN agency noted that municipal waste is a growing burden for communities around the globe, citing World Bank statistics estimating waste volumes to grow from 1.3 billion tonnes to 2.2 billion tonnes by 2025.

Moreover, with the global middle class slated to expand from two billion people to 4.9 billion by 2030, and expected to consume more resource-intensive goods, public waste management systems risk struggling with the pace of urban expansion, the agency warned.

UNEP, however, also acknowledged that waste management is one of “the most complex and cost-intensive public services,” tending to absorb large chunks of municipal budgets.

For the complete article, please see UN News Centre.