Better Waste Management Can Save Lives, WHO Warns
Waste is too often discussed as an environmental issue alone. A new report from the World Health Organisation (WHO) makes it clear that this view is dangerously incomplete. According to the WHO, poorly managed solid waste is now a direct and growing threat to public health – one that is already costing lives and will continue to do so without urgent action.
Global volumes of municipal solid waste are rising faster than many countries’ ability to manage them safely. In large parts of the world, waste systems remain underfunded, fragmented or outdated, leaving communities exposed to avoidable health risks. The message from the WHO is unambiguous: waste management must be treated as a health priority, not an afterthought.
How Mismanaged Waste Damages Human Health
Municipal solid waste, generated by households, businesses and institutions – is the most widespread form of waste worldwide. As populations grow, cities expand and consumption patterns change, waste volumes continue to rise, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
The WHO report highlights a persistent and dangerous reality: a significant share of waste is either not collected at all or is handled in uncontrolled ways, including open dumping and open burning. These practices have severe consequences.
Uncollected or poorly handled waste can:
- pollute air, water and soil
- contaminate food chains
- release hazardous chemicals and toxins
Open burning is especially harmful, producing fine particulate matter, dioxins and heavy metals that are linked to respiratory disease, cardiovascular illness and cancer. Poorly managed landfill sites and dumps can leak pollutants into groundwater and attract insects and rodents that spread disease.
The health burden does not fall evenly. According to the WHO, the most affected groups include communities with limited access to waste services, people living near dumpsites and landfills, waste workers, children and pregnant women.
Waste Is Not the Problem – How We Manage It Is
Despite the stark findings, the WHO is clear that waste itself does not have to be a permanent liability. When managed properly, waste can support recycling systems, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, generate energy and create skilled, green jobs.
The report argues that the real issue lies in governance, planning and investment. Weak regulation, poor enforcement and a lack of coordinated strategy allow harmful practices to persist.
As Ruediger Krech, Director at the WHO, noted, continuing to treat waste as an afterthought locks societies into preventable disease, environmental damage and social inequality. Putting health and equity at the centre of waste policy is no longer optional – it is essential.
A Multisectoral Response Is Required
The WHO calls for a coordinated response that cuts across government departments, industries and public services. No single sector can address the problem alone.
Key priorities outlined in the report include:
- reducing waste generation at source
- expanding reliable, affordable waste collection, especially in underserved areas
- raising standards at recovery and disposal facilities
- eliminating open dumping and open burning, including for hazardous waste
These actions align closely with the waste hierarchy and reflect the need for long-term, system-wide change rather than short-term fixes.
Healthcare Waste: A Critical Pressure Point
The report places particular emphasis on healthcare and medical waste, which poses unique risks when mismanaged. Research cited by the WHO shows that Europe’s healthcare sector alone generates around one million tonnes of single-use plastic each year, at a cost of €23 billion.
Healthcare waste demands high standards of handling, treatment and worker protection. Poor practices increase the risk of infection, chemical exposure and environmental contamination.
The WHO urges health authorities to strengthen occupational health programmes for waste workers, close unsafe dumps and burn sites, and work closely with municipalities to move towards safe, regulated waste services. Improved monitoring and research are also needed to better understand long-term health impacts.
Why This Matters for Businesses in the UK
While the WHO report focuses on global trends, its implications are highly relevant to UK businesses. Waste management is not only a compliance issue – it is increasingly tied to public health outcomes, environmental responsibility and corporate accountability.
Businesses that rely on robust, compliant waste systems help reduce health risks for workers, customers and surrounding communities. As regulatory scrutiny increases, organisations must be able to demonstrate that their waste is collected, handled and processed safely and lawfully.
The Role of Affordable Waste Management
At Affordable Waste Management, we support businesses across the UK with licensed, compliant waste collection and disposal services designed to meet both regulatory and operational demands.
By working with authorised carriers, maintaining accurate documentation and ensuring waste is managed through approved routes, we help organisations reduce risk, protect people and operate responsibly.
Whether you are setting up waste management for the first time or reviewing an existing arrangement, our team can support you with a compliant, reliable solution.
Get in touch with Affordable Waste Management today for a clear, reliable waste solution that puts safety, compliance and responsibility first.