Advancing Climate Change Mitigation Goals Through Improved Solid Waste Management

The increasing manufacture, distribution, use—and often improper disposal—of plastic products is simultaneously driving ocean plastic pollution and intensifying the climate crisis. The entire life cycle of plastic contributes to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The world’s reliance on plastic is fueling climate change impacts and threatening the health and well-being of communities throughout the world.

Improved waste management and recycling systems have the potential to prevent ocean plastic pollution but also significantly reduce GHG emissions and mitigate climate change. USAID Clean Cities, Blue Ocean—the Agency’s global flagship program under the Save our Seas Initiative—is piloting new approaches to strengthen local solid waste management systems that also help cities reduce their waste-related GHG emissions. The program is documenting how specific, relatively low-cost improvements like remediating open dumpsites, building system efficiencies across the solid waste management system, and increasing plastic waste recovery rates can support countries’ ability to meet their climate targets and be more resilient to climate change.