The Best Practices for Solid Waste Management: Guide and Companion Chapters
This Guide is a practical, action-oriented resource created to help local and state authorities strengthen solid waste systems. It brings together the best practices, adaptable tools, and real-world case studies to support better planning, operations, financing, and stakeholder engagement.
Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all manual, the Guide provides a flexible framework that can be tailored to your city's unique needs. It highlights key considerations and connects users to technical resources for deeper exploration. The Guide dives into a range of topics, including organic waste management, plastic waste management integration, and marine litter prevention.
While the primary audience includes policymakers, agency staff, and municipal leaders, the Guide is also valuable for NGOs, private sector partners, and community stakeholders working to advance sustainable waste solutions.
Explore the sections, learn from global examples, and use the tools provided to share your next steps toward a cleaner, more resilient waste system.
To help you get started, the Introduction outlines the Guide's structure and key features—including case studies, best practice highlights, and decision-making tools. Whether you're launching a new initiative or refining an existing program, this Guide is here to support informed, locally relevant, and forward-thinking action.
On this page:
Explore by Topic
Explore the Solid Waste Management Guide and Companion Chapters by topic:
Overview of Solid Waste Management
Understand the needs for solid waste management strategies and the potential solid waste management approaches. Open the PDFs below to explore the related topics:
Planning for Effective Waste Systems
Explore key concepts behind the planning and management of a solid waste system, from engaging with partners to waste collection, financing strategies, and more. Open the PDFs below to explore the related topics:
Managing Solid Waste Processes
Learn about the various strategies for managing solid waste systems, including waste prevention, source separation, collection and transportation, recycling and final disposal. Open the PDFs below to explore the related topics:
Handling Different Waste Streams
Understand how to handle unique materials, including policy and programmatic decisions. Open the PDFs below to explore the related topics:
Strategies to Strengthen Waste Management
Discover key strategies to strengthen solid waste systems by managing risks, delivering community benefits, and building stronger recycling markets. Open the PDFs below to explore the related topics:
View by Publication
View our solid waste management resources by publication:
The Best Practices for Solid Waste Management: A Guide for Decision-Makers in Developing Countries
Read about best practices for solid waste management in medium and large urban centers in developing countries. Portions of the Guide might also be applicable to rural towns, villages, or other small jurisdictions.
Arabic (pdf)(335 MB) | Bahasa Indonesia (pdf)(114 MB) | English (pdf)(21 MB) | Español (pdf)(24.2 MB) | Français (pdf)(24.3 MB) | Thai (pdf)(136 MB) | Vietnamese (pdf)(121 MB).
Solid Waste Management and Risk Management Companion Chapter
The solid waste sector is a major source of environmental risks globally. Learn about these risks and gain insight into how communities can manage solid waste to mitigate these risks while enhancing local resilience.
English (pdf)(29 MB) | Español (pdf)(2 MB) | Français (pdf)(2 MB).
Community Benefits and Solid Waste Management Companion Chapter
Improper solid waste management can have widespread negative effects on communities. Learn about resources available to local municipal authorities to improve waste management and enhance overall community well-being.
English (pdf)(30 MB) | Español (pdf)(2 MB) | Français (pdf)(2 MB).
Addressing Plastic Waste Companion Chapter
Plastic waste accounts for approximately 12 percent of the solid waste stream in middle and low-income countries. Read about the challenges, impacts, and best practice of plastic waste management.
English (pdf)(32 MB) | Español (pdf)(4 MB) | Français (pdf)(4 MB).
Recycling Markets Companion Chapter
Gain insights into the benefits, challenges, and best practices for planning and implementing recycling programs for the most common types of recyclable materials and products, such as paper, aluminum, steel, plastics, e-waste, and more.
English (pdf)(30 MB) | Español (pdf)(2 MB) | Français (pdf)(2 MB).