Ending the open burning of waste: a pathway to sustainable waste management

We must tackle root causes, not simply address symptoms 

The Poll shows the complex interplay of societal, environmental, financial, and infrastructural factors underpinning the open burning of waste. For instance, in many sub-Saharan and Southeast Asian countries high rates of open burning stem from a combination of insufficient waste collection infrastructure and service, lack of public awareness of the dangers, and entrenched cultural practices. In urban and small island contexts, financial constraints, difficulty in finding available land for solid waste infrastructures, and inadequate waste disposal site management also contribute significantly to the problem. Ending open burning of waste can only happen when its complex nature is acknowledged, and all contributing factors are adequately addressed. 

Open burning takes place in many different locations and for various reasons, from households, to roadsides, to landfill burning. This makes it difficult to intervene. The Poll distinguishes between locations, allowing us to see the separate contexts. They each have distinct challenges, from insufficient waste collection services and poor public awareness to financial limitations and limited management capacity as well as limited levels of control at disposal sites. Understanding the unique dynamics of the location at which open burning happens is crucial to developing targeted interventions that address specific barriers to change. We must think locally to effectively act regionally. 

The consortium emphasises that solutions to open burning must be inclusive, locally appropriate, and consider all parts of the system. This means ensuring that those most affected by these practices have a prominent voice in decision-making and that local leadership is championed. The Poll's findings reinforce the need for cross-sector collaboration – one that includes the private sector, community members, policymakers, and international partners working together to co-create sustainable solutions.

Using World Risk Poll data to inform our roadmaps 

To develop effective regional roadmaps to end open burning, the Poll highlights a need for a systems approach that combines improvements in waste management infrastructure with private sector buy-in and action, community engagement and policy reform. For example, low waste collection rates are often linked to a higher incidence of open burning of waste. Thus, enhancing waste collection services should be a priority for regions where residents currently have no viable alternatives to open burning. Systemic changes need to be made for behaviour change to follow and to ensure that people and communities are always at the centre. 

Investments in locally appropriate integrated waste management systems, including waste separation, recycling, engineered landfills and so on are crucial. Moreover, the Poll highlights the importance of involving informal waste workers, who play a significant role in waste management in lower-income countries. Integrating these workers into formal systems will ensure that they contribute to and benefit from improved and safer practices.  

There is also a need for stronger enforcement of existing laws against open burning. However, this can only be effective if there are viable alternatives in place to mitigate the practice of open burning of waste. This requires not only legislative action but also enhanced coordination between national and local authorities. By aligning regulations on open burning with broader waste management policies, air quality management, climate action, and economic strategies, we can create holistic solutions that address the problem from multiple angles. 

Holistic solutions give reason to be optimistic. Up to 80% of the municipal solid waste generated in African cities is recyclable and could be worth US$8 billion per year if kept in a circular economy.1 By addressing systemic issues and promoting waste to resource conversion, we can improve health outcomes for populations most affected by open burning, while supporting the creation of decent jobs and livelihoods.  

Looking forward: promoting local leadership and building capacity 

A key takeaway from the World Risk Poll is that banning open burning in isolation is often ineffective. Instead, local solutions need to be championed and tailored to specific contexts. This means building local capacity, developing new skills, and creating pathways for sustainable waste management practices. Engineering X supports such efforts by connecting engineers with decision-makers, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations, and promoting community-led initiatives that prioritise safety, sustainability, and circularity. 

Capacity-building initiatives should also focus on enhancing the skills of local waste management personnel, ensuring they are equipped with the knowledge and tools needed to implement and monitor effective waste management strategies. This includes continuous training, provision of necessary equipment, and fostering strong coordination between different agencies involved in waste management.