Solid waste management (SWM) is a global issue that necessitates collective efforts to reduce environmental and social impacts. Inadequately managed waste produced from years of economic development requires immediate attention at all levels of society and in all regions of the world.
Middle-income countries (MICs) are improving waste collection but struggle with service quality and sustainable management. They need an integrated system to handle increasing waste and support municipalities. Despite spending over 10% of their budgets on waste management, local governments face technical, operational, and financial constraints and find it hard to recover costs. The final service delivery can be better, particularly for vulnerable populations in underserved communities. Effective waste management is crucial for economic growth, job creation, and sustainable urban development. Immediate action is needed to tackle the challenges from decades of improperly managed waste.
The World Bank Tokyo Development Learning Center (TDLC) will host a Technical Deep Dive (TDD) on Solid Waste Management (SWM) for Middle-Income Countries (MICs) from May 12–16, 2025, in Sofia, Bulgaria. Delegations from 10 countries, including task team leaders of the World Bank supported SWM projects and government officials, will attend the event. The TDD will involve thematic sessions, interactive discussions, and site visits, using examples from Japan, Bulgaria, and other countries. The sessions will examine waste treatment technology options that offer practical and innovative solutions, private sector engagement models, and policy frameworks that facilitate circular and inclusive waste management systems. Additionally, Kakogawa City, Japan, which is collaborating with neighboring municipalities and private sector partners to regionalize waste management, will present its case.
This will be the second regional TDD on solid waste management, following the first one held in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, in May 2024. The previous TDD addressed challenges for low-income countries. This upcoming TDD targets middle-income countries. Sofia was chosen as the host city due to Bulgaria’s efforts in landfill development and recycling, offering valuable insights for other MICs.