Traditionally, waste has been an overlooked sector in climate discussions. But COP28 highlighted the link between waste management, resource optimisation, and global warming. The summit witnessed the launch of various initiatives such as Waste to Zero initiative, Waste MAP and Voluntary Recycling Credits system. Through the first-ever Waste and Resources Pavilion, which was hosted by International Solid Waste Association (ISWA), in partnership with prominent entities such as the Global Methane Hub, Tadweer and Roland Berger, COP28 provided a platform for conversations on circular economy, decarbonised waste management and environmental preservation in line with the Paris Agreement. 

Amidst hosting an array of panel discussions on waste and climate mitigation, Carlos Silva Filho, President of ISWA, caught up with us for a short interview. 

What is the role of the waste management sector in climate mitigation? 

The recent IPCC report mentions the waste sector contributing only 5 per cent to greenhouse gas emissions. It accounts only for direct emissions from regular waste management. However, if we consider emissions from open dumps and burning and transformation, the impact could be higher. By moving waste management upstream, focusing on reduction, reuse, recycling, and proper treatment, the waste sector has the potential to mitigate up to 20 per cent of total emissions, making it a crucial factor in climate mitigation.

You mentioned the significance of reducing methane emissions. Could you explain how methane reduction plays a role in waste management? 

Most emissions from waste operations are methane, a potent short-lived climate pollutant. With a higher global warming potential than CO2, it is urgent to reduce methane emissions. Waste operations provide a cost-effective and timely means to achieve this reduction, emphasising the importance of sound waste management practices.

What is your opinion on waste-to-energy solutions in the context of climate mitigation?

Waste-to-energy solutions, including landfills and waste-to-energy plants, play a role as final sinks in waste management systems. While they can generate energy from remaining waste, these solutions should not be the priority. Instead, they should follow the waste hierarchy, focusing on reuse, recycling, and valorisation. The emphasis should be on maximising these upstream activities before turning to waste-to-energy as a solution.

How crucial is the adoption of a circular economy approach in waste management, and what challenges does it address?

The circular economy is vital in transforming waste management into a comprehensive system. It goes beyond traditional waste management and involves a shift from destruction to design and manufacturing. By implementing a circular economy, we can reduce natural resource depletion, pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions, presenting a holistic solution to environmental challenges.

What challenges does the waste management industry face in terms of financing and avoiding landfill reliance?

Financing is a crucial aspect, and the economics of waste management is still a pending challenge. Traditional approaches like waste taxes are not always viable. To address this, a blend of finance and new approaches is needed. The triple M Initiative is one such measure aiming to bring resources to the waste management agenda. Triple M Initiative is the Methane Mitigation Mechanism, aiming to develop a new environmental and climate attribute to methane mitigation, in order to catalyse efforts and resources to accelerate methane mitigation and thus contribute to reducing emissions from this short lived climate force in the waste sector.